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Imogen Heap — Clear The Area
Album: Speak For Yourself
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1252









Released: 2005
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Knock, knock. Are you alone?
No one's out here and I was not followed
Love, love. You're already home
Party's over and you don't look so good

You find your way back down
And I'll keep the area clear (please clear the area)
When you find your way back down - in one piece
Then I'll just be waiting here - (right here) right here (right here)

Low light, mercury morning
No need to stay as it's always nothing
But your eyes tell a whole other story
And I feel the weight of the world
You won't talk (won't talk)
You won't try (won't try)
Just move (just move)
It's too still in your sadness
Cry (cry)
Give up (give up)
It's okay (it's okay)
You've just got to trust me

You find your way back down
And I'll keep the area clear (please clear the area)
When you find your way back down - in one piece
Then I'll just be waiting here - (right here) right here (right here)

Slowly (slowly)
Darling (darling)
Nobody means any more to me than you
If you're in (if you're in)
Baby, then I'm in (into this)
With you always
Careful (careful)
Close to the edge (you're scaring me)
Fall in to my arms (away with it all)
Fall (fall) into love
Love

You find your way back down
And I'll keep the area clear (please clear the area)
When you find your way back down - in one piece
Then I'll just be waiting here - (right here) right here (right here)

You find your way back down (way back down)
And I'll keep the area clear (so, please clear the area)
When you find your way back down - in one piece
Then I'll just be waiting here - (right here) right here (right here)
Comments (176)add comment
 ziggytrix wrote:

That could be because Immi is 1/2 of Frou Frou. :)


Is she Frou or Frou?
 raelic wrote:

Latest copies in the stores don't have the rootkit crap on them, just FYI; at least mine didn't.



Well, this comment was a blast from the distant past.
 jules44 wrote:
My biggest girl crush!
 

Crushing on her too
My biggest girl crush!
 jagdriver wrote:
Insipidly banal.
 
I thought your comment was lifeless and boring too.
My train had just passed the German border and wound through the Swiss mountain scenery tamed by man (and woman), when this album came on – it was breathtaking!
We saw Josh Groban last week at the O2 and he was supported by Ms Heap.  Just her and a piano, brought in at short notice, it appeared.  No backing, no tech.  It felt like she had been hung out to dry and the audience didn't appreciate it.  It wasn't a pleasant experience in places.  Shame.  Perhaps it was the "arena" thing that didn't work.
 coy wrote:

didn't see it - do you have the address ?

 
I'm not sure why you want the Mountain Winery address, but in case that's what you meant, here it is:
14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga, CA 95070
 Hogtownmike wrote:
Sounds a lot like Frou Frou or the last Saint Etienne. Good stuff though...

 
That could be because Immi is 1/2 of Frou Frou. :)
TURN IT UP LOUD!
Just love this artist - compelling for me.
She is beyond cool, one of the best female musicians out there now!!
Sounds a lot like Frou Frou or the last Saint Etienne. Good stuff though...
Kicky, sweet, pop powered by a pleasant female voice.  Cotton candy that helps balance the darkly ominous clouds out the window.
This is lovely...
4->3
 Dave_Mack wrote:

Dude!  I was at that show!  I agree with everything you said.  It was an awesome show, and she's a really endearing performer.

 
didn't see it - do you have the address ?
In my opinion this woman is amazing. She get 10 from me. Seeing her with Jeff Beck was just awsome.
justlove her
Is it just me, or is Immi the Dream Pop equivalent of Tori Amos?  Wish she'd do another album as Frou Frou with Guy.  Can listen to that one over, and over, and over, and...
 jagdriver wrote:
Insipidly banal.
  Had to look it up,,,OH YEAH ! {#Yes}
The intro was cool tho.

 Dude wrote:
Just saw Immi in concert at the Mountain Winery, Saratoga.  She is truly one of the most talented musicians of our generation.  She's an amazing singer, pianist, songwriter, and performer... and just a wonderful human being.  She had a contest in each city, inviting the winners up on stage to sing "Earth" A Capella, and it was just incredible.
Her songs get better with every listen.  Every song, every album.  They're all good.

I highly recommend the special 2 CD version of her new album (Ellipse) that you can order from her site, where the 2nd CD is the same as the first, sans vocals.  The instrumental versions of some of her songs really show the depth of her songwriting and recording skills... layer upon layer of cool melodies. 
 
Dude!  I was at that show!  I agree with everything you said.  It was an awesome show, and she's a really endearing performer.

What IS it about her voice that makes me melt?  I love it. She can whisper, shout, scream, croon, and put all manner of inflections on every syllable she sings. The woman is amazing. Another new favorite vocalist.  Thanks, RP!
Just saw Immi in concert at the Mountain Winery, Saratoga.  She is truly one of the most talented musicians of our generation.  She's an amazing singer, pianist, songwriter, and performer... and just a wonderful human being.  She had a contest in each city, inviting the winners up on stage to sing "Earth" A Capella, and it was just incredible.
Her songs get better with every listen.  Every song, every album.  They're all good.

I highly recommend the special 2 CD version of her new album (Ellipse) that you can order from her site, where the 2nd CD is the same as the first, sans vocals.  The instrumental versions of some of her songs really show the depth of her songwriting and recording skills... layer upon layer of cool melodies. 
Insipidly banal.
love this one !
 Sayre wrote:
I don't understand it.  I like everything she does and can't see why everyone doesn't share my enlightened outlook........
 
It is puzzling ......{#Stupid}
 vit wrote:
Great fart song! Sometimes her voice even squeaks like she's trying to push one out. Excellent.
 
Women don't fart...............just ask my wife.

Great fart song! Sometimes her voice even squeaks like she's trying to push one out. Excellent.
Sneaker Pimps—Post-Modern Sleaze
Massive Attack—Teardrop
Imogene Heap
nice segue(s) I think
 greyfin10 wrote:

She's being very gracious about that imho... her latest v-blog she was leading up to something on Youtube that was bothering her and I was sure she was going to vent about just that, but then she says "No, that's all great, I love people doing that"... and it turned out someone from the record company was sending some sort of cease and desist orders to those people making the vids and she felt awful about it.  Have I said she's a cool chick?  No?  Well she is. 

She is the coolest. I haven't looked forward so much to an album in a long time as I'm anticipating Ellipse, to be released August 25. The v-blogs of her creative process in developing the songs on it have whetted my interest even more.


What a killer set! thanks Bill.
I like so many elements in this song.  Typically sparkally (a word?) beautiful IH pop construction.  She is so good I think. Wish (at least right now) the swooping noise had been mixed the back much more
It gets way up in my face right now


Most enjoyable album, I will say though it does take a few listens for some of the songs.  Still, this is a strong 8.

She's being very gracious about that imho... her latest v-blog she was leading up to something on Youtube that was bothering her and I was sure she was going to vent about just that, but then she says "No, that's all great, I love people doing that"... and it turned out someone from the record company was sending some sort of cease and desist orders to those people making the vids and she felt awful about it.  Have I said she's a cool chick?  No?  Well she is.


 mbailey wrote:

This is a personal fave, and one of my top three Imogen songs.   Great blend of moodiness and urgency, empathy and clarity. 


Oh, and don't you just hate how "hide and seek" has become a kind of pop culture joke?  nothing feels more plebian than currently feeling passionately about something dimissed by others as today's cliche or yesterday's news.

 


{#Motor}{#Motor}{#Motor}
Yeehah! Imogen Heap here, frikken Annakin on the LRC and my wife walks into the room and asks if I'd like to hear some D.J. Shadow on the stereo. Man did I marry the right woman.
I like the back beat in the chorus combined with the sparser verses.  Nice contrast.
Just don't like this personal song.
Masive Attack is fine. But this Imogen is lacking. not so bad it disrupts the musical flow, but not worthy of stopping to ponder. "You clear the area" and I'll kill the song. {#Bounce}


This is a personal fave, and one of my top three Imogen songs.   Great blend of moodiness and urgency, empathy and clarity. 


Oh, and don't you just hate how "hide and seek" has become a kind of pop culture joke?  nothing feels more plebian than currently feeling passionately about something dimissed by others as today's cliche or yesterday's news.

 Bizzarefall wrote:
I just love her - I know her breathy singing pisses people off and absolutely nobody I know likes her.
Dunno something about her sound that grabs me...
 
I don't understand it.  I like everything she does and can't see why everyone doesn't share my enlightened outlook........
I heard Imo on SOMAFM and instantly liked her.  Bought all the CDs and I love them.  More Imogen!!
I can't believe RP declined Hide and Seek ?!?!
It is one of those rare stop -in-your-tracks, once-in-a-decade songs.
An astounding piece of work.

 jamm wrote:
This is nice but I'd love to hear "Hide & Seek".
That song is absolutely amazing!
 
I submitted "Hide and Seek" recently, not checking far enough down the Imogen Heap submission list to see that it had been rejected already.  I got an instant "sorry."  Maybe it's the vocorder, but I think it's an amazing track too!

Bizzarefall wrote:
I just love her - I know her breathy singing pisses people off and absolutely nobody I know likes her.
Dunno something about her sound that grabs me...

Don't worry eh.  I sort of know you, sort of, and I love Imogen too.  Hope that helps.

I just love her - I know her breathy singing pisses people off and absolutely nobody I know likes her. Dunno something about her sound that grabs me...
"Heap"? "Clear the Area"? Now I get it. Like when I come out of the bathroom with my newspaper in the morning.
Ahh, sure nice to hear Immy! :)
Sounds like Bill is spinning the vinyl at 18 rpm instead of 78 RPM.
Nice selection, umm selector? If you like Imogen Heap you might like her Later incarnation as "Frou Frou". She's done tons of soundtrack songs too. If you like Zack Braff stuff you'll know what I mean. All I need now is some Death Cab for Cutie, hang on isn't that.....
Do I detect shades of Dido here?
what can i say
I just really don't like this. The vocals drive me nuts. Very distinctive, but not in a good way. IMHO.
I dunno..I I just dunno
I'd think this was decent if not for the f'd up vocals.
Oh , please, could you synthesize your voice just a little more... please?
dunno wrote:
deja vu ? today, dec.23rd, we got: Sneaker Pimps - Post-Modern Sleaze Massive Attack - Teardrop Imogen Heap - Clear The Area but nevertheless, it's a great stretch of music.
1/23/08...got that smart-trippy-feminine music stretch!
aquadonia wrote:
Sneaker Pimps to Massive Attack to Immi. Me likes this.
deja vu ? today, dec.23rd, we got: Sneaker Pimps - Post-Modern Sleaze Massive Attack - Teardrop Imogen Heap - Clear The Area but nevertheless, it's a great stretch of music.
I thought I recognized the voice: She sings on an LHB album in a song called Coming Up for Air. I love artists who play with different bands. Makes me think of British rock bands from the seventies who had no trouble collaborating with each other.
Massive Attack to Imogen....let's hope this trend continues. Love it!
Sneaker Pimps to Massive Attack to Immi. Me likes this.
Echoezzzzzz,#3
This an 8 for great.
Like the chorus, don't like the verse, the lyrics are awkward
This song is most certainly growing on me!
sexy voice
Though this goes beautifully after Teardrop, it's not one of her best... lyrics aren't generally her strong point. I feel bad criticizing this, because the smooth glide between this song and the previous is absolutely inspired, but I think I might have tried "Let Go" from her time with Frou Frou, or perhaps Headlock, off this same album, instead. But this is pretty great anyway. And I love Feist too. This set is goddamn awesome.
Her voice is really quite nice when not electronically distorted into oblivion.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Can anyone recommend her best CD?
This one, Speak For Yourself
Can anyone recommend her best CD?
enidualc wrote:
this cd is actually very lovely ~sigh~
Beautiful, diverse, soulful...
I thought it was Dido when I heard this. Very similar. 7
My brother bought this CD thinking it was something else. When he decided it was too "girly", he gave it to me. I have been attatched to it ever since. I would love to hear some of the other tracks.
mmmmmmmm what d'ya say?
this cd is actually very lovely ~sigh~
Please (click here) for some visual Heap.
cripes.....we're all so depressed nobody is complaining about anything...and this usually draws some sort of fire
celadonstone wrote:
Props to this artist for dressing in a creative costume to the USA Grammys instead of some ritzy prom gown like everybody else.
Geez, that wasn't a creative costume that was a surplus British army ghillie suit. And a butt-ugly one at that. What was she thinking other than trying to get some attention! I'll give her credit for having the courage to wear the thing!
Catchy tune.
Actually, "Clear the Area" is good advice.
UltraNurd wrote:
Awesome set Bill - love the Pimps/MA/Imogen sequence.
I was really sorry she didn't get more deserved attention at last night's Grammy's. She was nominated for Best New Artist... and we RPers know she rocks our world... not some American Idol (second placer...) who doesn't write her own songs let alone produce the whole album in her bedroom!!!! For you New Yorkers, I just today got an email she's playing at Bowery Ballroom on 15 February - 2 shows. I recommend highly if you haven't seen Immy live.
Little_Wing wrote:
Thank you! I can't listen to this CD on my computer because it might scrog the whole system.(thanks to Sony)
Anyone know if this disc has been rereleased in non-broken form?
Props to this artist for dressing in a creative costume to the USA Grammys instead of some ritzy prom gown like everybody else.
Glad to see Imogen at the Grammys, but what was with the "garden on her head"?
Awesome set Bill - love the Pimps/MA/Imogen sequence.
First time I have really listened to this. I like her voice and the ambient electronica
I'm a slow mover. About the third time I heard this, I finally heard it. Need more Imogen.
Essex is a big village.
I grew up in the same village as Imogen but she is a bit younger than me so did not come across her. As someone mentioned below the drum programming is really good with the loops and samples. Good stuff and a great voice.
Spot_69 wrote:
That too! And she's got a great voice . . . I'm looking forward to seeing my first live Imogen show this Sunday at the Warfield. I expect great things!
Rub it in !! San Diego rarely gets anything worth listening to. :(
SigmaBetaTooth wrote:
"The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play." Richard Strauss quotes (German Composer, 1864-1949)
That too! And she's got a great voice . . . I'm looking forward to seeing my first live Imogen show this Sunday at the Warfield. I expect great things!
reedifus wrote:
this is just a piece techno ballad should rp bother with music absent of actual instruments?
if you're challenging Imogen Heap's musical talent .. there really aren't too many people who can program drums like this, make melodies, perform them, write lyrics and sing over top of it all to top it off.
Sneaker Pimps, Massive Attack, Imogen Heap.... Ahmmmmmnnn..... I'm in RP Heaven. Nice grouping, Bill.
This entire album is fantastic. To hear that she did all writing, performing and producing by herself is immensely inspiring! Listening to Imogen makes me want to fiddle around with Garageband and make my own private masterpiece.
Spot_69 wrote:
Um . . . let me think . . . yes! I mean, no! I mean, yes, conditionally . . . Anyway, it seems to me that your definition of instrument needs a broader perspective. Almost anything can be an instrument. Check this out, if you haven't already: (click here)
"The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play." Richard Strauss quotes (German Composer, 1864-1949)
reedifus wrote:
should rp bother with music absent of actual instruments?
Um . . . let me think . . . yes! I mean, no! I mean, yes, conditionally . . . Anyway, it seems to me that your definition of instrument needs a broader perspective. Almost anything can be an instrument. Check this out, if you haven't already: (click here)
this is just a piece techno ballad should rp bother with music absent of actual instruments?
there's always so much going on in her music...
This is another one of her songs that affects me viscerally...I feel the music, the expressions of her voice. quite powerful.
1. Sneaker Pimps - Post-Modern Sleaze 2. Massive Attack - Teardrop 3. Imogen Heap - Clear The Area Nice work, Bill.
I got my daughter tickets to Immy's Houton concert this year (I'd have gone with her, but it was SRO and I didn't think I could stand thru the whole thing)... she is STILL talking about how amazing it was.
she sounds like an angel. please play more from her! thanks
foxfur wrote:
I love Imogen's voice and music. Being an alto I can actually sing along with a lot of it. This is beautiful, thanks for throwing this song into the mix! And seriously guys, I listen to RP because it's awesome and relaxing. I hear things I NEVER hear on regular radio and get to know bands I've never knew existed before now. Please take your music snobbery elsewhere ok!
Well said, I could not agree with you more!!!! I love RP...
Here comes the good stuff finally.
Funny, she was on Jeff Beck's cd and had him in the studio where he palyed on one of her tunes. I would have tried to get him more involved, her voice and his guitar tones really mesh.
Love It!!
ok, I'll take that back. had the album on my mp3-player for the last month and after repeated listenings, it has really grown on me. impressive vocal and musical performance. not the best ever and certainly not right for all situations but very good. this song gets an 8 from me. borderlessworld wrote:
great voice, but very mediocre music. the only really acceptable song from this album.
Thank you! I can't listen to this CD on my computer because it might scrog the whole system.(thanks to Sony)
One of the best artist finds in years. Her transition from rocker (I Megaphone) through Frou Frou and now her latest solo effort reveals an artist of great depth and talent. Mis-categorized by the industry (Hot Dance?) and too easily dismissed as euro-pop on first hearing. Subsequent listenings reveal true studio talent with magic fingers on the sound board and mix software.
I like this song, but Hide and Seek is brilliant use of electronica -- that one is godlike!
great voice, but very mediocre music. the only really acceptable song from this album.
Hey, not too bad. She didn't yodel or breath all over us in this tune. That fact alone raises this mundane number from a 3 to a solid 4!
On the issue of Imogen Heap.. love her voice, but like anything .. you have to take it in moderation.. I could listen to several songs in a row, but like the fact that here on RP, you get that mix .. so you don't hear song after song, for 12 or 13 tracks of just one artist, or else I'd be psychotic or emotionally unbalanced by the end of it.. I also love that her voice is so distinct that you can spot it nearly anywhere .. just like Cocteau Twins (yeah I think I butchered the spelling) you hear them, know who they are, and if in the right spot get a little twinkle in your eye or twitch of a smile because you know something that not many do know.. albeit here we are many... but in the rest of the world.. Cocteau who? Immo what? slartibart_O wrote:
RP is an interesting place. You get to see negative, bitter old coots that bitch about lots of songs,
Calling or "referencing" to someone as a bitter old coot isn't exactly being polite nor accepting yourself. There will be those that dont' like some types of music, just like I hate mainly both kinds of music, country and western (sorry just a joke from The Blues Brothers) in any case.. that some don't rate music can also be said that they don't because they realize the music isn't for "them" (like me and Reggae or some country/western)but then when they find something they like, want to make sure it doesn't get nixed by others as easily. Case in point I rarely rate 1's though I have, and rarely rate 10's, though again, I have and I am more than willing to change my rating, unfortunately there is no "delete my rating" for an individual song.
I love Imogen's voice and music. Being an alto I can actually sing along with a lot of it. This is beautiful, thanks for throwing this song into the mix! And seriously guys, I listen to RP because it's awesome and relaxing. I hear things I NEVER hear on regular radio and get to know bands I've never knew existed before now. Please take your music snobbery elsewhere ok!
Darkmatter wrote:
Yeah, I hear you. In the years I have been listening to RP and following the musical discussions, there has sure been a lot of people complaining, sometimes whining, about the music played. It seems some people love to share their dislike with the world. Me, I tend to only comment on the music I like and leave the rest. Why waste time and energy on the things you do not like? But that is just me though. Oh, pretty good song by the way. I like the voice.
i feel the same way.
I love Imogen!
bodhisattva1031 wrote:
i agree. i am amazed at all the negative comments.
Yeah, I hear you. In the years I have been listening to RP and following the musical discussions, there has sure been a lot of people complaining, sometimes whining, about the music played. It seems some people love to share their dislike with the world. Me, I tend to only comment on the music I like and leave the rest. Why waste time and energy on the things you do not like? But that is just me though. Oh, pretty good song by the way. I like the voice.
i agree. i am amazed at all the negative comments. if you don't like, change the station. that's what i do when i don't like the stream. it's always amazing to me that everyone else out there think they can do a better job. let me know when you start your own radio station--i'll come listen to it peace slartibart_O wrote:
RP is an interesting place. You get to see negative, bitter old coots that bitch about lots of songs, praise few and then don't bother to rate any songs in case someone should care to check and see just what DOES this guy like? Radiohead.. well there you go. Stick their CD in your drive and knock yourself out. If I didn't like any more than you do here than I sure as hell wouldn't stick around. Ever thought about just changing the station? I listen because I want to hear stuff I have never heard anywhere else and if RP only played the songs that in my narrow minded opinion rate from a 5 to an 8 I'd still think it was one of the better stations I've ever listened to. It's the 7's to 9's and a rare 10 that keep me listening. (and I rate songs for my own reference, I could care less if you agree or not)