Stevie Recording A New Album With Dave Stewart Producing In Nashville... - Page 35

wheart · #**511** 05-24-2014, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jondalar

Her vocal on the Mirror Mirror version that did make it on a B-side was stellar. I listened to that song just because of vocal. The lyrics are non sensible but the vocal was one of her best ever.

I so agree with you, especially the line "memories fade like the wind...oh and he says this will never come again..." I just love the intensity in her voice. I'm guessing this song is about, to some degree, her relationship with Joe Walsh.

Speaking of Mirror Mirror, my favorite demo is the #3 version (I think), it's only about 2 minutes and it fades out in the middle and then comes back. It sounds nothing like the released RAL version. No synths just drums, bass and guitar throughout. Anyone else familiar with this version? Her vocal is amazingly intense, especially at the end. I LOVE It!!

Christopher · #**512** 05-24-2014, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jondalar

Why are people mentioning Mirror Mirror? She has already done that song. It would be a great waste of space.

"Mirror, Mirror" is brought up because it's a beloved song amongst fans.

Besides, the fact is despite it being released on the "Blue Denim" b-side on cassette single only with very small distribution & promotion, meaning it only went out to a very, VERY small audience, basically just the rabid fans, as "Blue Denim" - the single tanked & didn't even chart! Comparatively "Maybe Love" had modest success & radio play, charting as high as #17 on Billboard Adult Contemporary, #57 Billboard Hot 100" & #36 Billboard Mainstream rock charts, "Blue Denim" along with "Mirror, Mirror" might as well have not been released to the general public at all.

Furthermore, Stevie never intended the RAL version of "Mirror, Mirror" to be released at all! Stevie is on record saying she was never satisfied or happy with the way it turned out which is why it was not released on RAL & shelved away in the vaults. Further evidence of this is the fact that Stevie attempted again to record "Mirror, Mirror" during the initial SA sessions with Chris Lord-Alge, which did yield a more fleshed-out version, albeit devoid of the RAL era stinging passion, and an unimaginative arrangement closer to the adult contemporary side. It was the SA version which was reputed to actually become the B-side to "Blue Denim", but someone at Atlantic made a mistake and pulled the most finished RAL outtake of "Mirror, Mirror" instead.

Bottom line "Mirror, Mirror" never had a proper release or presentation. I envision this song more of a passionate & harrowing art piece, rather than just another pop/rock song, I imagine that out of ALL the producers Stevie has ever worked with, Dave would probably be the only one that could really bring this arrangement together (with just a little tweaking by Stevie) this could be a great atmosphere song, treading that cliff, both musically & lyrically. I could see them possibly using strings, instead of the synths, to create tension and build-up that the prose begs for. Because that 80s breaking news/Tangerine Dream "Love On A Real Train" inspired musical background really detracted from the song, ultimatley overpowering it. I would welcome an official record release of this song and not see it as a waste of space at all. I'm sure many others would agree, as it seems to be a fan favorite.

Jondalar · #**513** 05-24-2014, 11:31 PM

I heard the other versions and the best version got released. I know the history of the song but I seriously doubt she will ever achieve that vocal. The vocal is what stood out. The lyrics require a psychic reader. She just put words together that she thought sounded good together. The lyrics are about nothing. I do like how the lyrics sound together but it's just gibberish.

Jondalar · #**514** 05-25-2014, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilthefirefades

I haven't posted in forever, but I just want to say that if Mirror Mirror, Something Exquisite, All the Beautiful Worlds, or most importantly my favorite She Still Loves Him makes it onto this I will be so so so happy.

I am nervous though because I really can't stand Dave Stewart and I imagine something dreadful like Night Gallery will appear.

Your post got me to listen to Night Gallery. Have to say I love it. She really sets the mood and the lyrics aren't bad. Makes more sense than a lot of her other stuff including Mirror Mirror. I hope it makes the album.

Dex · #**515** 05-25-2014, 06:36 AM

I like Night Gallery, too. But at the same time I'd never even dream of describing it as "good". Just one of those quirky Stevie fandom paradoxes.

I do think it'd be nice to see some less-celebrated demos on the album, just to see if Dave and co. are able to brush them up into something wonderful. That to me is a little more interesting than just making good final tracks out of good demos.

SpyNote · #**516** 05-25-2014, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

"Mirror, Mirror" is brought up because it's a beloved song amongst fans.

Besides, the fact is despite it being released on the "Blue Denim" b-side on cassette single only with very small distribution & promotion, meaning it only went out to a very, VERY small audience, basically just the rabid fans, as "Blue Denim" - the single tanked & didn't even chart! Comparatively "Maybe Love" had modest success & radio play, charting as high as #17 on Billboard Adult Contemporary, #57 Billboard Hot 100" & #36 Billboard Mainstream rock charts, "Blue Denim" along with "Mirror, Mirror" might as well have not been released to the general public at all.

I quote chart information too when making points. But let's not confuse what this really is...a Fleetwood Mac geek out moment!

I think it's great that we have two completed versions of Mirror Mirror, and I agree with Jondalar that the better (rawer) version was released.

Christopher · #**517** 05-25-2014, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyNote

I quote chart information too when making points. But let's not confuse what this really is...a Fleetwood Mac geek out moment!

I think it's great that we have two completed versions of Mirror Mirror, and I agree with Jondalar that the better (rawer) version was released.

Actually, it was more of a Stevie Nicks geek-out moment.

And I agree, the RAL "Mirror, Mirror" outtake IS better than the Street Angel version that we now have, mostly because it rocks more & of course Stevies on fire vocal performance. But it also sounds incomplete. The b-side released RAL track has no backing vocals at all. Also the ending trails off abruptly, one second Stevie's singing, "You must know" He says, "No, not really" and then it just hangs there, while the instrumental track goes on almost another minute. In my opinion the RAL released version of "Mirror, Mirror" was not fully fleshed out or completed. It could be that's as far as they took it before deciding to just shelve it.

sorcerer999 · #**518** 05-25-2014, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

And I agree, the RAL "Mirror, Mirror" outtake IS better than the Street Angel version that we now have, mostly because it rocks more & of course Stevies on fire vocal performance. But it also sounds incomplete. The b-side released RAL track has no backing vocals at all. Also the ending trails off abruptly, one second Stevie's singing, "You must know" He says, "No, not really" and then it just hangs there, while the instrumental track goes on almost another minute. In my opinion the RAL released version of "Mirror, Mirror" was not fully fleshed out or completed. It could be that's as far as they took it before deciding to just shelve it.

I actually like the fact that there aren't any backing vocals and it's just her. Maybe they thought it sounded best that way at the time? Her delivery of the lyric, "She says I think you walk a thin line!!! WALK A THIN liiiine..." is one of her greatest vocal "moments", in my opinion. Regardless of the lack of bgv's and the quick ending, I still consider it a "finished" song. I don't think Stevie could top this if she re-recorded it today.

KarmaContestant · #**519** 05-25-2014, 03:11 PM

I really like those RAL era songs that tell the story of a conversation between 'him' and 'her'. Mirror Mirror, Thousand Days, Imperial Hotel, No Spoken Word are the ones that come to mind.

StreetAngel86 · #**520** 05-25-2014, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

The only Street Angel version of Mirror Mirror is an unreleased recording circulating amongst fans, first shared here on The Ledge.

They are very, very different recordings.

the SA outtake from July 92 INFINITELY better than the RAL/B-side released version
even if it's not 100% 'polished'

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilthefirefades

I am completely aware of that, but I have never heard a version of Mirror Mirror that didn't still sound like a demo.

have you hear the guitar version of Mirror Mirror?
no version of Mirror sounds like that
are you being picky?