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Tracy Chapman — Smoke And Ashes
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shellbella
(so california)
Posted: May 16, 2013 - 09:41
 
What a brilliant song.  {#Daisy}

CrawdadLA
(Austin Texas)
Posted: Apr 30, 2013 - 03:23
 
with this playlist this AM, RP will have me hooked all morning.  :)

Webfoot
(Eugene, Oregon)
Posted: Feb 26, 2013 - 14:18
 
Posted: Feb 26, 2013 - 14:00 < Reply >
 Cynaera wrote:
One of my favorite songs by Tracy Chapman. {#Sunny} Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having! {#Clap}
  
Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song... 

I miss Cynaera too.

Bill helps so many people get through so many days. Thanks Bill! 



Lazarus
(Bethany)
Posted: Feb 26, 2013 - 14:00
 
 Cynaera wrote:
One of my favorite songs by Tracy Chapman. {#Sunny} Thanks, Bill - what a great day of music I've been having! {#Clap}
 
Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song... 

randyblew
(Raleigh, NC)
Posted: Feb 11, 2013 - 07:07
 
I love how at the end of the song, after the lament to lost love, and her words of anger about how the whole relationship was a lie, the very last words, fading out, are baby - baby - baby. Lingering longing. Supposedly this was about her affair with Alice Walker? Wow. I get it.

catnip
(mostly wearing lard)
Posted: Jan 26, 2013 - 06:40
 
RP has kept me going this afternoon- this is just one of many high points.

This song is like coming home... 

LizK
(Houston, Texas)
Posted: Jan 10, 2013 - 22:44
 
Nice, very nice.  and I'm not much of a Tracy Chapman fan.

tdturner
(Vancouver)
Posted: Jan 10, 2013 - 22:39
 
+1

Coventry wrote:
Majestic chords; iconic voice; serious jam potential. Nice song to write by.
 



Coventry
(the great flyover country)
Posted: Nov 24, 2012 - 14:02
 
Majestic chords; iconic voice; serious jam potential. Nice song to write by.

Stingray
Posted: Oct 08, 2012 - 20:12
 
 bailey_comus wrote:
Isn't this about her affair with Alice Walker? 

From her Wiki : "In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker.<6> Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."<7>"
 
The daughter of the Walker Brothers?

Dahlia_Gumbo
(San Francisco)
Posted: Oct 08, 2012 - 20:09
 
I like everything about this song except for the too many ~baby~s. 
Starts to grate.    

rdo
(DC)
Posted: Sep 22, 2012 - 17:07
 
Great discussion below.  I can't see why anyone would complain about this voice though.  Missing Cy.

Alafia
(the dojo)
Posted: Sep 07, 2012 - 06:51
 
-7 points for way to many "baybayyyyy"s

Poacher
(Brighton, UK)
Posted: Sep 07, 2012 - 06:44
 
 stunix wrote:
yup, I be smokin' hashish baby!
 
Me too. . . almost every day for decades. 

stunix
(Narrowboat nr Caen Locks)
Posted: Jul 21, 2012 - 19:20
 
yup, I be smokin' hashish baby!

Solanus612
Posted: Jun 04, 2012 - 14:11
 
 jagdriver wrote:

I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists. 
 

I don't want to butt into an argument here, but jagdriver does have a bit of a point. I almost always focus on the music and vocals first, then pick up the lyrics along the way - maybe it's just the way my brain is wired. I have a lot of musician friends and from talking to them, I appear to be a bit of a freak w/r/t that.
That said, I love the way Tracy Chapman sings - there is so much emotion and expressiveness in her voice that it is hard not to get caught up in it. I have a tendency (and not insignificant ability) to try to emulate unique vocal styles and she definitely qualifies in that regard. I sing at Open Mic nights and have been performing a nearly dead-on version of Behind The Walls for years. If you sing it deadpan, it kills the emotion of the song; the quaver in her voice conveys the seriousness of the situation and the sadness of the outcome.
As for the two camps, don't think of it as a binary proposition. I'm not latching on to one thing in particular and dismissing all the rest; it's just what catches my ear, so to speak. 

pianocomposer
(Springfield)
Posted: Mar 17, 2012 - 02:47
 
 Sasha2001 wrote:
I love this song. It has such a wonderful rhythm and vibe to it. It always draws me in real close, then it hits me with that heartbreaking bridge.  Then, inexplicably, the bridge returns for a double dose of of sweet, sweet loss. Jazz baby...
  
Agreed. I thought Tracy Chapman was a one hit wonder with her Fast Car. This is a great indy song that would never have made the charts. But it is great.



johnjconn
(chicago land)
Posted: Mar 01, 2012 - 10:57
 
great tune


Proclivities
(Carrboro, NC)
Posted: Feb 14, 2012 - 08:55
 
 Cynaera wrote:

So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit?  And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."

I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.

It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.

 
Come on, Cyn, you know that there is very little "wrong" or "right" when it comes to matters of aesthetics and/or tastes; they can rarely be "justified", much less proven or disproved.  There are no mathematical formulae or double-blind, clinical trials which can precisely measure or designate the quality of a song - or any work of art.  To demand that someone "better be able to justify" an opinion which differs from yours, seems "narrow-minded", presumptuous, and somewhat hostile.  What primary basis can one have for their personal tastes other than their own "experience"?  Jagdriver was stating his opinion, he was not running for an elected office or writing a doctoral thesis.  That post seemed more grumpy than your usual posts; I guess you were having a long week that day.  Anyhow, I think this is quite a likable tune.



Sasha2001
(I can see Zabars from my window)
Posted: Jan 29, 2012 - 18:18
 
I love this song. It has such a wonderful rhythm and vibe to it. It always draws me in real close, then it hits me with that heartbreaking bridge.  Then, inexplicably, the bridge returns for a double dose of of sweet, sweet loss. Jazz baby...

whtahtefcuk
(Flagstaff, AZ, USA)
Posted: Jan 13, 2012 - 13:42
 
YES

Tamster
(Thousand Islands Canada)
Posted: Dec 12, 2011 - 19:30
 
this works for me..............

Cynaera
(In a hammock under my own vine and fig tree.)
Posted: Oct 26, 2011 - 15:57
 
 jagdriver wrote:

I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists. 
 
So - you're dividing music appreciators into two camps? You've already formed your framework? Tell me - into which of your two camps do I fit?  And, just hypothetically-speaking, what happens if you hear a song that's horrible musically? Do you just write it off, even if the lyrics are brilliant? And if you do, doesn't that make you a narrow-minded snob? Here's the thing - you're welcome to be whatever you want, but once you make it public on a forum, you subject yourself to a different set of parameters. In your private life, you can believe whatever you want. You can be the baddest pirate on the ship. Take it public, and you better be able to justify it with more than "My experience..."

I love this song. C'mon, jagdriver. Prove to me why I'm wrong and you're right.

It's been a long week today - Feel free to attack me tomorrow.


bailey_comus
(Phoenix, AZ)
Posted: Oct 26, 2011 - 15:51
 
Isn't this about her affair with Alice Walker? 

From her Wiki : "In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker.<6> Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."<7>"

AlienRelic
(east of Eden)
Posted: Aug 24, 2011 - 14:42
 
 choffman2001 wrote:
One of the funniest mis-heard lyrics ever, for me anyway, "Only smoking hashish, baby..." {#Ask}  This from a stoner with whom I used to work.
 
Damn! From now on, when I hear this song, I will NEVER be able to get that out of my head...{#Cheesygrin}

johnjconn
(chicago land)
Posted: Aug 24, 2011 - 14:41
 
 choffman2001 wrote:
One of the funniest mis-heard lyrics ever, for me anyway, "Only smoking hashish, baby..." {#Ask}  This from a stoner with whom I used to work.
 

gezz, I too thought that's what she was sing about. 
who knew

choffman2001
(Florida's Left Coast)
Posted: Jul 08, 2011 - 08:15
 
One of the funniest mis-heard lyrics ever, for me anyway, "Only smoking hashish, baby..." {#Ask}  This from a stoner with whom I used to work.

Cynaera
(South of Neanderthal)
Posted: Jun 22, 2011 - 16:44
 
 Webfoot wrote:

Not to horn in, but she is just one of those singer/songwriters that we admire, but don't always land in the right spot vocally for some.  The rare combo where both things (writing/singing) are technically excellent are even more rare.  Here, in this case, I have some issues with both, but overall I like it.  But that's just my opinion, which doesn't count for a whole lot.  Butting out now.

 
{#Wave}  Not horning in at all, Webfoot! My mom used to vault across the room to turn off the radio whenever a Johnny Mathis song played, because his vibrato made her ears hurt.  John Gary was another one, because he always sang about a half a note flat - just enough that it was like listening to an untuned guitar.  I like to think I'm pretty liberal about music, but every day at RP, I hear something that makes me want to rip my own head off, and something that I end up buying. I guess that's why this is Paradise - everything balances out nicely.


Lazaerus
(Valley of the Giants - Oregon)
Posted: Jun 22, 2011 - 16:40
 
I've always loved this ladies music, she moves me into a place of strong emotion, yet soothing at the same time... probably doesn't make sense to most, but it does to me.  "Sometimes I get into the music, and sometimes, not very often, the music gets into me!"

whtahtefcuk
(Flagstaff, AZ, USA)
Posted: Jun 22, 2011 - 16:39
 
I love Tracy's work... just wonderful.

jagdriver
(Just a nod and a wink south of Paradise)
Posted: Jun 06, 2011 - 16:52
 
 Cynaera wrote:
 Okey-dokey. Just asking.  So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals?  Ball's back in your court, jagdriver.  {#Mrgreen} You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface.  And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas. 
 
I've never considered this question. My experience is that music appreciators can be divided into two camps to begin: those who listen to the music first versus those who are driven first by lyrical content. I am definitely the former, so if a lead singer grates on my ears, it doesn't matter how wonderful the lyrics may or may not be. This explains why I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, for example, among many others who are considered to be top notch lyricists. 



Webfoot
(Eugene, Oregon)
Posted: Apr 04, 2011 - 11:13
 
 Cynaera wrote:
 jagdriver wrote:
Cynaera
(South of Neanderthal)
Posted: Aug 10, 2010 - 16:00 < Reply >
 jagdriver wrote: blech!


Why?
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.

Okey-dokey. Just asking.  So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals?  Ball's back in your court, jagdriver.  {#Mrgreen} You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface.  And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas. 

 
Not to horn in, but she is just one of those singer/songwriters that we admire, but don't always land in the right spot vocally for some.  The rare combo where both things (writing/singing) are technivcally excellent are even more rare.  Here, in this case, I have some issues with both, but overall I like it.  But that's just my opinion, which doesn't count for a whole lot.  Butting out now.


lemmoth
(NYC)
Posted: Apr 04, 2011 - 11:09
 
I think this is one of Tracy's better vocal performances.  More subtle and restrained than some of her tunes.


Cynaera
(South of Neanderthal)
Posted: Feb 16, 2011 - 13:55
 
 jagdriver wrote:
Cynaera
(South of Neanderthal)
Posted: Aug 10, 2010 - 16:00 < Reply >
 jagdriver wrote: blech!


Why?
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.

Okey-dokey. Just asking.  So - if someone else was to cover this song (because the lyrics are pretty eloquent), who would you choose to do the vocals?  Ball's back in your court, jagdriver.  {#Mrgreen} You're quick with opinions, but I bet there's a lot of other stuff simmering under the surface.  And if there isn't, then I'm sadly disappointed, because you come across as an intelligent (albeit snarky) poster with definite opinions and ideas. 


vaiodon
(Halfway to Paradise)
Posted: Feb 16, 2011 - 13:39
 
 Cynaera wrote:
I still love this song - such a hypnotic groove, with some pretty profound lyrics to go along with it.  The perfect blend
 
The groove feels cardiac - the way the heart thumps in the heat of lust and attraction with gasps of hesitation as one draws air.
 

chyk5
(Florida)
Posted: Feb 16, 2011 - 13:37
 
 boober wrote:

There goes my new song....entitled.."Baybyyyyyy.....I want you Mama...Uh-huh,Yeah"

 

{#Clap}

boober
(KC,Mo)
Posted: Feb 16, 2011 - 13:35
 
 Alafia wrote:
King Alafia's new decree:

All pop musicians from this moment on shall receive 1 lash with a barbed-wire cat-o-nine-tails for every "Baybyyyyyy" in each song they write.

thatisall
 
 
 
EDIT:  Addendum to the new decree:

1 lash each also for the words "Mama" "Uh-huh" and "Yeah"

 
There goes my new song....entitled.."Baybyyyyyy.....I want you Mama...Uh-huh,Yeah"


scrubbrush
(Sea of Calm)
Posted: Jan 31, 2011 - 16:24
 
i love her voice. however, i'm afraid this is one of the very few songs of hers i liked after that amzining first album of hers


Art_Carnage
(DeepintheheartofTexas)
Posted: Jan 31, 2011 - 16:20
 
The best I can say about this, is that I don't quite hate it as much as most of her other stuff.

slickdh
(Lost in the world)
Posted: Jan 31, 2011 - 16:16
 
I know where this set is going..... tugging on my breaking heart!  

musickat
(Lake of the Ozarks)
Posted: Dec 31, 2010 - 09:04
 
 LowPhreak wrote:
KILLER tune by Tracy. At least a '9'.
 
Yes I am going up to a 9 also.  Just beautiful  {#Meditate}


schayler
(Denver)
Posted: Nov 29, 2010 - 16:44
 
Brilliant, Bill.  Especially after playing The Boss.

sirdroseph
(Yes)
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 11:10
 
 ziakut wrote:
Great tune. Unpretentious and meaningful.
 

Yes indeed, 7 -> 8!

ziakut
(Chicago, IL)
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 11:09
 
Great tune. Unpretentious and meaningful.

jagdriver
(Just a nod and a wink south of Paradise)
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 11:07
 
Cynaera
(South of Neanderthal)
Posted: Aug 10, 2010 - 16:00 < Reply >
 jagdriver wrote: blech!


Why?
I can't stand the sound of her voice is why.

Alafia
(on the road)
Posted: Sep 27, 2010 - 08:28
 
King Alafia's new decree:

All pop musicians from this moment on shall receive 1 lash with a barbed-wire cat-o-nine-tails for every "Baybyyyyyy" in each song they write.

thatisall
 
 
 
EDIT:  Addendum to the new decree:

1 lash each also for the words "Mama" "Uh-huh" and "Yeah"


Cynaera
(South of Neanderthal)
Posted: Sep 27, 2010 - 08:22
 
I still love this song - such a hypnotic groove, with some pretty profound lyrics to go along with it.  The perfect blend - and a wonderful way to start the week. Thanks, Bill and Rebecca! *hugs you* {#Sunny}

Stefen
(West Hollywood, CA)
Posted: Sep 11, 2010 - 16:43
 
She's so good.

LowPhreak
(United Corporate States of Neo-Feudal Amurika, Inc.)
Posted: Aug 26, 2010 - 08:32
 
KILLER tune by Tracy. At least a '9'.

Jonathan_pa
(Somewhere in the vastness of space)
Posted: Aug 26, 2010 - 08:28
 
{#Notworthy}God Like!{#Notworthy}