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Post by roger on Mar 18, 2007 18:47:07 GMT
On Odyssey, I felt the production of “My Heart Belongs to You” was sappy and poorly engineered and marred a fine performance by Hayley. Is that on the US version? Hi Jon, 'My Heart Belongs to You' appears of the US, NZ, HK and Japanese versions of Odyssey. Other than that, I think your post has been answered by someone more clever than me!  Roger |
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Post by nicola on Mar 19, 2007 8:14:32 GMT
I have My Heart Belongs To You, and I just bought the first version that was in the Uk. Confused.
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Post by socalboy on Mar 19, 2007 22:00:56 GMT
Several wonderful reviews by Roger, Mark, Grant, Oksana (specifically like me on Celtic Treasure) and others have covered a lot of ground beautifully, and Nicola has written persuasively for the minority view. So I want just to give a few impressions rather than a full-blown review of Celtic Treasure.
Overall, this album is more gratifying for me than Odyssey. Pure is another matter – it was my first love, and no one is ever quite like your first love. In fact, I’ve decided not to compare anything to Pure because it has become my favorite album of all time (by any artist) and a cherished part of my very existence. It stands alone. Hayley and Pure have actually affected changes in my life in a way that no artist or work of art ever has. It probably explains why I can seem a bit strident on matters relating to Hayley.
So back to Celtic Treasure. Is it a bit melancholy overall as some have suggested? I suppose so. I don’t find this objectionable, especially as most of it comes from a childhood place with so much meaning for Hayley. There is emotion to be mined from quiet, reflective moments as much as from those that are heated and passionate. The songs of Celtic Treasure are remembrances like Proust’s madeleines, with the capacity to reawaken dormant or forgotten episodes from youth. For me, this is almost palpable in Hayley’s voice.
I’m glad I waited a few more days to share my thoughts, because against all odds a couple of songs have pretty much closed the gap with my original favorite. So with that said:
Let Me Lie: A soulful communion with mother earth by a beautiful custodian. This is important to Hayley, and if Bush didn’t get the message when she delivered it, then maybe he should be forced to listen to this song a thousand times. I love the way she stretches the lyrics until they seem to hold and reflect the sun’s rays. She is wondrous on this.
Scarborough Fair: This was lavish and spectacular on the CW Slane Castle DVD, a little more spare and restrained here. Still gentle and graceful like Hayley herself.
Shenandoah: Is there anything more adorable than her Kiwi pronunciation of the wide
Mee-ya-zoo-ree? She gives this traditional American folk song her own langourous spin, as if she’s recalling some parallel place of her own. A somewhat surprising choice, but lovely.
Summer Fly: I’ve pretty much said my piece on this. While I remain completely taken in by the clap-along quality of this beguiling song, my argument for it’s commercialization is strictly pragmatic. I want to post more on that subject, but I’ll reserve it for the Miscellaneous thread on ways to make Hayley popular in the U.S. I do want to repeat my belief that if Summer Fly doesn’t become a duet with Mairead on the fiddle during Hayley’s second leg of the CW tour, then criminal neglect charges should be filed.
Whispering Hope: Like hearing beautiful gospel echoes while strolling by church. A bit too brief to really sink my teeth into.
Danny Boy: So certain was I that another rendition of Danny Boy could do nothing for me, that I almost skipped over it. Never underestimate Hayley. For me, this song recalls qualities of Hayley’s voice in Pure but also reflects its more-rounded maturity. She has made this her own. God she’s good.
Summer Rain: I guess I just love all the Summer songs on Celtic Treasure. The same vocal dexterity that made the sun shine in Let Me Lie is employed this time to let the lyrics dance and drizzle. One of my favorites.
The Last Rose of Summer: I absolutely fell in love with this duet on the Slane Castle DVD. So what gives here? It’s supposed to be the same recording, but though I only re-listened to the DVD once, there’s something amiss. Particularly in Hayley’s opening verse - notes and lyrics drop out. Is it a bad pressing, a technical lapse? I don’t get it, but it does affect the experience for me.
One Fine Day: My least favorite track. The popular conversion of an operatic aria works less well for me than for others apparently. I just don’t believe that stylistically this plays to Hayley’s strengths.
Sonny: One of those gap-closers I referred to earlier. Sonny takes it place in Hayley’s Pantheon. Gorgeous, evocative, heart-wrenching. For those who claim Hayley sings without emotion, do you not hear the energy sapped from her very soul, as she strains to whisper, “I’m feeling so tired, and not all that strong?” What a musical masterpiece this is. I don’t believe anyone else will ever sing it to my satisfaction.
The Water is Wide: Two in a row. Something about the chord progression in this song showcases the personality traits that distinguish Hayley’s gorgeous voice and give it its magical appeal.
Melancholy Interlude: No doubt this is an ironic title for some. It was apparently a lyrical interlude for Hayley and her contribution as lyricist is admirable.
Abide By Me: Though I’m quite familiar with Abide by Me, I really like Hayley’s take. Here as much as anywhere, the often-discussed therapeutic qualities in her voice inject this hymn with precisely what it requires – a soothing, reassuring sense that all will be well, if not in this world, then beyond.
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Post by Stephany on Mar 19, 2007 22:15:12 GMT
Socalboy, many thanks for this wonderful review. I really enjoyed reading it. Danny Boy: So certain was I that another rendition of Danny Boy could do nothing for me, that I almost skipped over it. Never underestimate Hayley. For me, this song recalls qualities of Hayley’s voice in Pure but also reflects its more-rounded maturity. She has made this her own. God she’s good.
At first, I thought exactly the same thing about Danny Boy. I almost wanted to skip it because I thought I would soon grow tired of it; having listened to it so many times. I was asking myself : "What can she add to this song? What can she do that others haven't done yet?" But indeed, we're talking about Hayley Westenra here. And her version of the song is simply...pure...gorgeous. And believe it or not, it almost brought me to tears.  PS : I just realized I never posted a review of "Treasure". Will do probably next weekend ! I want to listen to it again and again before really set up my mind (my favorite song on the CD changes almost every day  ) |
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Post by roger on Mar 19, 2007 23:07:47 GMT
I just realized I never posted a review of "Treasure". Will do probably next weekend ! Next weekend? But... but... but that's at least FIVE days away! That's 120 hours... that's 7200 minutes... that's, er, too long to wait! Okay then, we'll wait for you.  Roger |
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Post by graemek on Mar 19, 2007 23:43:44 GMT
Thank you Socalboy & Stephany.
I printed out both your posts so my wife could read them.
I always enjoy reading what Hayley "True Believers" say....excellent.
Stephany, Hayley was singing May it Be & was singing the "elfin" refrain when I heard her voice for the very first time.
The tears just poured down my cheeks....I couldn't stop them.
The beginning of the "Last Rose"... had the same effect on me.
I still don't fully understand it but it is to do with the stunning vocal beauty combined with her strange combination of magnificence of performance & apparent vulnerability as she performs. (immersed as she says)
What more can I say except "sigh"...........Graeme
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Post by mariannek on Mar 20, 2007 0:42:55 GMT
Hi Socalboy, Thank you for your thoughtful Review ! I will not even think about reviewing ! Lost for words on this occasion ! Let Me Lie...I have not yet taken to it...reminds me too much of New Age. Summerfly...love the upbeat rendition One Fine Day...I would have loved an operatic version by Hayley !!! The Water Is Wide...one of my favorites on Odyssey SE. I am still growing to like the Album, although Hayley's voice always absolutely fascinates and thrills me to listen to !!! Love, Marianne  |
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Post by socalboy on Mar 20, 2007 0:58:26 GMT
I am still growing to like the Album, although Hayley's voice always absolutely fascinates and thrills me to listen to !!! Love, Marianne Hi Marianne: It is a fascinating voice, isn't it? That's a word to describe it I hadn't thought of, but I thoroughly agree. It is something apart from the beauty of her voice and the talent with which she sings. It is her own little mystery and she enchants us with it. |
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Post by milewalker on Mar 20, 2007 1:31:10 GMT
Hello all
This is by no means a full review - for one thing, I dont think I could top you guys. However there are a few points which occur to me more or less at random.
No singer is perfect, and no album is perfect. However, lest you think I am going to join Nicola in going on to express my disappointment, I have to say that Celtic Treasure has been playing largely non-stop on my system since I received it on Wednesday.
One person above noted that many of the songs on this album are sad - and this is indeed the case. What Hayley tries to do (and sometimes succeeds at) is sing songs which express what one might call solace through acceptance and tranquility, by virtue of the sheer ethereal beauty of her voice In fact, I think that this theme has been prominent in her work dating all the way back to "Hayley Westenra" - which contained Bright Eyes and I Dreamed a Dream. Has anyone else noted how many of her songs touch on death? This certainly makes for some beautiful and sometimes heatbreaking music - but it would not suprise me if a lot of people find it a bit heavy. I cant quantify this - but I suspect that the way the audience reacts to that kind of music in general may be one difference between the UK and the US.
Speaking personally, my favorite tracks so far, in order of preference are Summer Fly, Summer Rain , the Last Rose of Summer, and Shenandoah. I was prepared to dislike her version of One Fine Day - and I still have a quibble with the construction of the song in the middle (they havent made up their mind if it is an aria or song) but her voice has certainly grown enough to pull it off. Sonny is almost too sad for my taste - but I must admit the song is growing on me.
Someone also mentioned that Summer Rain was "Enya-esque". Well, the opening stacatto strings are evocative of "Orinoco Flow", but having said this, I dont think Enya has anything like that much power on her best day.....
Since Hayley is now touring with Celtic Woman, I hope she never confuses Summer Fly and Spanish Lady....the results could be traumatic.
Jon
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Post by grant on Mar 20, 2007 10:08:01 GMT
Hi Socalboy Thoroughly enjoyed reading your review this morning. I too love Hayley's proununciation of "Mee-ya-zoo-ree" in fact I find myself waiting for it! Milewalker - enjoyed your review too! Now Stephany, it's your turn. Pleeeeeeeeeese don't make us wait too long I'm dying to hear what you have to say. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by nicola on Mar 20, 2007 12:49:40 GMT
I was thinking of 'Only If' among others when I said that.  Also, I wasn't comparing the voice! Enya can barely sing at all, well, she can, but she is certainly nothing special, vocal wise. The production and the sound over all sounded very much like Enya. And why not, it's a celtic CD! I don't think there is anything wrong with comparing them, considering the icon that Enya is! |
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Post by Mark on Mar 20, 2007 12:59:42 GMT
Hi Socalboy Very many thanks for your review. It is almost like you put into words what I myself feel, with just the odd minor exception. So many things you said, I am thinking the same I particularly agree with your thoughts on Sonny. How about in the first corus when she sings "your daddy's a sai.............lor, never comes home" Dont you find yourself just waiting for the way Hayley delivers that, at almost a whisper .... shivers running down my spine as I think about it Cant wait for your review now Stephany - no pressure or anything Best regards Mark. |
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Post by Mark on Mar 20, 2007 13:03:05 GMT
Hi Milewalker
Just realised I didn't mention your reveiw in my last post. I also enjoyed reading yours, its good to hear about the songs that are on Celtic Treasure that we don't have on the UK version.
Best regards
Mark.
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Post by jons on Mar 21, 2007 15:17:00 GMT
I was thinking of 'Only If' among others when I said that. Also, I wasn't comparing the voice! Enya can barely sing at all, well, she can, but she is certainly nothing special, vocal wise. The production and the sound over all sounded very much like Enya. And why not, it's a celtic CD! I don't think there is anything wrong with comparing them, considering the icon that Enya is! I've never heard Enya sing live. But I prefer her singing 'Mat It Be' to Hayley's version. It sort of feels 'Middle Earth'; very haunting - more so than Hayley for some reason, which surprised me. |
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Post by milewalker on Mar 21, 2007 18:40:11 GMT
Enya wrote the song Jon S (btw I admire your parents choice in names ) One would expect that she had her own voice in mind when she wrote it. Enya doesnt have a lot of voice - but she is quite good at wringing everything she can out of it..... Jon (the other) |
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Also, I wasn't comparing the voice! Enya can barely sing at all, well, she can, but she is certainly nothing special, vocal wise. The production and the sound over all sounded very much like Enya. And why not, it's a celtic CD! I don't think there is anything wrong with comparing them, considering the icon that Enya is! 