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Elbow — Real Life (Angel)
Album: The Take Off And Landing Of Everything
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1457









Released: 2014
Length: 6:44
Plays (last 30 days): 1
If you wake in the quake in the roll of the heartbroken
Pounding the ground in a sawn off ballet
Bring us in an indigo dawn with the lovelorn and renegade

You always found peace in the grip of the beat, darling
Time alone with the pounding of your heart
As it starts to heal you'll find a better mirror in another

You have never known dumbfounded
So out of reach and hollowed through
Blue and white the light and sound surrounded
As the music pulls you through
And on that hallelujah morning
In the arms of new love, the peace that you feel's real life

Go straight to the place where you first lost your balance
And find your feet with the people that you love
And bring us in an indigo dawn with the lovelorn and renegade
Yes you were the eyes of a men not forgotten
Get hold of the night that rises in your blood
Focus on your pulse, focus on your breath, know that we're never far away

You have never known dumbfounded
So out of reach and hollowed through
Blue and white the light and sound surrounded
As the music pulls you through
And on that hallelujah morning
In the arms of new love, the peace that you feel's real life

Angel
Angel
Angel
Angel

You with the eyes of the men not forgotten
You with the eyes for the lonely whoever
You with the life that could bring down a tenement
Talking your way through the hearts of the citadel
Up on the tables, or shoulders of strangers, or
Under my arms we add to the waterfall
My little sister with blazing common
You'll never need fear a thing in this world while
I have a breath in me; blood in my veins
You'll never need fear thing in this world while
I have a breath in me; blood in my veins
You never need fear a thing in this blue world

You have never known dumbfounded
So out of reach and hollowed through
Blue and white the light and sound surrounded
As the music pulls you through
And on that hallelujah morning
In the arms of new love, the peace that you feel's real life
Comments (79)add comment
How beautiful 
 SeannRooney wrote:

I sure owe RP praise on this one...Elbow was my best new discovery in the last year (some close seconds).  What a big-ass rock I was under!!!  TYRP.



Be gentle with yourself. It is perhaps not possible to keep up with every band, no matter how old or new. That's why we love RP.
I sure owe RP praise on this one...Elbow was my best new discovery in the last year (some close seconds).  What a big-ass rock I was under!!!  TYRP.
 SonicCocktails wrote:

I'm surprised by the derision here about Elbow (mostly) and this song (specifically). RP listeners generally tend to have pretty open ears, and I'm surprised that this doesn't appeal to more of them. Just me I suppose, but I really dig it, and I don't feel it's any longer than it needs to be. I have no problem with a musician or band that takes their time making a statement. I enjoy staying in one place for a few minutes, and (for me) this is a nice place.



And the lyrics are really lovely. Excellent group.
No comparisons please. This band has outlived Coldplay on their merits of grand song writing. No one song sounds like the other. .
 Stratocaster wrote:

Peter Gabriel indeed, seasoned with a sprinkling of Dave Matthews.




I agree! Real good tune! Thanx RP, I never heard of ELBOW before!
 nottheusualkind wrote:

The vocalist sounds like Peter Gabriel, style and all.




I agree! and it is a real good tune! Thank You RP, I never heard of Elbow before!
Peter Gabriel indeed, seasoned with a sprinkling of Dave Matthews.
 rob0101 wrote:
Uh, and this isn't Peter Gabriel's sound?  Am I the only one who thinks so ?
 

Funny, I grew up with Peter Gabriels music since my dad is a huge fan.

I never realised Guy Garvey had a very similar voice until I had an Elbow cd on in the car and one of my passengers said something along the line of "This really sounds like that guy uuuuh... Peter Gabriel? "

What a revelation. Perhaps this was the reason I'm such a big Elbow fan? 
Probably not. Elbow is just really really really fucking good.
The vocalist sounds like Peter Gabriel, style and all.
Unfortunately, as a snooker watcher, I am too familiar with John Virgo ("where's the cue ball going"), and Guy is unfortunately John Virgo singing.  So this band annoys me even thought it is really good.
Something out of nowhere when I saw the title I couldn't help but wonder if Mr Garvey et el were tilting their hats at an Oz band from the 80's ie Real Life and the single was "Send me an Angel". Ok like I said it came out of nowhere...
More Elbow please.. 
I could not live the same quality of life I enjoy without RP.
The reason I rate this song so highly is because.... “ as the music pulls me through “ I respect and am humbled by such lyrical offerings...
 memoryboxer wrote:
I'm with SonicCocktails on this. A lovely few moments of poetry and lush sound. They can stomp out a good bar tune when they wish as well but Garvey's magic is his romance amidst a street level grit.
 
Let me beat the RP drum once again: A favorite band newish to me. I still like me some Sting/Police, Pink Floyd, Journey, Cold Play, but many times I skip those highly-rated favorites on my Favorites playlist hoping I get something like this. This recording of  "One Day Like This" just tugs at my heart 
'Sawn-off ballet' has got to be the most poetic term for a relationship cut short I have ever heard.  Guy Garvey is a brilliant lyricist.
I'm with SonicCocktails on this. A lovely few moments of poetry and lush sound. They can stomp out a good bar tune when they wish as well but Garvey's magic is his romance amidst a street level grit.
 admascott wrote:
reminds me of Coldplay w/o as much whining
 
reminds me of Coldplay w/o the enjoyment.
reminds me of Coldplay w/o as much whining
 jmkate wrote:
I am consistently impressed by this group. What a great combination of thought and sound.

 

Uplifting and beautiful. Sorry haters. It's a 9.5
I love everything about these guys. Saw them in concert a week ago and they did not disappoint. Apparently some don't like them, but what's new? To each their own.  8
 tprimeau wrote:
 Shhh, I'm trying to listen..

Sasha2001 wrote:
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.
 

 
Aren't Paul Anka and Andy Williams the same person? {#Ask}

This song isn't very captivating.


It's sounds like Coldplay to me... blah... 2
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.
 
Hilarious.   There are indeed lots of valid points in this post.

This song is lovely.  But overall, the album is weak.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.
 
Hilarious.   There are indeed lots of valid points in this post.

This song is lovely.  But overall CD is weak.
 Shhh, I'm trying to listen..

Sasha2001 wrote:
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.
 


 Bert7 wrote:
How about a little Peter Gabriel.{#Laughing}

 
Right?
How about a little Peter Gabriel.{#Laughing}
 Stratocaster wrote:
Sounds great - vocals remind me of Dave Matthews.

 
That's it! I was wracking my brains (or what passes for them) for that connection.
I'm surprised by the derision here about Elbow (mostly) and this song (specifically). RP listeners generally tend to have pretty open ears, and I'm surprised that this doesn't appeal to more of them. Just me I suppose, but I really dig it, and I don't feel it's any longer than it needs to be. I have no problem with a musician or band that takes their time making a statement. I enjoy staying in one place for a few minutes, and (for me) this is a nice place.
 Proclivities wrote:

Those aren't doors.

 
And yanks aren't welcome...
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.

 
We get it. Everything should be in 4/4 and recorded live to tape from 1 mono mic.

 

::: slow clap :::    **jerk off motion**


The sun is also shining here, it is Thursday afternoon here, and I also scored it Nine! Funny coincidence.{#Dancingbanana_2}

msymmes wrote:
The sun is shining here on a Saturday afternoon and this tune sounds great at high volume.  Bumping it to a NINE imho.{#Dancingbanana_2}

 

The sun is shining here on a Saturday afternoon and this tune sounds great at high volume.  Bumping it to a NINE imho.{#Dancingbanana_2}
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.
 
Sooooo ... you're saying you don't like it?
Sounds great - vocals remind me of Dave Matthews.
 Jim_Messenger wrote:

Yoko Ono has written an open letter to rock band Elbow for mentioning her in their new song ‘New York Morning’.

The Japanese artist – the widow of Beatles legend John Lennon – has been name-checked by the group on their latest track ‘New York Morning’.

In the lyrics, frontman Guy Garvey sings: “Oh, my giddy aunt, New York can talk, It’s the modern Rome and folk are nice to Yoko.”

The song is taken from their latest album ‘The Take Off And Landing Of Everything’ and references the time when Yoko lived with John in New York before he was almost kicked out of the US in 1973 by immigration authorities for his marijuana conviction in Britain in 1968.



 
Thanks for that, Jim Messenger....enjoyed reading that letter just now.
Hard not to like.   I really like it because it goes on so long.  Very meaty.
 ItchyJack wrote:
{#Frustrated}JMaynard...I'm the guy next to you yanking the doors too!

 
Those aren't doors.
Good morning to you too RP
 JMaynardGelinas wrote:
Does this song ever end? It's like yanking at the doors of hell to flee endless purgatory. 

 
 there are doors?  Like real doors with some muscle-bound bouncer weeding out the minnows and people without a tie or an entourage of ten pretty woman?

absolutely love this song ...
Bought the CD but agree with other comments.  This is OK but does not come close to Seldom Seen Kid.
{#Frustrated}JMaynard...I'm the guy next to you yanking the doors too!
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
I don't know. I was a huge Elbow fan with the earlier stuff. The recent albums, to me, have tried too hard to be "epic" or something. Can't put my finger on it. The material from Seldom Seen Kid was grittier, hungrier. Now, it seems the band has found a comfy spot to write whatever they want regardless of the reaction. I don't think they're that epic just yet, maybe never.

 
While I like this song a lot, I agree with you 100 percent. Seldom Scene Kid is one of my favorite records from the past 10 years or so. While I like everything they've done since, it does not come close to that level. Seems strained and somewhat forced at times. Still, a great band overall.
Does this song ever end? It's like yanking at the doors of hell to flee endless purgatory. 
I don't know. I was a huge Elbow fan with the earlier stuff. The recent albums, to me, have tried too hard to be "epic" or something. Can't put my finger on it. The material from Seldom Seen Kid was grittier, hungrier. Now, it seems the band has found a comfy spot to write whatever they want regardless of the reaction. I don't think they're that epic just yet, maybe never.
Rating this 9 - a fabulous band, well connected to their musical ambitions and able to deftly enunciate this both live and in the studio. I really do think they are one of the better bands in the last 20 years. And this from somebody who appreciates everything from Vivaldi to Van Halen. Keep it coming!!
Love these guys! {#Cheers} 
One of the most downbeat tracks on an already subdued album. Wonderful lyrics, but the music doesn't do it for me.
Lush, over-produced soft rock.

Even when Elbow has a tidy 3-minute ditty with evocative lyrics they can't seem to get out of their own way and procede to muck it up by dragging it on for another, unbearable 2 minutes. Did I say over-produced? That's not quite right; a producer might have had the good sense to cut out the infection before it destroyed the entire limb.

Everbody keeps comparing these guys to early Genesis like that's a good thing. I seem to recall that speckled between all of Genisis' experimental, mental masturbatory filler were a handful of really good - some great - songs. Elbow has entire albums worth of mediocrity with occasional flairs of the inane and self-congratulatory. they're not a rock band, they're like if Electric Light Orchestra had only ever listened to Paul Anka and not the Beatles. Did I say Paul Anka, I meant Andy Williams.
 arlvatom wrote:
Love the song, the album and the band - regardless of the Peter Gabriel comparisons.  The May 11 show in DC was excellent.  What is it with the line about Yoko?

 

Yoko Ono has written an open letter to rock band Elbow for mentioning her in their new song ‘New York Morning’.

The Japanese artist – the widow of Beatles legend John Lennon – has been name-checked by the group on their latest track ‘New York Morning’.

In the lyrics, frontman Guy Garvey sings: “Oh, my giddy aunt, New York can talk, It’s the modern Rome and folk are nice to Yoko.”

The song is taken from their latest album ‘The Take Off And Landing Of Everything’ and references the time when Yoko lived with John in New York before he was almost kicked out of the US in 1973 by immigration authorities for his marijuana conviction in Britain in 1968.


Liking this. I see another Elbow CD purchase in the near future.

Hope I can 'click thru' RP to make the purchase but if I can't, there are alternative means. 
 arlvatom wrote:
Love the song, the album and the band - regardless of the Peter Gabriel comparisons.  The May 11 show in DC was excellent.  What is it with the line about Yoko?

 
Agree - I'm not a big Gabriel fan, but Elbow  .... The DC show was really good - excellent rapport with the audience. I was wondering before what the Elbow fan base was - pretty ecletic.
Is there any relation to Real Life - Send me an Angel? {#Cool}
Wonderful song -  excellent show in Boston last Monday. They have so many great songs and have a warm rapport with the audience.
 
Just loving Elbow..every time I check to see who is playing - its Elbow!
I love you. Jaqueline Novaes . São Paulo . Brasil
Beijos do Brasil. Jaqueline Novaes
Love the song, the album and the band - regardless of the Peter Gabriel comparisons.  The May 11 show in DC was excellent.  What is it with the line about Yoko?
10, next 
 brendanvs wrote:

I agree. Elbow remind me of the early Genesis. Great live!!

 
I also agree but its why I hate them.  Bloody Gabriel will you stop at nothing man?  Now you're launching sound alikes at me.
Darn. These guys are good.  I am starting to like the band and not just the tunes.
 brendanvs wrote:

I agree. Elbow remind me of the early Genesis. Great live!!

 
Maybe, on an evolutionary scale.
They are very different animals.
Love them both.


Can't help it. I just like Gary Garvey's voice and the tunes are very catchy. You've sold me on Elbow.
 rob0101 wrote:
Uh, and this isn't Peter Gabriel's sound?  Am I the only one who thinks so ?

 
I agree. Elbow remind me of the early Genesis. Great live!!
We know Bill's happy Elbow has a new album. But enough for a while.
This song makes me happy it makes me think of Tim Young I like him I like to spend time with him he makes me happy like the song does and I know him and sometimes the song is playing when we spend time together, time with Tim Young. 
I am consistently impressed by this group. What a great combination of thought and sound.
Uh, and this isn't Peter Gabriel's sound?  Am I the only one who thinks so ?
 brendanvs wrote:
Great song! Can't wait to get the album!

 
Got my digi copy from my Russian Comrades...
 xnavy wrote:

I was in Switzerland last year. Took our breath away

 
Great, glad you liked it!
(thanks for posting the lyrics -- now available above -bg)
Great song! Can't wait to get the album!
very nice, very thoughtful musically and lyrically
 peregrin8 wrote:
Listened to the full album while driving through a remote part of the Swiss Jura Mountains. It felt like flying.

 
I was in Switzerland last year. Took our breath away
Listened to the full album while driving through a remote part of the Swiss Jura Mountains. It felt like flying.