Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post

geodeticman · 10-04-2006, 06:40 AM

Yuri,

Like BILLW, I like the Don Quixote arrangements and whole album mixes of talent, and any other album with Nick DeCaro string arrangements, as well as others in the IYCRMM through COTS time period, which varied a bit I know.

SSOL stood seperately out of context imho. It was more "Pat Boonish" mixed with "Jim Reeves" as Gord spoke of his very first recordings pre-Lightfoot! I know there are aome killer-good songs on it, but the sound is different, background singers, etc. It sounded so different than the album before and after, is all. But viva la difference ! Not my cup of tea, is all.

Sundown was certainly a bigger production imho as an album than the just about last and best I agree of his simpler times music such as DQ, but I'd add ODR and COTS to that end of simple.

But simple to me for Gord still includes lavish strings - real strings - where he thanks local union string players. and often collaboration between Nick and Gord on string arrangements and mixing. It showed Gord's Westlake College training in orchestration and composing to great advantage.

I guess easier said for me is what his "simpler" arrangements for me are NOT - over- produced like EOM - though I love "I'll Tag Along", and loved the song EOM sung solo and acoustic, on his knee, in concert ! Excellent !

Arguably Sundown had a lot more money pured in it, but it let Gord flex his talent muscles more completely and utilize his education much more, with the addition subtly of some electric guitar - such as Sundown the song. Also, the synthesizer on Seven Island Suite - incredible song.

I've always loved the soaring string sections in songs in that roughly '70 - '76 time period, songs that illustrated my taste best include "Is There Anyone Home" , "Beautiful", "That Same Old Obsession", "Looking at the Rain", 'It's Too Late for Prayin",and "Now and Then", etc.

I've come to recognize the thing that makes me look right thru the wall off into music landscapes painted by Gord are set to strong advantage by primarily the strings, Gord's controlled vibrato period where he used it with discression, but could still do soaring vocals.

Also, can't get 'em out of your head melodies (for us "airhead" whistler/hummers LOL Sydney Steve

}, and interesting lyrics as well.

I could if I had to live with just '69 - '76 releases of Gord's for the above reasons, but what I would miss of the gems all to come, and the ambitious and purist folk that preceeded.
Just did not like the sound, nor apparently did Gord as he has said. More precisely, he said I believe "I do not like to listen to that time period [60's]".

I cringed the most in the Salute/EOM time period, when he began (comparitively) "rocking"
(I had the Eagles, Van Halen, and Aerosmith for that back in the 70's, but Lightfoot was Lightfoot!) How 'bout that for begging the question !

But with incredible albums like DSR, and Shadows mixed in there, I still could not live without a given time period. Closest would be his 60's era.

I know his voice was, while immature in the 60's compared to his so-called by pundits speaking highly of his 73-75 "Broadbrimmed period", strong and clear with admirable vibrato, but it lacks for me (the 60's) what I consider to be "my" "Lightfoot sound" characteristics of the type you ask, Yuri.

Even then, I'd forever regret not having CRT, Crossroads (underrated working man's song) Softly, and SFAWN in their original form from the 60's, along with others, but my consolation would be the re-recorded versions I admit I lke better on GGI.

So the variable but identifiable sound of '70 - '76, less SSOL (sorry folks) [covering head], mixes, hallmark for me being incredible orchestration/string sections with Nick DeCaro was my favourite.

One last thought Yuri (I have the impression you don't mind reading longer pieces like mine, please tell me if you do). Regarding the kind and well-meant comment above on the breaking up of writing into paragraphs, and breaking up of chain sentences for others reading ease. Good thread !
geo Steve
p.s. see note immediately following explaining the following below....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The following below is a matter in which I may be able to share notes with Yuri, but is not germaine to any music, or GL. Thought I'd spare y'all from old news below, whereas Yuri might not have ever come across my old.. EVEN LONGER LOL pieces of work in posts - I must explain to him below.

Yuri - (continuing)

May I share a personal thought with you if this is difficult (the typing and structuring of your posts) for physical or other reasons for you:

My first 2 months or so..+/-, I wrote posts that were page-long single-space, i.e. 8 x 11 page ! And also they were considerably long run-on sentences. While my unchecked (literally) faculties as I am told are SOMEWHAT varying to noteably better ( per PM's to me in kindness) in this writing regard, I still struggle with this every day when I write anything.

Some days it flows better, with less effort and re-checking. But usually, as a courtesy to other corfid readers who were kind enough to gently (in most cases LOL) point this out to me, such as the courteous manner Borderstone did above as ameans of help.

Cathy coached me through a lot of things, as she had shared a similar-in-some-ways medical event as did I, and I know you most certainly have. She valiantly ran interference for me while I listened to her in PM's and posts as to how MY particular typing could be easier read. I had not used a TYPEWRITER OR PC IN ABOUT 5 YEARS !

This was due to a mountaineering accident followed by a car accident with a long list of double-digit surgeries, leg, hip, neck, eyes/head, and back surgeries and procedures.

Noteably, my head and brain injury, caught too late in severity. I re-learned a large amount of almost everything, but thankfully, my memory loss was short-term ( in some regards) but I also have total blanks of some years in the last ten or so. My education is in tact, thank God, at least so say my old prof's and a co-author.

The only reason I bring this up, while I know you've been hit with far worse and more difficult injury/illness (the extent and nature of being none of my business) is that I listened to well-meaning suggestions of how to type more "easy to read" too - and ultimately I benefitted from them, as they aided in my rehabilitation (and re-learning social skills as I took umbrage at first). Then worked though, but not without hurting some people inadvertantly.

Many were not at all courteous like Borderstone's. Brink and others besides Cathy helped me a lot. I still have a long way to go - long-windedness (LOLRH) and chain sentences, and non-sequiter subjects. I do not suggest your difficulties are in any way similar to my old and present challenges, but you can count on Borderstone to be thoughtful and well-meaning.

Many did not know of my "disability" (I hated that!!!) and I tried to not let it preceed me. I'd just burst it out passivley/aggressiveley (only sorta, not formally LOL) when I got mad about suggestions from people that simply did not know of my physical and mental limitations as I started into the room around January. They never would have said what they did if they had known, at least not that way. But all meant well.

Well - if I can help with any small talk, thoughts, or observations, or vice-versa if you wish to point out my hard-to-read for you things, do not hesitate. As far as I am concerned, biased as I am, I have no trouble reading your posts, and enjoy them a lot.

I just feel for you, as I continue. If your physical state is non-germaine and private to you - I will respect that and not mention again.
Also, if any discourse you'd prefer in PM's - OK.
Keep your great posts and threads coming - I enjoyed this one - too much ! (as the peanut gallery groans) LOL

-geo Steve

P.S. - it just occurred to me, if you would be so kind as to point out anything in my writing style (where to begin A HAHAHAHA), please do not hesitate, as I certainly do not wish to presume that the fact that I have improved some... though clearly not above...LOL, that reading my work is any "easier" than yours.

I'd welcome your critique, openly or PM. And I do NOT feel you "need" MY input. always interesting posts of yours Yuri, -
"geo" Steve Dunbar

[ October 04, 2006, 08:06: Message edited by: geodeticman ]

10-04-2006, 06:40 AM	#10
geodeticman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Colorado Rockies- Rampart Range Posts: 261	Yuri, Like BILLW, I like the Don Quixote arrangements and whole album mixes of talent, and any other album with Nick DeCaro string arrangements, as well as others in the IYCRMM through COTS time period, which varied a bit I know. SSOL stood seperately out of context imho. It was more "Pat Boonish" mixed with "Jim Reeves" as Gord spoke of his very first recordings pre-Lightfoot! I know there are aome killer-good songs on it, but the sound is different, background singers, etc. It sounded so different than the album before and after, is all. But viva la difference ! Not my cup of tea, is all. Sundown was certainly a bigger production imho as an album than the just about last and best I agree of his simpler times music such as DQ, but I'd add ODR and COTS to that end of simple. But simple to me for Gord still includes lavish strings - real strings - where he thanks local union string players. and often collaboration between Nick and Gord on string arrangements and mixing. It showed Gord's Westlake College training in orchestration and composing to great advantage. I guess easier said for me is what his "simpler" arrangements for me are NOT - over- produced like EOM - though I love "I'll Tag Along", and loved the song EOM sung solo and acoustic, on his knee, in concert ! Excellent ! Arguably Sundown had a lot more money pured in it, but it let Gord flex his talent muscles more completely and utilize his education much more, with the addition subtly of some electric guitar - such as Sundown the song. Also, the synthesizer on Seven Island Suite - incredible song. I've always loved the soaring string sections in songs in that roughly '70 - '76 time period, songs that illustrated my taste best include "Is There Anyone Home" , "Beautiful", "That Same Old Obsession", "Looking at the Rain", 'It's Too Late for Prayin",and "Now and Then", etc. I've come to recognize the thing that makes me look right thru the wall off into music landscapes painted by Gord are set to strong advantage by primarily the strings, Gord's controlled vibrato period where he used it with discression, but could still do soaring vocals. Also, can't get 'em out of your head melodies (for us "airhead" whistler/hummers LOL Sydney Steve }, and interesting lyrics as well. I could if I had to live with just '69 - '76 releases of Gord's for the above reasons, but what I would miss of the gems all to come, and the ambitious and purist folk that preceeded. Just did not like the sound, nor apparently did Gord as he has said. More precisely, he said I believe "I do not like to listen to that time period [60's]". I cringed the most in the Salute/EOM time period, when he began (comparitively) "rocking" (I had the Eagles, Van Halen, and Aerosmith for that back in the 70's, but Lightfoot was Lightfoot!) How 'bout that for begging the question ! But with incredible albums like DSR, and Shadows mixed in there, I still could not live without a given time period. Closest would be his 60's era. I know his voice was, while immature in the 60's compared to his so-called by pundits speaking highly of his 73-75 "Broadbrimmed period", strong and clear with admirable vibrato, but it lacks for me (the 60's) what I consider to be "my" "Lightfoot sound" characteristics of the type you ask, Yuri. Even then, I'd forever regret not having CRT, Crossroads (underrated working man's song) Softly, and SFAWN in their original form from the 60's, along with others, but my consolation would be the re-recorded versions I admit I lke better on GGI. So the variable but identifiable sound of '70 - '76, less SSOL (sorry folks) [covering head], mixes, hallmark for me being incredible orchestration/string sections with Nick DeCaro was my favourite. One last thought Yuri (I have the impression you don't mind reading longer pieces like mine, please tell me if you do). Regarding the kind and well-meant comment above on the breaking up of writing into paragraphs, and breaking up of chain sentences for others reading ease. Good thread ! geo Steve p.s. see note immediately following explaining the following below.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: The following below is a matter in which I may be able to share notes with Yuri, but is not germaine to any music, or GL. Thought I'd spare y'all from old news below, whereas Yuri might not have ever come across my old.. EVEN LONGER LOL pieces of work in posts - I must explain to him below. Yuri - (continuing) May I share a personal thought with you if this is difficult (the typing and structuring of your posts) for physical or other reasons for you: My first 2 months or so..+/-, I wrote posts that were page-long single-space, i.e. 8 x 11 page ! And also they were considerably long run-on sentences. While my unchecked (literally) faculties as I am told are SOMEWHAT varying to noteably better ( per PM's to me in kindness) in this writing regard, I still struggle with this every day when I write anything. Some days it flows better, with less effort and re-checking. But usually, as a courtesy to other corfid readers who were kind enough to gently (in most cases LOL) point this out to me, such as the courteous manner Borderstone did above as ameans of help. Cathy coached me through a lot of things, as she had shared a similar-in-some-ways medical event as did I, and I know you most certainly have. She valiantly ran interference for me while I listened to her in PM's and posts as to how MY particular typing could be easier read. I had not used a TYPEWRITER OR PC IN ABOUT 5 YEARS ! This was due to a mountaineering accident followed by a car accident with a long list of double-digit surgeries, leg, hip, neck, eyes/head, and back surgeries and procedures. Noteably, my head and brain injury, caught too late in severity. I re-learned a large amount of almost everything, but thankfully, my memory loss was short-term ( in some regards) but I also have total blanks of some years in the last ten or so. My education is in tact, thank God, at least so say my old prof's and a co-author. The only reason I bring this up, while I know you've been hit with far worse and more difficult injury/illness (the extent and nature of being none of my business) is that I listened to well-meaning suggestions of how to type more "easy to read" too - and ultimately I benefitted from them, as they aided in my rehabilitation (and re-learning social skills as I took umbrage at first). Then worked though, but not without hurting some people inadvertantly. Many were not at all courteous like Borderstone's. Brink and others besides Cathy helped me a lot. I still have a long way to go - long-windedness (LOLRH) and chain sentences, and non-sequiter subjects. I do not suggest your difficulties are in any way similar to my old and present challenges, but you can count on Borderstone to be thoughtful and well-meaning. Many did not know of my "disability" (I hated that!!!) and I tried to not let it preceed me. I'd just burst it out passivley/aggressiveley (only sorta, not formally LOL) when I got mad about suggestions from people that simply did not know of my physical and mental limitations as I started into the room around January. They never would have said what they did if they had known, at least not that way. But all meant well. Well - if I can help with any small talk, thoughts, or observations, or vice-versa if you wish to point out my hard-to-read for you things, do not hesitate. As far as I am concerned, biased as I am, I have no trouble reading your posts, and enjoy them a lot. I just feel for you, as I continue. If your physical state is non-germaine and private to you - I will respect that and not mention again. Also, if any discourse you'd prefer in PM's - OK. Keep your great posts and threads coming - I enjoyed this one - too much ! (as the peanut gallery groans) LOL -geo Steve P.S. - it just occurred to me, if you would be so kind as to point out anything in my writing style (where to begin A HAHAHAHA), please do not hesitate, as I certainly do not wish to presume that the fact that I have improved some... though clearly not above...LOL, that reading my work is any "easier" than yours. I'd welcome your critique, openly or PM. And I do NOT feel you "need" MY input. always interesting posts of yours Yuri, - "geo" Steve Dunbar [ October 04, 2006, 08:06: Message edited by: geodeticman ]