My first listen thoughts... about 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault (and a merry-go-round).
Side 1, Disc 1
Starshine - such a great opener and song! Uptempo, fun, but not all humor. A song called "Starshine" with lyrics like "Playing with fire was..." only Stevie Nicks. Perfect opener. Sets the tone that this album is going to rock a lot with some dark, intense lyrics.
If You Were My Love - The sadness in her voice alone steals my heart. A beautiful rock and roll lullaby of yearning for something out of reach. "Ooh, if I was the one to watch over your sleeping, you would never be frightened.. at all." Beautiful Child, part deux.. I'm in love with this song.
Mabel Normand - Vintage Stevie with a wicked touch. I had to go old school with this one, reading the lyrics from the album insert, as I tried to follow the message. All over the place, both musically with its roving guitars and sad, beautiful, exiled lyrics. This song is a gas - in a most tragic way. Favorite lyric: "Strange things to follow when you love someone." I dig it.
"so beautiful.. sad Mabel Normand.."
Twisted - I'm really enjoying the new version as I feel it elevates to a calmer space, unlike the previous versions. It's hopeful, in the dark wings of the storm, and feels more positive. Another pretty vocal by Stevie - very nicely done.
Get up, flip the groovy orange Reprise labeled vinyl to
Side 2, Disc 1.
24 Karat Gold - I adore how this song came out with it's classic Fleetwood Mac feel. Great guitar weaving throughout along with that Stevie mysticism - can these Nashville players play? Oh yes, they can. One of the album's highlights.
Belle Fleur - Love how this track starts with its "No Spoken Word" sounding opening riff.. love the demo and love how this "canyon hippie dancing" song came out. "a garden for feelings to grow in.. as I run to the door of the long, black car..." :-) Classic Stevie. Yep, this is one of the better tracks. "Are you looking for a man.."always Stevie - love the song's ending. Very nice.
All the Beautiful Worlds - All the beautiful voices. Always loved the demo - to the edge of the night baby - and such a pretty melodic chorus sung with the ladies. Perfect pace - this is a winner! Skeptical from the snippet (yep, you can't judge a song by a snippet), but pleasantly surprised on how she delivered such a beautiful song..
Lady - I love you, Lady.
Ok - that was a beautiful side and I really want to hear it again, but I'm going to listen to the whole album first. Something tells me disc 1, side 2 is going to get a lot of spins on my turntable.
Side 3, disc 2.
I Don't Care - Rock and roll Stevie with a twist. "sometimes the beauty overwhelms you" especially when you actually do care. Simmering a little, but this is one of those Stevie songs that tend to grow on me. I like the twist in the lyrics.
Watch Chain - Love the groove of this song and how it penetrates these really intense lyrics, "Be careful of strangers who are new to your eyes." I love how this album rocks a lot - nice beat, nice feel, but oh, those words.
Hard Advice - I love everything about this track. The music. Stevie's seasoned, weathered voice, so tender and sad. The acceptance in the lyrics that are still so very hard.. "You have to let him go, he gives such hard advice.... turn off the radio, it was finished long ago.." I feel this one.. really feel it. One of my favorites that I am probably going to love even more as I continue to listen to it.
Carousel - Pretty song, but seems out of place. "Where in the world did you come from?" I do like the lyric "I thought I heard your voice in the thunder." Next.
Probably would have been my second favorite side if it wasn't for the merry-go-round.
Side 4, disc 2
Blue Water - Hmm. I will need to think about this one... starts out slow and pretty, but like the changing tides, I guess, perks up a bit when the instruments chime in. Didn't expect it, and didn't expect the male singer at the end ( I'm not feeling the dude at all). Ok track, but I love the simplicity of the demo better. A bit disappointed, to be honest. Maybe it may grow on me because I love the sentiment of the song. "Blue water.. I sit and I wait for the morning to come.."
Cathouse Blues - Fun for what it's worth. So far, side 4, disc 2 is my least favorite. I mean, the album was rocking.. and kind of took a left turn starting with Carousel. Cathouse Blues is a cute track, but it doesn't feel right for this record.
The Dealer - I really like this song, and it helps to get the album back on track and back to its rock feel.
and finally, the song I have been waiting for..
She Loves Him Still - I've always loved the lyric "I miss my friend.. I miss the sound of his laughter" as I had a friend who passed and I still feel his loss and can hear his laugh. She captured it beautifully here.. love, love the end. . "And the sands of time like shattering glass go past her." Well worth the wait - you did this demo proud. Beautiful finish to an overall great Stevie Nicks record. Now on to a second listen.