Random Manics thoughts...

[raven]

Originally Posted by Routine Builder

From the interviews in around Futurology and Rewind the Film, James made it clear he was becoming frustrated with the sound of his own voice which is to be expected after 30 years and circa 400 songs. The problem is that he seems to be a little bit of a control hog in the studio so even when we get the guest vocalist, they're rarely given free reign unless they're someone with gravitas like Richard Hawley and Ian McCulloch. Judging by the demos, most of the duets are written before the singer is asked and hence we get more often get the singer singing from James's sheet rather than bringing their own talent to the song. That's not to say the duets are bad, they're not, but I do struggle to remember which soft singing female artist songs on which duet and that feels like a shame.

I think that's a little unfair if I dare say And they may well have a vocalist in mind as they're writing a duet - you don't always get the person you have in mind from what I understand of course. I think they choose well and Cate Le Bon on 4 Lonely Roads is for me at least a perfect choice....McCulloch is such a big name and with such a distinct voice it's hardly surprising he springs to mind quicker when thinking on duets.....sometimes the big names get in the way....a chance to perform with an idol of yours above the song....not that I think that's the case with Some Kind of Nothingness as I love that one a lot but it is hard to match a good duet so they're both inhabiting the song rather than performing as 'themselves' ...a guest starring performance......4 Lonely Roads is one of their best in that respect. You're supposed to work together in interpretation not have free reign....though yeah James has pretty much said he can't help but erm offer advice....ha. He just wants it all to come together