Vocals?
Hello all---
First, I have to say that any new Lindsey music is better than NO new Lindsey music. Having said that, I'm excited about the stripped back production of some of the new songs, but I'm trying NOT to let my expectations get too high.
I definitely share the views that have been expressed about Lindsey's vocals on these tracks. I've never understood his apparent need to treat his vocals with a variety of effects. The worst of these is his frequent use of flange, which really gets on my nerves. Just for once, I'd love to hear Lindsey's voice with a direct, in-your-face production, similar to Daniel Lanois' approach to recording vocals. [Interestingly enough, Lanois is another guy who has a reputation for over-producing, but his vocal recording style usually results in a sound that makes the singer seem like he/she is right there in the room with the listener. There are probably LOTS of effects and processors involved, but Lanois uses them to make the vocal sound more natural...not LESS natural.]
On another note, I had the same thoughts about Brian Wilson's transition from SMiLE to Smiley Smile as others did, and I'm happy to hear Lindsey doing something a little different in terms of the music arrangements/production. I don't dislike any of the new songs, but "Shut Us Down" still doesn't do a lot for me because it's nothing new for Lindsey.
I was actually hoping for new or different mixes/versions of "Down on Rodeo" and "Someone's Gotta Change Your Mind." Not that they weren't good already, but, after all this time, I was hoping for some new element to them. I guess, in my mind, this still doesn't feel like a "new" album. I felt the same way about SAY YOU WILL, and, assuming some of the other GIFT OF SCREWS tracks could show up on Lindsey's next "electric" album, it looks like the situation will be the same next time around.
But, again, I'm just happy to have a few previously unheard Lindsey songs...
mattl
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