[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead ¤ milky moon ¤ • View topic - Joanna Newsom Song Tournament V (2015)
Set 1 - Pairings 1 to 6 A FINAL Pairing A-1 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-2 - Kingfisher Pairing A-4 - Only Skin Pairing A-5 - Cosmia Pairing A-6 - Sapokanikan B FINAL Pairing B-1 - On A Good Day Pairing B-2 - Leaving The City Pairing B-4 - Sadie Pairing B-5 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-6 - Good Intentions Paving Co. C FINAL Pairing C-1 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-2 - Autumn Pairing C-4 - Goose Eggs Pairing C-5 - En Gallop! Pairing C-6 - Easy
Set 2 - Pairings 7 to 12 A FINAL Pairing A-7 - In California Pairing A-8 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-9 - Kingfisher Pairing A-11 - Only Skin Pairing A-12 - Sapokanikan B FINAL Pairing B-7 - Anecdotes Pairing B-8 - On A Good Day Pairing B-9 - Leaving The City Pairing B-11 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-12 - A Pin-Light Bent C FINAL Pairing C-7 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-8 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-9 - Autumn Pairing C-11 - En Gallop! Pairing C-12 - Colleen
Please cast your votes for one song in each of the following 30 pairings (or specify a tie if you can't decide). I expect to post the results and the next sets of parings at the end of Wednesday 9th December (UK time).
Set 3 - Pairings 13 to 18 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-13 - In California || Only Skin Pairing A-14 - Monkey & Bear || Emily Pairing A-15 - Go Long || Kingfisher Pairing A-16 - Have One On Me || Baby Birch Pairing A-17 - Sapokanikan || Cosmia SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-13 - Anecdotes || Sadie Pairing B-14 - On A Good Day || Good Intentions Paving Co. Pairing B-15 - Peach, Plum, Pear || Leaving The City Pairing B-16 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne || '81 Pairing B-17 - Divers || You Will Not Take My Heart Alive THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-13 - Time, As A Symptom || Swansea Pairing C-14 - Ribbon Bows || Easy Pairing C-15 - En Gallop! || Autumn Pairing C-16 - Soft As Chalk || Goose Eggs Pairing C-17 - Yarn And Glue || Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie
Set 4 - Pairings 19 to 24 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-19 - Go Long || Sapokanikan Pairing A-20 - Sawdust & Diamonds || Monkey & Bear Pairing A-21 - In California || Have One On Me Pairing A-22 - Kingfisher || Only Skin Pairing A-23 - Emily || Baby Birch SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-19 - Peach, Plum, Pear || Divers Pairing B-20 - A Pin-Light Bent || On A Good Day Pairing B-21 - Anecdotes || Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-22 - Leaving The City || Sadie Pairing B-23 - Good Intentions Paving Co. || '81 THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-19 - En Gallop! || Yarn And Glue Pairing C-20 - Colleen || Ribbon Bows Pairing C-21 - Time, As A Symptom || Soft As Chalk Pairing C-22 - Autumn || Swansea Pairing C-23 - Easy || Goose Eggs
Set 3 - Pairings 13 to 18 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-13 - In California || Only Skin Pairing A-14 - Emily Pairing A-15 - Go Long Pairing A-16 - Baby Birch Pairing A-17 - Sapokanikan SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-13 - Sadie Pairing B-14 - Good Intentions Paving Co. Pairing B-15 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-16 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-17 - Divers THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-13 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-14 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-15 - Autumn Pairing C-16 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-17 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie
Set 4 - Pairings 19 to 24 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-19 - Go Long Pairing A-20 - Sawdust & Diamonds Pairing A-21 - In California || Have One On Me Pairing A-22 - Only Skin Pairing A-23 - Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-19 - Divers Pairing B-20 - On A Good Day Pairing B-21 - Anecdotes Pairing B-22 - Sadie Pairing B-23 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-19 - En Gallop! Pairing C-20 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-21 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-22 - Autumn Pairing C-23 - Easy
Set 3 - Pairings 13 to 18 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-13 - Only Skin Pairing A-14 - Emily Pairing A-15 - Go Long Pairing A-16 - Have One On Me Pairing A-17 - Cosmia SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-13 - Anecdotes || Sadie (tie) Pairing B-14 - Good Intentions Paving Co. Pairing B-15 - Peach, Plum, Pear || Leaving The City (tie) Pairing B-16 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-17 - Divers THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-13 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-14 - Easy Pairing C-15 - Autumn Pairing C-16 - Soft As Chalk || Goose Eggs (tie) Pairing C-17 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie
Set 4 - Pairings 19 to 24 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-19 - Go Long || Sapokanikan (tie) Pairing A-20 - Sawdust & Diamonds Pairing A-21 - In California || Have One On Me (tie) Pairing A-22 - Only Skin Pairing A-23 - Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-19 - Peach, Plum, Pear || Divers (tie) Pairing B-20 - A Pin-Light Bent Pairing B-21 - Anecdotes || Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne (tie) Pairing B-22 - Leaving The City || Sadie (tie) Pairing B-23 - Good Intentions Paving Co. || '81 (tie) THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-19 - En Gallop! Pairing C-20 - Colleen Pairing C-21 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-22 - Autumn Pairing C-23 - Easy
Sorry for the large amount of ties! And did I understand correctly that it was your birthday, Steve? Then (belated) congratulations from me, I hope you had a nice day!
Set 3 - Pairings 13 to 18 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-13 - In California & Only Skin Pairing A-14 - Monkey & Bear & Emily Pairing A-15 - Kingfisher Pairing A-16 - Have One On Me Pairing A-17 - Sapokanikan SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-13 - Anecdotes Pairing B-14 - Good Intentions Paving Co. Pairing B-15 - Leaving The City Pairing B-16 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-17 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-13 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-14 - Easy Pairing C-15 - Autumn Pairing C-16 - Soft As Chalk & Goose Eggs Pairing C-17 - Yarn And Glue
Set 4 - Pairings 19 to 24 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-19 - Sapokanikan Pairing A-20 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-21 - In California & Have One On Me Pairing A-22 - Kingfisher & Only Skin Pairing A-23 - Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-19 - Divers Pairing B-20 - A Pin-Light Bent Pairing B-21 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-22 - Leaving The City Pairing B-23 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-19 - Yarn And Glue Pairing C-20 - Colleen Pairing C-21 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-22 - Autumn Pairing C-23 - Easy & Goose Eggs
Set 3 - Pairings 13 to 18 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-13 - Only Skin Pairing A-14 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-15 - Go Long Pairing A-16 - Baby Birch Pairing A-17 - Sapokanikan SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-13 - Anecdotes Pairing B-14 - Good Intentions Paving Co. Pairing B-15 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-16 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-17 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-13 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-14 - Easy Pairing C-15 - Autumn Pairing C-16 - Goose Eggs Pairing C-17 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie
Set 4 - Pairings 19 to 24 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-19 - Sapokanikan Pairing A-20 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-21 - In California Pairing A-22 - Only Skin Pairing A-23 - Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-19 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-20 - On A Good Day Pairing B-21 - Anecdotes Pairing B-22 - Leaving The City Pairing B-23 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-19 - En Gallop! Pairing C-20 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-21 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-22 - Swansea Pairing C-23 - Goose Eggs
Thank you for your votes, Alex Ysoltsev and Headless_Caboose. Some of these pairings look like they are going to be very close, with or without ties from individual voters...
I also had trouble making a choice between Go Long and Kingfisher. Both have a different, unique moment, for me: the suggestion of muted thunder that suffuses the later part of Kingfisher, and the astonishing was she sings "Kentucky" in Go Long. It was a hard decision, but eventually I went the same way as Headless_Caboose. I like the "pup in the constant barley" line, too (although it's a bit offset by the little child / little lamb part). I wonder why the barley is 'constant'?
Ahem. Don't forget, voting on these pairings closes in approximately 31 hours from now, at which point I will get the next sets posted as quickly as possible. Sorry this final is being done at breakneck speed to get it completed before 2016.
Set 3 - Pairings 13 to 18 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-13 - In California Pairing A-14 - Emily Pairing A-15 - Go Long r Pairing A-16 - Baby Birch Pairing A-17 - Sapokanikan SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-13 - Sadie Pairing B-14 - On A Good Day. Pairing B-15 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-16 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-17 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-13 - Swansea Pairing C-14 - Easy Pairing C-15 - En Gallop! Pairing C-16 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-17 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie
Set 4 - Pairings 19 to 24 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-19 - Sapokanikan Pairing A-20 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-21 - In Californi Pairing A-22 - Only Skin Pairing A-23 - Emily || Baby Birch tie SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-19 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-20 - On A Good Day Pairing B-21 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-22 - Sadie Pairing B-23 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-19 - En Gallop! Pairing C-20 - Colleen Pairing C-21 - Time, As A Symptom || Soft As Chalk tie Pairing C-22 - Swansea Pairing C-23 - Easy || Goose Eggs tie
And without further ado, please cast your votes in each of these next sets:
Set 5 - Pairings 25 to 30 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-25 - In California || Sapokanikan Pairing A-26 - Cosmia || Sawdust & Diamonds Pairing A-27 - Kingfisher || Have One On Me Pairing A-28 - Only Skin || Monkey & Bear Pairing A-30 - Go Long || Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-25 - Anecdotes || Divers Pairing B-26 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive || A Pin-Light Bent Pairing B-27 - Leaving The City || Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-28 - Sadie || On A Good Day Pairing B-30 - Peach, Plum, Pear || Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-25 - Time, As A Symptom || Yarn And Glue Pairing C-26 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie || Colleen Pairing C-27 - Autumn || Soft As Chalk Pairing C-28 - Swansea || Ribbon Bows Pairing C-30 - En Gallop! || Easy
Set 6 - Pairings 31 to 36 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-32 - Sawdust & Diamonds || Go Long Pairing A-33 - Have One On Me || Sapokanikan Pairing A-34 - Cosmia || Only Skin Pairing A-35 - Monkey & Bear || Baby Birch Pairing A-36 - Kingfisher || Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-32 - A Pin-Light Bent || Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-33 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne || Divers Pairing B-34 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive || Sadie Pairing B-35 - On A Good Day || '81 Pairing B-36 - Leaving The City || Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-32 - Colleen || En Gallop! Pairing C-33 - Soft As Chalk || Yarn And Glue Pairing C-34 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie || Swansea Pairing C-35 - Ribbon Bows || Goose Eggs Pairing C-36 - Autumn || Easy
Set 5 - Pairings 25 to 30 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-25 - In California -tie- Sapokanikan Pairing A-26 - Sawdust & Diamonds Pairing A-27 - Kingfisher Pairing A-28 - Only Skin Pairing A-30 - Go Long -tie- Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-25 - Anecdotes Pairing B-26 - A Pin-Light Bent Pairing B-27 - Leaving The City -tie- Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-28 - Sadie Pairing B-30 - Peach, Plum, Pear -tie- Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-25 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-26 - Colleen Pairing C-27 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-28 - Swansea -tie- Ribbon Bows Pairing C-30 - En Gallop! -tie- Easy
Set 6 - Pairings 31 to 36 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-32 - Sawdust & Diamonds Pairing A-33 - Sapokanikan Pairing A-34 - Only Skin Pairing A-35 - Baby Birch Pairing A-36 - Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-32 - A Pin-Light Bent -tie- Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-33 - Divers Pairing B-34 - Sadie Pairing B-35 - '81 Pairing B-36 - Leaving The City -tie- Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-32 - Colleen Pairing C-33 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-34 - Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie Pairing C-35 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-36 - Autumn
I love those musical moments that you mentioned, too, Steve. Especially "Kentucky", what she loads into her delivery of that one word, one of my favorite moments of HOOM. There are so many on the new album, too, too many to name or remember now, but I do love the way she sings "double hulls" in Divers, the way she says "honey" in Waltz, "recently" in Goose Eggs.... I guess - is there anything that isn't an astonishing moment, really? Oh, this is obvious, but, wow - the way she sings "sky" in A Pin-Light, Bent.
Set 5 - Pairings 25 to 30 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-25 - In California & Sapokanikan Pairing A-26 - Cosmia Pairing A-27 - Kingfisher & Have One On Me Pairing A-28 - Only Skin & Monkey & Bear Pairing A-30 - Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-25 - Anecdotes Pairing B-26 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive Pairing B-27 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-28 - On A Good Day Pairing B-30 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-25 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-26 - Colleen Pairing C-27 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-28 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-30 - Easy
Set 6 - Pairings 31 to 36 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-32 - Go Long Pairing A-33 - Have One On Me Pairing A-34 - Only Skin Pairing A-35 - Monkey & Bear Pairing A-36 - Kingfisher & Emily SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-32 - A Pin-Light Bent Pairing B-33 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-34 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive Pairing B-35 - On A Good Day Pairing B-36 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-32 - Colleen Pairing C-33 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-34 - Swansea Pairing C-35 - Goose Eggs Pairing C-36 - Easy
Is it almost time for you to do your mysterious witchcraft to the numbers and find out which song won?
Thank you both for your votes, butterbean and Jordan~.
I always enjoy reading comments when you vote, so feel free to keep them coming! As for the "mysterious witchcraft", Jordan~ - well, we've had a decent quantity of votes now, but - as Joanna herself cautions, "What is this sample proving?" Only time will tell.
On that subject, I have mapped out some provisional closing dates for the remaining sets: The current pairings, Sets 5 & 6 - should close as Monday 14th December turns into Tuesday 15th Sets 7 & 8 - should close as Saturday 19th December turns into Sunday 20th Sets 9 & 10 - should close some time during Saturday 26th, but this may be any time from about 1am until very late at night (UK time, as ever. I was going to put a time on it, but I'm not sure what's happening on Boxing Day, so rather than reserving the right to repeat my mistakes, I'll leave it deliberately vague). Set 11, the last one, I intend to leave open until the last moment of 2015 in any part of the world, and then to post the final results as soon as possible thereafter, with an analysis following after that.
Apologies that some of these times are a bit fluid: I hope no-one misses out on voting because of this.
Predicting the positions may well be less easy than in previous years. We only have about eight people voting regularly, so it is more susceptible to one or two unexpected choices. There are likely to be more ties, or at least more close results, which means that the destination of the 10 win-points in certain pairings can be finely balanced. Another effect to consider is that my own perceptions of the 'Divers' songs is changing as I become more accustomed to the album, and I am sure I am not alone in that. For instance, I had originally thought of Anecdotes as something of an overture, hinting at what was to come, but without any great substance of its own: I am now liking this song more and more each day, and revelling in its subtleties. On the other hand, A Pin-Light Bent was initially getting much love on MM when the album first emerged, but is performing less well than I'd have expected in Division 2. I suspect this is because other songs have caught up in people's affections, rather than any lessening of love for Pin-Light, but it demonstrates how fluid our preferences are at the moment. Meanwhile, Only Skin actually had a slight 'wobble' during one of the earlier rounds: not enough to be a major shock, but just a hint that it may not win JNST *every* year!
Also, just looking as Jordan~'s and butterbean's votes in Division 1, it's noticeable that they are very close to being exact opposites of each other! The fact that Joanna's songs are so intricate, and appeal to us all on many different levels, will, I guess, always mean that there will always be shifts in our personal and collective favourites, thus keeping JNST interesting even in quiet years, and - more importantly - keeping her work fascinating for ever.
Butterbean - you pick some wonderful moments in your comments. (In fact, I think there used to be a thread about that very phenomenon somewhere on here). That 'Recently' comes as such a wake-up call, as does "Not you, Honey: you I know" in the same song, and those moments are endearing Goose Eggs to me more and more now that they feel such an integral part of the song, rather than the slightly awkward feel they had (to my untrained ears) when I first heard it/them. Likewise, in Waltz, the "Honey, where did you come by that wound", as you suggested, is just so arrestingly marvellous. I almost wrote about the 'double hulled' line from Divers, too, in an earlier post about the song. It's certainly one of the (many) high spots I look forward to in that song, which - to me - is even starting to rival the 'big ones' in that respect (for me, they include: both versions of En Gallop, Emily, Only Skin, Sawdust, the EP version of Cosmia, Have One On Me, Baby Birch, and Kingfisher .. and wow, I was only going to put three there but I found it hard to stop once I got started, and even now I am tempted to add others like Kite ...). Most of those are more of a musical nature than a lyrical one, although clearly they all excel in both categories; an exception might be En Gallop where it is the stunning changes of tempo, and the play-off between hesitancy and confidence that make it an absolute stand-out for me, and one I always hope will do better in JNSTs [I'm not trying to influence anyone's votes, though ... honestly! Perhaps those moments in this particular song are not easy to 'get': they had to be pointed out to me before I really appreciated them, and I wonder whether many people overlook them, as I did for a long while]. Anyway - what I was going to say about the 'double hulls' line, and it's an odd point, but I really like how the end of that line ('double masts') sounds: for me - and I don't know if it's generic to southern English speakers, there is generally something very slightly grating about the American 'a' sound when words like 'masts' are sung, especially when they are emphasised or at the end of a line. However, here is a rare exception: Joanna pulls it off perfectly, and it's a stand-out line in the song for me. (I have no way to explain my prejudice, which is in no way meant to be derogatory towards anyone's accent: in fact, I appreciate accents as a rule. I should also add, though, that attempts by singers to mitigate it, or substitute southern English pronunciation in their songs are usually doomed to failure. The classic case is Lady In Red by Chris De Burgh, when he contrives to pronounce 'dance' as I would - with a long 'aa' - and it sounds dreadful, and then he attempts to rhyme it with 'romance' which does naturally have that 'a' sound as in Alabama. Anyway - well done Joanna for navigating round those offshore rocks in this great line. And, I feel her pain but she does really well with the initial unstressed 'a' sounds in "flight Attendant" and "anelectric and Alone", too.
The one I hadn't especially picked up on is 'sky', so I am now going to head off and listen to Pin Light again to experience it for myself.
I also forgot to say happy birthday, Steve! Hope you had a lovely evening :>
Set 5 - Pairings 25 to 30 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-25 - In California Pairing A-26 - Sawdust & Diamonds Pairing A-27 - Have One On Me Pairing A-28 - Only Skin Pairing A-30 - Go Long SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-25 - Divers Pairing B-26 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive Pairing B-27 - Waltz Of The 101st Lightborne Pairing B-28 - Sadie Pairing B-30 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-25 - Time, As A Symptom Pairing C-26 - Colleen Pairing C-27 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-28 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-30 - Easy
Set 6 - Pairings 31 to 36 FIRST DIVISION Pairing A-32 - Sawdust & Diamonds || Go Long (tie) Pairing A-33 - Have One On Me Pairing A-34 - Only Skin Pairing A-35 - Monkey & Bear || Baby Birch (tie) Pairing A-36 - Kingfisher || Emily (tie) SECOND DIVISION Pairing B-32 - Peach, Plum, Pear Pairing B-33 - Divers Pairing B-34 - You Will Not Take My Heart Alive Pairing B-35 - '81 Pairing B-36 - Good Intentions Paving Co. THIRD DIVISION Pairing C-32 - Colleen Pairing C-33 - Soft As Chalk Pairing C-34 - Swansea Pairing C-35 - Ribbon Bows Pairing C-36 - Easy
Thank you for your votes, solfatara, and for your kind comment. My sister came to visit (with food) - this is the same sister who I invited to accompany me to the concert last mont . She asked who was playing, and when I SMS:ed her that it was Joanna Newsom, I didn't get a reply. Oh well, tastes differ I suppose. Some people have them, and others just don't . the food was nice though.