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Post by Pixie on May 8, 2005 12:57:52 GMT
I'll bear that in mind, lol! I'll try not to make it dissertation length (given that my dissertation was 15000 words, I doubt I could do it anyway! ;D)
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Post by nightnurse on May 8, 2005 14:00:00 GMT
Young DG here, typing up the Boss' review Civilized Man 1.Katie - Works brilliantly as a solo piece and also accoustically, despite James' misgivings. The guitars and drums really make this one to bop to. Love it, even though I can't listen to the first line without thinking of Ditto's interpretation, 'I threw a pastry'! (That's what I thought it said...) 2.Bad - Actually prefer this one live as in one man and his guitar. Not keen on the psychadelic organ riff on the CD track. 3.This Town - Adored this the first time I heard it and it's even prettier here. I'm a big fan of harmonies and sadly, James doesn't do many songs with harmony. 4.Smile - Gorgeous. The piano accompaniment is just right, and although it's a beautiful song with just James and his guitar, the lyrics seem to standout more for me with the piano backing. 5.For What I Need - Well... it's just sex standing up, pure and simple! Great Blues/Rock fusion - I even like the harmonica! Not my absolute favourite, but definately in the Top 5. 6.Long Time - One of the 'Old Bitter James' songs, and works well with flute, guitar and drums, not sure about the horns. Don't think they add much. 7.Every Man... - I really like this one, and despite being the only song not written by James, it seems to fit well with his voice and style - a folksy feel and the lyrics are spot on 8.Poor Robyn - Formerly 'Over Now' - lonely, you can feel the pain of a bitter break up in his voice. Very expressive and melodic. 9. No Promises - Great first line - 'Hope I meet you on a good day' - Hooks you in and makes you want to leap up and dance. Well... it does for me, and I love the solo lead guitar riff. 10. Patricia - Hmmmm... still not sure about this one. It has a 60's Beatles vibe in some places, maybe it's too over produced on the CD, but the lyrics don't seem to be up to the standard of others (Finer than Gold which he wrote on tour for his girl is a much better tribute). ~(The real reason she don't like it is 'cos it's about his girlfriend...) 11.Civilized Man - Another bluesy number, and very catchy. Short and sweet with strong Lyrics. James and his guitar - bliss! And Now I bid you farewell, and allow the Boss to return to the computer. Enjoy!!
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Post by PokerKitten on May 8, 2005 14:06:56 GMT
Lol, I take it that was V. Make the boss reward you for your work! Copying this to take to the main site, thanks.
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Post by nightnurse on May 8, 2005 14:24:49 GMT
LOL...yes, that was my darling daughter taking pity on my excruciatingly slow typing ;D She even managed to translate my scribblings, although a couple of words even I couldn't decipher Oh and btw ...thats not the reason I'm iffy about Patricia ..really I threw her a biscuit ...and anyway, she did it for love...and more biscuits ;D V loves the CD too....especially Katie
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Post by Pixie on May 8, 2005 14:39:39 GMT
Here's mine...
Civilized Man Review
General Thoughts I'm starting this review with some general thoughts, an overview of the album as a whole, after which I'll go into a little more depth with each song.
First of all - is this really an album from the same guy who sang at Halloween? Yes; amazingly, it is. I was pleasantly surprised, as I had been rather disappointed by the Halloween concert, which shrieked of nerves and lack of musical confidence. Here, however, we have an album which is well-produced and well-performed. The improvement in the quality of the singing, particularly, is noticeable, the vocal tone being much more even and satisfying, the guitar-playing more crisp, decisive, and accurate.
It is also a varied album. The blues are a notable and welcome addition to the repertoire, and do not seem out of place next to the slower ballads and rock songs which, perhaps, we are more familiar with James Marsters singing. Even the one song not written by Marsters fits in to the album with ease, making for an interesting musical feast, with something for everyone.
At this point, I think it only fair to discuss the individual songs a little, as each one has its own particular merits.
Katie Lively and 'feel-good', this song is guaranteed to get your toes tapping and put a smile on your face. It has charm of an almost innocent brand, and is a good choice as an opening song on an album. Pared down a little from its Ghost of the Robot origins, it feels fresh and new, and has some excellent solo guitar passages.
Bad In contrast to the innocence of "Katie" comes the experience of "Bad". There is a certain humour as the girl "won't get off second base", but a certain amount of pathos as well, a mix inherent in many of Marsters' songs. This is a song that draws you in and involves you - even if you feel a little like a voyeur at the scenes involved. On the one hand, seeing the expressions on the singer's face gives the live song an edge over the CD track; it is, on the other hand, interestingly arranged for the album, and works well here.
This Town A popular song, and rightly so, "This Town" works well as a story of one person trying to make their way in life. Sensitively arranged, the song is certainly one of the most beautiful and haunting on the album. The lyrics are well-written, allowing the listener to conjure up in their minds the inside of the room.
Smile By far the most simply arranged, with just voice and piano accompaniment, "Smile" is, in my opinion, the gem of the album. It provides a wonderful showcase for Marsters' voice, displaying a soft, velvety tone, absent in some of the more rock and blues based songs. This gentle ballad is sure to be a firm favourite with many, as much for its understated simplicity as for the beauty of the melodic line and touching lyrics.
For What I Need This isn't just dirty blues, it's downright filthy, and has proved to be extremely popular with many fans! The seeming unevenness in tone and tuning works well here to create a rough sound that is, somehow, quintessentially blues. This one really gets your hips swaying - once you've got past blushing over the lyrics and swooning over that devilish chuckle, of course! This has really kick-started an interest in the blues for me, an area of music I have never been very familiar with, but for a passing nod when learning music at school.
Long Time Another deceptively simple, bitter-sweet ballad, something Marsters excels at writing, "Long Time" works less well here than it does live, where some of the emotion comes through better, but it is still a valuable and enjoyable addition to the album. I remain unconvinced by the use of brass, which, to me, is unnecessarily fussy - gilding the lily; a simpler arrangement might have worked better here.
Every Man Thinks God Is On His Side The only song not written by Marsters, "Every Man..." fits in surprisingly well with the other songs around it. The lyrics are thought-provoking, and the music supports this without being over-bearing and attention-seeking. Entirely anecdotally, this song reminds me of hearing it at the Carling Academy, Islington, 2005, and the tiny, sideways smile (smirk, almost, perhaps!) at "Do you remember Billy Jack? How about brother Sam?", which I can still see every time I hear that line - I've no doubt that this adds to my enjoyment and liking of the song.
Poor Robyn Smoky guitar accompaniment belies the underlying bitterness of this song. Again, the emotion comes over better in the live version, but this is nonetheless a beautiful song, and, like "Smile", vaunts Marsters' soft-toned ballad singing. It has become a firm favourite of mine.
No Promises Another feel-good song, this is a likable addition to the album, a more hopeful vibe than in some of the other songs, many of which have a bitter edge. Fun and lively, "No Promises" makes you want to get up and dance, and is enhanced by some good guitar-playing. This one finds itself on repeat many times!
Patricia This is another song that works best live, and is probably the weakest song on the album. This is perhaps because of the repetitions of the name "Patricia", perhaps because the second verse comes across in the recorded version as almost list, perhaps because the emotion is less obvious than it would be live. Perhaps it is a mixture of all three. However, be that as it may, the song seems a little unsatisfying when compared to the live version.
Civilized Man Ending the album with the blues is the title track, "Civilized Man" which has a "mean and moody" feel to it. As somebody who doesn't usually listen to the blues, I was surprised at how much I like this song. It (and "The birth of the blues", which unfortunately is not featured here, and "For what I need") may yet convert me. And, of course, as I have this album on repeat, it heralds the return of "Katie", and another half hour or so of musical bliss!
Conclusion All in all, this album is a fine addition to anyone's CD library, and I have played virtually no other music since I've had it. There is a wealth of different musical styles and emotions, something to suit every mood and person. Marsters is only just beginning to reveal the extent of his musical talent, and I, for one, am eager to hear the next offerings. Roll on the next album!
ETA: also posted in my LJ, friends-locked.
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Post by Teebee on May 8, 2005 21:22:16 GMT
Great reviews girls ;D ;D Gotta agree with you re-'Bad' it's deffo got that something extra when he sing's it live
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Post by Pixie on May 8, 2005 22:27:28 GMT
He's such a great performer that, honestly, he can pull off just about any of the songs on stage as well as or better than on the album! Some of them are noticeably better live, though, and some just work brilliantly on the album... I like both!
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Post by DeeDee on May 9, 2005 12:26:45 GMT
Love your reveiws Nn and Pix they were great ;D:-/ I like the CD but as I've said before James singing live takes it to another level ;D "Yeah baby, yeah baby" makes your toes tingle
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Post by Teebee on May 9, 2005 12:35:28 GMT
....lol DeeDee it ain't just my toes that tingle
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Post by djf617 on May 11, 2005 21:22:56 GMT
Here's the back cover of the CD: Apparently the front cover available in Houston is the same as the one for the UK tour. I got the UK cover, too.
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Post by Pluto7077 on May 11, 2005 21:53:07 GMT
Great reviews girls, though NN I love the psychodelic organ bit on Bad cos it reminds me of The Doors - young Jim Morrison!!! Also, I'm probably the only one to say this, but I don't like the Civilised Man track, sorry Everything else is wonderful.
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Post by Pixie on May 11, 2005 21:59:13 GMT
I kinda like it as well, Pluto! I don't think it has anything to do with the Doors, can't quite say why I like it, but I kinda do... ;D
I didn't like "CM" at first, but after many hearings, I've come to really love it.
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Post by PokerKitten on May 16, 2005 0:19:27 GMT
I already had the album on repeat play this afternon when D came round, and it wasn't long before he started moving to it.. and then started singing along too. I enquired as to whether the liked it, although it was obvious he did, and he said yes... "Is it James?" a bit surprised. And then started to say what he liked about the track that was on at the time, even though he'd been humming to others too... The whole album is James, says I. OH! Pleasantly surprised, he was.
For the record, the most singing along was during Katie, For What I Need and Patricia.
There you are, an unbiased response!
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Post by Pixie on May 16, 2005 7:26:40 GMT
I can understand the first 2! ;D Cool that D liked it, yay!
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Post by PokerKitten on May 20, 2005 10:05:48 GMT
Power Star Collectables are selling the CD in their Buffy store.... and they know who sells as they now have a link to the store that goes like this... www.spikestore.com ;D
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Post by PokerKitten on Aug 29, 2005 22:00:17 GMT
A reviewer at exzibit.net, which describes itself as a webzine for aspiring journalists... James Marster Album Review A review of James Marsters first solo album since he disbanded Ghost of the Robot.
By Siobhan Lauder, 29/08/2005.
He was the peroxide blonde vampire turned good on Buffy. Now he proves to the world that his talents don't just lie in acting. He can write and sing songs rather well too. He was with Ghost of the Robot for about two years. This is his first solo effort. And it doesn't disappoint.
Katie. Is a rocky track about unrequited love. This is a wonderful upbeat track with a great guitar rift in the middle. In fact the guitar is great all the way through from the into to the end.
Bad. This is a great rocky track with great guitar and a great drum beat. This will make you want to sing along with him.
This Town. This is a softer song. Its sweet and dreamy. A nice ballad that showcases James Marsters soft sexy soulful voice. This is my favourite song on the album.
Smile. This is another soft slow ballad about being in love and blinded by beauty. Its a beautiful chill out song that you can listen to and relax at the same time. Its just James' voice and a piano. Sweet and simple. This is just a simple song about falling in love.
For what I need. Another rocky track that I am convinced is about James looking to get his leg over. Its a strong and feisty track.
Long time. This is a sad song about a woman James was once in love with. It makes me want to give him a big hug. It really shows of his wonderful voice and vocal range.
Every man thinks god is on his side. This is the only track on the album that James did not write himself. It has a country feel to it. Its a sad song about misfortune and tragedy. Its upbeat and catch though-it makes you want to get up and sing when it gets to the very catchy chorus.
Robyn. Another soft slow ballad about James not wanting to hear about this person named Robyn again. Its a sad mellow song. The kind of song you lie back and shut your eyes and just let the music wash over you.
No promises. Another up tempo song. Has a brilliant guitar intro (i really am impressed with his guitar skills!). It sounds like it is about the beginning of a relationship where promises are made but not kept. Another sing along track.
Patricia. Another upbeat rocky track. Nice simple lyrics. There's a a cool talky bit in the middle. Its a nice song about a girl he likes but she goes away and now he can't get to her. Awww.
Civilised Man. This song could easily be about Spike. It includes the lines: went to sleep a long time ago and dont wake me up. The kinda song you wish you could play yourself on the guitar. It just James and his guitar. Clean, simple, wonderful. Kinda bluesy. And when h talks at the end its in a really sexy voice.
Overall I love this album. And the more I listen to it the more I love it. I bought it on blind faith but I am so glad that I did. It is a very welcome and refreshing change from the bland karaoke pop acts today who dont know how to write a song. James has proved that his talents stretch further than just great acting her is also a very talented singer, song writer and guitar player. I really wanna see him live. Bring on the next album!
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BuffyGroupie
Det Grant Mars
Better part of a century spent in delinquency just paid off.~Spike
Posts: 819
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Post by BuffyGroupie on Jan 17, 2006 15:10:10 GMT
OK, my review - this isn't gonna be as long as some others on here. Jeff didn't seem to care for the CD, but I'm guessing that has more to do with the fact that its James (he doesn't seem to care for James for some reason ) than for any real musical reason. I started dancing within moments of putting the CD on the first time. I really like all the songs, and I guess I haven't listened to the CD enough times to have picked out my very fav, but I think it would be Katie or For What I Need, both of which really stick with me. I find myself continuing singing Katie. There's just a feel overall that I know makes James my contemporary, cause its just like the music I always loved growing up, kinda rocky, kinda bluesy and smooth, even a little boppy, but in a totally good way. I love that songs are named after women, cause it shows his love of women in general. I've never seen James live, but now I really wish I could. I can see how these songs, as good as they are on the CD, could only be better live.
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Post by djf617 on Jan 18, 2006 19:35:13 GMT
I listen to CM every weekend when I do my studying at the bookstore commons. It helps me focus and not listen to the conversations directly behind me. What I like about James' voice (well, aside from the making me go wobbly part), is that I can sing along without using my head voice or having to sing low in my chest so I can't sing the notes. It's perfect for me to sing to. Does that make sense? Bad is my fantasy. ;D I don't think he's coming anywhere near Seattle. This Town reminds me of when Sarek and I decided to move out here...leaving family behind and all that. I want more!!!!! ;D
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Post by PokerKitten on Apr 17, 2007 20:25:19 GMT
CIVILIZED MAN CD
While there may not be any tickets left for May, you can still hear the dulcet tones of James on his debut album 'Civilized Man', which is available at www.jamesmarsterslive.com/shop.shtml for only £7.50 per album.
We ship globally.
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Post by PokerKitten on Oct 10, 2007 23:15:22 GMT
If you haven't got a copy of CM, JMLiveis selling the last 100 right now! It's back up to a tenner plus shipping though.
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