Lindsey on Harmonium
 

So, fooling myself into thinking that perhaps Lindsey appears on tracks other than White Houses (because Vanessa was making a HUGE deal out of SPECIAL GUEST ON HER ALBUM!), I made my way over to Best Buy to pick up Vanessa Carlton's sophomore attempt Harmonium. I wanted to get it anyway because I really dig her playing. However, I was kind of bummed out by the fact that it was like, all her and the boyfriend Stephan Jenkins. Her songwriting isn't as great as the first album and some songs left me kind of going..."eh?" However, there are some I totally love and i'm sure the rest will grow on me over time. I'm going to say 5 stars out of 10 (just in case anyone was interested for reasons other than Lindsey and his only audible during two portions of the song acoustic guitar playing).

Anyway, Lindsey appears only on White Houses and despite the fact that Stevie gets a shout-out in the liner notes, she doesn't appear singing backing vocals (unless i'm suddenly going deaf) on any track nor is she credited with having done anything so it appears that rumor was totally false.

Special thanks to Lindsey Buckingham - the secret yogi prodigy. It's such an honor

blah blah blah...more people thanked...

Stevie Nicks - I keep your words close.

That? is about it.

Here's another perspective...

Picked it up today. Love it. If Lindsey was on my album I'd definitely shout it up even if he was only audible in a milisecond. That's awesome. I don't think Stevie's actually on the record--from what I understand she just came to the studio (maybe Lindsey brought her?--or rather, maybe she's a fan?) for a while.

Anyway, if you liked her first album, you'll probably like this one too though it does appear that "White Houses" is its shining moment.

Without a doubt. Even minus the Lindsey factor, it would still be the shining moment. I'm also really digging Private Radio. I will say -10 for Vanessa on the creativity factor on San Francisco ("like a boy of summer....heart of the matter..." wtf?!) It's a lot darker than her first album but it's growing on me.

I was hoping Lindsey would make an appearance on the little 'Making Of' portion (which is pretty interesting in itself)...I'm digging 'Private Radio' as well.

I guess we should be talking more about Lindsey...I'm curious as to how he came to be involved in the project anyway...?

Sounds like maybe Lindsey ran into Stephen Jenkins in the hallway at the Record Plant in L.A. and it came about from there. On Vanessa Carlton's website in the Bio section, there is a little narrative about the process of making the album. Part of it says:

Studio Hallways
While on reprieve from tracking basics at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, Stephan Jenkins returned to the studio with Lindsey Buckingham who had praise for Vanessa's first album and curiosity for her new work. Soon the studio was filled with Stevie Nicks and Pharrell Williams; Kanye West dropped in as well. Lindsey ended up playing acoustic guitar on Vanessa's first single, 'White Houses,' and Pharrell sang back ups on 'Who's To Say'. These moments of spontaneity and community encapsulate the spirit in which Harmonium was recorded.

I read that, which is awesome.

I wonder why Lindsey was at the Record Plant?! :nod:

I would venture to guess that the Record Plant encounter took place sometime during the mixing of Live In Boston which Stevie and Lindsey were both involved with to my knowledge. Les, any clue where they mixed that?

Yep, Lindsey's LIB songs were mixed at the Record Plant (I just got LIB this afternoon and the liner notes are fresh in my mind!). Interestingly, Stevie's songs were mixed by someone else, presumably somewhere else.

Ahhh thank you, Joe. I still don't have the released version of LIB (i know, i know bad fan, bad fan...) but, to redeem myself a bit, I did tape it off of PBS ;) Stevie was probably there to see how her voice sounded on those Lindsey songs she sings on i'm guessing. Hope all is well in Japan!! :wavey:

Weren't Stevie and LB spotted in a European country at the begginning of last year where they allegedly were mixing LIB? SO, maybe that was there they did it or at least worked on it.

Well how about that? "Lindsey" & "spontaneity" used in the same paragraph.

"Isn't that weird?"

I'm still wondering what a "secret yogi prodigy" is. ;)

I was wondering the same thing. I'm having a hard time picturing Lindsey sitting around meditating and doing yoga or tai chi or something like that. :p What is a yogi anyway?

Em

1) a catcher for the NY Yankees in the 1950's

2) a cartoon bear who steals pic-a-nic baskets from Jellystone Park between noon & dusk

3) A Hindu mystic

4) all of the above

LMAO!! :laugh:

I just hope it's not #1 that LB is being compared to. :shocked:

Well reviews are actually ok for Vanessa. They put her above Michelle Branch in writing songs thats for sure.

I really love White Houses. It always makes me cry and I have heard it so many times I totally hear Lindsey now.

Private Radio is supposed to be the best track so I can't wait to hear it:)

I am happy for her...she isn't a super model or a slut and I like that she's out there making music...esp with Lindsey :):)

...Or perhaps they didn't have time...considering they were still in the middle of a tour. :)