David Sylvian - Manafon

[jebe68]

My wife and I remember seeing the video before but can't remember if it was in a museum in D.C. or Paris. I don't think it was specifically made for the song. I'm certain it was an art piece.

Thoughts on the song having heard it for the umpteenth time: the vocal is so raw and right in your ear, all emotion and no drama. Even though the vocal carries the melody alone, it fits with the subtle music perfectly. Based on previous descriptions, it was hard to know what to expect but it was better than anything I had imagined. Simply gorgeous; the chorus of "oohs" with DS' multitracked voice at the end are absolutely chilling. And the lyrics are outstanding, seeming to encompass the scope of the spiritual, personal, and maybe even slightly political (my reading of the verse about the factory). Sylvian may be moving away from the world but he sounds more engaged in life than ever, weary and resigned though he may be. As a first taste of "Manafon", I could not have wished for more...

[camphorvan]

Small Metal Gods - brilliant; I love it.

[FlyingPig]

My wife and I remember seeing the video before but can't remember if it was in a museum in D.C. or Paris. I don't think it was specifically made for the song. I'm certain it was an art piece.

Thoughts on the song having heard it for the umpteenth time: the vocal is so raw and right in your ear, all emotion and no drama. Even though the vocal carries the melody alone, it fits with the subtle music perfectly. Based on previous descriptions, it was hard to know what to expect but it was better than anything I had imagined. Simply gorgeous; the chorus of "oohs" with DS' multitracked voice at the end are absolutely chilling. And the lyrics are outstanding, seeming to encompass the scope of the spiritual, personal, and maybe even slightly political (my reading of the verse about the factory). Sylvian may be moving away from the world but he sounds more engaged in life than ever, weary and resigned though he may be. As a first taste of "Manafon", I could not have wished for more...

I'm glad to hear that the video is an art piece and not shot specifically for the song, frankly I was disappointed by the video, it might be nice on a large screen in a musem but on a 3x4 inch quicktime window...
As for the song, yes it's a grower.
P.

[FlyingPig]

I couldnt disagree with you more. I think the album will certainly attract new fans particulary those who have been interested in the work of Evan Parker, Keith Rowe et all. As for the hardcore base liking it, just look at how Blemish split the "hardcore" fans.

You are probably right, based on one song a judgement is not required...
P.

[camphorvan]

Pah! My PC has trouble with Quicktime - any other way of hearing SMG anyone?

http://www.davidsylvian.net/the-news/43 ... views.html

The video in flash.

Thanks very much - and also to whoever it was who said it was on YouTube.
CV

[Tin Bird]

Well, I am in a bit of shock actually...after listening to the snippets of Manafon on the updated web site, I have to admit that my initial reaction is mixed. I have ordered both formats of the album and will reserve judgement until hearing it in it's entirety...but...the tracks all sound a bit samey on first blush and they really do sound a lot like Blemish pieces (although seemingly less "electric" sounding and more organic). I think I was hoping for a little bit more development ie Sleepwalkers, Transit, exit/delete...instead it sounds like we are going to have to connect with very, very minimal sounds way in the background (feet shuffling, stifled conversation, random squeeks, occasional string plucking...etc) and Sylvian's voice. I loved Blemish at the time...thought it was groundbreaking, but I wasn't expecting Sylvian to repeat himself...he never has before. I cannot see at all how anyone could possibly think that this work will somehow bring new fans into the fold for Sylvian, other than the avant-garde/improv crowd...I do not think Sylvian has that in mind at all for this work. This is personal expression stark and unadorned...for God's sake the promo T-shirt is a pic of him holding a dead rabbit...not exacly a open invitation to join in!
It may well happen for me, it's going to be a challenge for sure. Also, the lyrics are so personal and deflating, it almost makes me uncomfortable listening to them. It's like sneaking a peak at a depressed siblings diary and being shocked that they really feel this way. I'm hoping that after spending time with this work that it reveals itself to be more than just random wallowing. I think it will... I am concerned, but I remain hopeful. I believe hope is integral...

[Phil Lawton]

Just received the update from Samahdi...$85 for the deluxe edition?????????????????????????

No way...the digipak will do.

[Chet]

now i remember...
i did see this film before, at the Biennale in Lyon back in 2003.

[FlyingPig]

Well, I am in a bit of shock actually...after listening to the snippets of Manafon on the updated web site, I have to admit that my initial reaction is mixed. I have ordered both formats of the album and will reserve judgement until hearing it in it's entirety...but...the tracks all sound a bit samey on first blush and they really do sound a lot like Blemish pieces (although seemingly less "electric" sounding and more organic). I think I was hoping for a little bit more development ie Sleepwalkers, Transit, exit/delete...instead it sounds like we are going to have to connect with very, very minimal sounds way in the background (feet shuffling, stifled conversation, random squeeks, occasional string plucking...etc) and Sylvian's voice. I loved Blemish at the time...thought it was groundbreaking, but I wasn't expecting Sylvian to repeat himself...he never has before. I cannot see at all how anyone could possibly think that this work will somehow bring new fans into the fold for Sylvian, other than the avant-garde/improv crowd...I do not think Sylvian has that in mind at all for this work. This is personal expression stark and unadorned...for God's sake the promo T-shirt is a pic of him holding a dead rabbit...not exacly a open invitation to join in!
It may well happen for me, it's going to be a challenge for sure. Also, the lyrics are so personal and deflating, it almost makes me uncomfortable listening to them. It's like sneaking a peak at a depressed siblings diary and being shocked that they really feel this way. I'm hoping that after spending time with this work that it reveals itself to be more than just random wallowing. I think it will... I am concerned, but I remain hopeful. I believe hope is integral...

Just listened too...I'm shocked too, I will love the poetry no doubt, but the album might sound like an accapella remix with twings and twangs.
Oh well.

[Paperback Jack]

You can't say you weren't warned!

I find it odd that samples have been put up, tbh. It's not an album you're going to 'get' in 20-second snatches. But I instantly enjoyed the first track and the last three. What's so challenging about the record is that it disrupts the usual melodic, harmonic and rhythmic relationship. Even with the Bailey tracks on 'Blemish', the instrumentation bolstered the vocal. It was joyous to hear Sylvian construct a song around such dense material. Here, the correlation is much more ambiguous. It asks a big question that not every listener will be prepared to answer.

[Adrian]

Ordered the lim.ed. and am really hoping that my European dvd-player and tv will show the film, which is in ntsc apparently... anyone know?

[Paperback Jack]

I'm sure the DVD will be viewable in Europe. Most TVs (and players) can read NTSC these days. And they wouldn't be stupid enough to encode the DVD with a Region 1 code...

Just read this quote from the interview:

I like the state of hopelessness. Hope really does tend to get in the way. It takes you out of the present towards an ideal. To live without hope but without a loss of love for life… that's a great starting place it seems to me.

[Paperback Jack]

A few listens and the character of each track has started to emerge. Very strong. It reminds me of Billie Holiday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZyuULy9zs

[inkinthewell]

I just got back home and switched my Mac on for the first time in four days: new Samadhisound site, new pictures posted by David, Small Metal Gods available to listen (and watch), Manafon on pre-order!!! Wow! Couldn't ask for anything better.
Small Metal Gods is simply beautiful. I've only listened to it once, and I won't do it again till I've got the cd (I've been reading all the comments on here, and I'm a bit scared they might in some way 'spoil' a second hearing right now). It brings to mind the Dobro songs David did with Bill Frisell.
The video didn't impress me much. All those little planes landing in the loo reminded me of my holidays. The toilet in our hotel room was full of similar sized flying objects: mosquitoes.

[missouriman]

Ordered the de-luxe cd/dvd for $105! Jeez! Gonna be eating mac n cheese for the resr of 09.