Can anyone post Smiling Islands?

[ricohv]

I was thinking of how long it had been since I've heard this song and cannot find it to download on Ares or Limewire. I was investigating it online and it is definately out of print. Also, in case anyone is interested, here's more info. I found:

English singer/songwriter Robbie Patton received his break when he toured as a special guest of Fleetwood Mac in 1979 when that act was one of the hottest acts in the music world. The association proved to be even more beneficial when Patton recorded his 1981 release Distant Shores. Not only did Mac keyboardist Christine McVie play keyboards and produce the record, but guitarist Lindsey Buckingham added guitar to the track "Don't Give It Up." While the album wasn't a smash success, petering out in the lower reaches of the chart, "Don't Give It Up" was released as a single and climbed into the Top 30 during the late summer.

He followed Distant Shores with another McVie-produced release, Orders From Headquarters, which was released the following year. This time, Stevie Nicks provided her vocals, performing a duet with Patton on the single "Smiling Islands." Neither the album nor single was able to achieve the same level of success, however, with Orders From Headquarters not even managing to chart.

The failure of his solo release was tempered, though, with the performance of Fleetwood Mac's "Hold Me," which Patton wrote with McVie for the album Mirage. During the '80s and '90s, Patton wrote songs that appeared on albums by Jonathan Cain and Santana.

I didn't remember that he wrote that w/ Christine. I thought it was Lindsey and Chris.
Thanks in advance if someone posts! Ricoh

[slvrgrl]

Here you go!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ht32ml

[THINKABOUTIT]

Smiling Islands is soo pretty. My personal fave, of the "rarity" songs, is "Midnight Wind"...if no one knows it, someone needs to post it! I have it on cd, and I'm not able to upload it. But someone post it so others can enjoy! ;

[strandinthewind]

I've never understood why Smiling Islands was not a hit. Her voice is positively splendid in it.

[ricohv]

Thank you thank you Slvrgrl! And to think I was just reading a post on the Chrisitine board saying we're not friendly or generous over here in Stevieland!

[catinthedark]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I've never understood why Smiling Islands was not a hit.

because the lyrics are retcheriffic?

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by catinthedark

because the lyrics are retcheriffic?

I am such I sap - I love them.

[Macfanforever]

Thats a nice song.It could of been a hit for him.pop or country .

[catinthedark]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I am such I sap - I love them.

omg. and i think i love you just because you admit that!!

i do agree about her voice. the song is very pretty - and i admit a mainstay on my demo and rareties playlists. i just cringe and bear the words. barely.

[ricohv]

I'm generally critical of sappy lyrics but for some reason these don't rub me wrong. Chrisitne could be accused of sappy lyrics, too, but in the same way as Smiling Islands, her's don't bother me. Plus there is something very Stevie-ish (and sweet) about the title.
Ricoh

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by catinthedark

because the lyrics are retcheriffic?

Yeah. I mostly listen to the song when it pops up on iTunes for sentimental reasons. Her voice will never sound like that again.

[darklinensuit]

I 1st heard this in 1997 when the lyrics were pretty poignant for me. IMO they're still okay, as are the vocals. It's the production that creates the problem, beginning with those awful muzak opening keyboard notes. Guitar and piano would be so much better and far less dated.

- Jake

[SpyNote]

Are there two versions of this song? Someone once told me that there was an album version and a 7" version, on which Stevie sang all throughout the song even during Patton's verses.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by darklinensuit

I 1st heard this in 1997 when the lyrics were pretty poignant for me. IMO they're still okay, as are the vocals. It's the production that creates the problem, beginning with those awful muzak opening keyboard notes. Guitar and piano would be so much better and far less dated.

- Jake

I agree - but it was the 80's and those cheesey keyboards were the rage. I bet ole Robbie sported a teal Members Only jacket and soft sided boots

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by takenbythesky

Too slow. No hook. But I wasn't around to hear what got radio play back then.

Dude, I think I actually hear an accordion on it. Accordion and no hook = no airplay.