James: his voice

[Donkey]

Originally Posted by FacelessSenseOfVoid

For me, the biggest change to his voice happened between 1998 and 2001. Listen to his speaking voice between songs, there is quite a bit of difference. Considering that was 12/13 years ago, there would have inevitably been more changes to his voice since then.

Well, I think that the change happened a bit earlier - dunno when but his voice has been fallen down a bit. It's very noticeable when you listen to his speaking voice. Early EMG interviews he's still high tenor speaker, later he's a low tenor - nearly baritone speaker. This is what happens with aging (Elton John, Freddie too a bit) and with smoking (such a stupid habit), his voice is not that raw and powerful as it used to be. GATS and HB eras are the best IMHO.
But we're talking about many years and it wouldn't be possible to be consistent.

On the other hand What I miss is some kind of exploring attitude. He's just worse and worse (still good of course), but I would prefer him to be more "different" than worse.

[nozzer]

I think he definitely increased his falsetto range between 2002 and about 2010. I do agree it has slipped slightly very recently though, since his Laryngitis in 2010. Personally though, i think he sounded absolutely brilliant, and was at his best 2008-2011. He also sounded great on all the bootlegs i've heard from the 2012 Euro tour

[Dac X Lee]

Medical problems or not, I also believe it's about art.
And as for his voice change, a few days ago, while listening to random b-sides, I noticed quite a difference between the old acoustic ones and the new ones. His voice seems higher in the new songs, but then it might also be because of music production...

Whatever, it would be too sad if he lost that ability to sing, his voice is just so cute.

[AK47]

I wouldn't worry too much. James' voice has gotten better with age and I think this decision has been purely artistic. James said to NME that he felt his voice was underselling some of the songs so I believe he has enjoyed being a musician more than a singer. James does look after his voice.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Take a listen to Roger Daltrey as he is now & when he was in his 20's/30's to see the effects of ageing on a voice. Change is inevitable, but I think James still has a long way to go yet. Am I right in thinking he has given up smoking those voice wrecking Marlboro lights/gold?

[hummingbird]

Originally Posted by Napoleon Bonaparte

Take a listen to Roger Daltrey as he is now & when he was in his 20's/30's to see the effects of ageing on a voice. Change is inevitable, but I think James still has a long way to go yet. Am I right in thinking he has given up smoking those voice wrecking Marlboro lights/gold?

no idea. I don't smoke so i wouldn't have a clue but i heard someone call Marlboro lights cigarettes for girls so i'd assumed they weren't as strong as some other brands

[Dave-O]

Originally Posted by hummingbird

i heard someone call Marlboro lights cigarettes for girls so i'd assumed they weren't as strong as some other brands

As an ex-smoker and sometime "singer" I can attest that once off the lovely, lovely cigarettes my voice became a little sweeter. Holding notes and changing/staying in key became easier.

A doctor told me at a work medical years ago that "light" cigarettes are worse for you because you have to pull harder to get the hit you need and therefore they put more pressure on the lung sacs. I didn't listen him and smoked for another 10 years.

[hummingbird]

Originally Posted by Dave-O

As an ex-smoker and sometime "singer" I can attest that once off the lovely, lovely cigarettes my voice became a little sweeter. Holding notes and changing/staying in key became easier.

A doctor told me at a work medical years ago that "light" cigarettes are worse for you because you have to pull harder to get the hit you need and therefore they put more pressure on the lung sacs. I didn't listen him and smoked for another 10 years.

aaah no wonder he says he won't be able to breathe if he sings PCP live. Silly boy. Hope he's packed them in finally

[Dancing Kirby]

The 2013 version of Axl Rose has it so much worse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY-tbfCucw8

[hummingbird]

Originally Posted by Dancing Kirby

The 2013 version of Axl Rose has it so much worse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY-tbfCucw8

oh dear thats ever so slightly shit

[Smiling#Girl]

Well,if there is a thing he should give up is smoking and not singing.

[bachelorette]

Originally Posted by Smiling#Girl

Well,if there is a thing he should give up is smoking and not singing.

+1000!

[Dac X Lee]

Originally Posted by Smiling#Girl

Well,if there is a thing he should give up is smoking and not singing.

I agree too.
But it's easier to give up a tiring job than an addiction.

[yanushka]

Originally Posted by Smiling#Girl

Well,if there is a thing he should give up is smoking and not singing.

easier said than done, I'm afraid. I'm smoking, so I know. He can reduce his smoking to the minimum, at least.

[Smiling#Girl]

Originally Posted by yanushka

easier said than done, I'm afraid. I'm smoking, so I know. He can reduce his smoking to the minimum, at least.

I know that.I even smoked one or two a day(well not an heavy smoker)when I was young but I knew I shouldn't have as I suffer from bronchial asthma so I gave up. I think you can do pretty much anything if you have a good reason.