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Post by nicola on Feb 5, 2009 16:34:58 GMT
As I mentioned somewhere else on this forum, I am going to write a marathon on Hayley on my blog. I know what you're all thinking (  !) I'm going to criticise her for a week, but that's really not the case. I have written the first piece, which is an introduction to the marathon, which I think explains my stand point with Hayley quite well. I get a few hundred hits a day at the best of times and I largely want to get her name out there, as I have some loyal readers that check back. Bearing that in mind, I would love comments on here from her most faithful and loving fans here at HWI. I know I am always disagreed with (ha ha), so I thought we may use the articles as a discussion point for all things both old and new Hayley.  The marathon begins here: Hayley Westenra Marathon: Introduction |
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Post by martindn on Feb 5, 2009 20:01:07 GMT
Hi Nicola,
Well, I read your into and their really isn't much to disagree with there. Just about everything that isn't subjective opinion I agree with. And subjective opinion is yours, so nobody can say it is wrong, even if their own differs. I might have felt the same if I had heard HW and MGTY before Pure.
You might regard Odyssey and Treasure as stopgaps while she grew up, but I enjoyed them. Treasure especially. It was her live performances and then Pure that first made me a fan though. And now HSJS is the one I regard as her best album.
Martin
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Post by nicola on Feb 5, 2009 20:07:57 GMT
I regard Treasure and Odyssey as disappointments at the moment (though not entirely, Odyssey has some great songs), but we will see when I listen to them again for reviewing. I am at the moment listening to Hayley's first album for the first time in years (I am currently reviewing it), and I actually feel very differently towards it now. I am actually impressed with it! For what it is, I mean. I have only had HSJS for a few days so I do not have an opinion yet. I'm leaving it until last. And thanks for taking the time to read it. I always feel a bit isolated about these things! ! |
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Post by martindn on Feb 5, 2009 20:16:32 GMT
Actually I drove to work on my own today because the my car pool members chickened out because of the snow. So I could play Hayley all the way there and back without feeling I was imposing my musical tastes on my passengers.
And those are the two albums I played, HW on the way and HSJS on the way back. Like you it is a little while since I played HW and I thought it sounded better than I remembered. It was certainly an impressive achievement for a 13 year old, with the limitations on choice of material due to her age.
Martin
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Post by nicola on Feb 5, 2009 20:20:41 GMT
That is very much in line with what I have written about it. I could barely believe it was a thirteen year old singing those songs. The only issue I have with HW at the moment (for what it is) is that 'All I Ask Of You' seems a bit inappropriate. Otherwise, it's a fine album for all the limitations it had. I am now quite hopeful about all of my repeated listenings.  |
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Post by gra7890 on Feb 5, 2009 20:34:57 GMT
Hi Martin and Nicola, I have been playing Hayley's early material recently ..... I certainly prefer the whole of the early discs compared to Odyssey and Treasure ( But not Pure ) However I do really like certain individual tracks from Odyssey and Treasure. Graham |
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Post by comet on Feb 5, 2009 21:28:46 GMT
Hi Nicola,
Have read your Marathon introduction and am looking forward to reading the rest of it, It is always great to hear the views of the younger audience.
I thought when you mentioned Hayley's first album, you meant Walking in the Air. I wonder have you heard it ?
You write very well, clear and concise , are you going to go into music journalism professionally ? or is that what you are already doing.
You do seem to spend a lot of time at the keyboard or maybe you type a lot faster the rest of us.
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Post by nicola on Feb 5, 2009 22:20:00 GMT
Hello Comet (I'm sorry... I don't know your name?) And to think, I thought you were one of the younger members! ("It is always great to hear the views of the younger audience.") I have never heard 'Walking in the Air'. I have known of its existence since knowing Hayley, but I have never been able to get my hands on it. Do you have it? I know it had 'Time To Say Goodbye' on it, which I have always been keen to hear. 'Eternal Flame', too. I'm afraid that it's just the fact that I am a demon on the keyboard. I have touch typed since 1997 (I was only twelve!). I have written a 3000 word essay in a matter of hours before (and got a 1:1 for it!) I just write whatever comes to mind, and it's done quickly. That intro took me about 10 minutes. If that. I suppose my blog does make me out to be sitting at the computer all the time, but I actually spend very little time on it these days! I think I'm too ignorant when it comes to music to write in it professionally, I just do it in my spare time. I think I understand its market well enough, and have experienced a very wide amount of genres, but when it comes to production and its dynamics, I fall a little behind. I actually work in a library. XD I'm hoping to get into editorial work in the London publishing houses, but it's a very difficult career to get your foot in the door. I have considered journalism, but it's not the right line of work for me, as it involves a lot more than just writing, and my personality and strengths are not compatible with its demands. Thanks for the compliments - but I have always felt that everything I write is too long! I can't shut up! One of my articles on my blog is 8000 words long! What's that about!? Who's going to read that?! I'm awful. I should learn some self-restraint! XD |
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Post by nicola on Feb 6, 2009 10:10:06 GMT
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Post by comet on Feb 6, 2009 14:21:50 GMT
Hi Nicola, Yes I have had the first album for some time, It is very similar to Hayley Westenra and My Gift To You, but without the money behind it. I find it quite cute ! Your review seemed quite fair, even Hayley refers laughingly to that album (Hayley Westenra ) as being done by "Baby Hayley" .. I know , I heard her say it when she signed my copy of it at Belfast 2008 It might have been a protective / paternal thing that attracted many of Hayley's fans to her initially. This I have suspected for quite a while. But that situation is changing with Hayley's age, so she will have to appeal to a different audience now. I am sure many young men are beginning to notice Hayley too... and as their taste in music changes and develops they may well be her next market. Many of her younger female fans appear to be aspiring young singers or musicians.  I am glad you thought I was one of the younger fans, I do act my shoes size somedays  |
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Post by Andrew on Feb 6, 2009 17:11:26 GMT
Hi Nicola, When I first read the title to this thread I thought somebody was organising a sponsored marathon to raise money for Hayley's UNICEF projects...  There's an idea for you... Make a name for yourself!!!  Andrew  |
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Post by nicola on Feb 6, 2009 17:23:10 GMT
Hi Nicola, When I first read the title to this thread I thought somebody was organising a sponsored marathon to raise money for Hayley's UNICEF projects... There's an idea for you... Make a name for yourself!!! Andrew That IS an idea. But... err... ha ha... me running a marathon. I can barely run three metres.  I could walk, though. I at least walk three miles a day anyway, sometimes seven on Thursdays. Could anyone here run a marathon? Comet: I'm neither a singer or a musician. Just a big fan. I can't seem to get any young men into Hayley. I have tried in the past. If Hayley wants to appeal to them, she will need to cheapen herself, and I don't think anyone, least of all her, wants her to do that. And you know which way I mean. Out of interest, are there any male members here in their twenties? |
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Post by Andrew on Feb 6, 2009 17:25:49 GMT
I am glad you thought I was one of the younger fans, I do act my shoes size somedays Bless Paul "Comet"!!! Andrew |
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Post by Andrew on Feb 6, 2009 17:28:47 GMT
Hi Nicola, When I first read the title to this thread I thought somebody was organising a sponsored marathon to raise money for Hayley's UNICEF projects... There's an idea for you... Make a name for yourself!!! Andrew That IS an idea. But... err... ha ha... me running a marathon. I can barely run three metres. I could walk, though. I at least walk three miles a day anyway, sometimes seven on Thursdays. Could anyone here run a marathon? Comet: I'm neither a singer or a musician. Just a big fan. I can't seem to get any young men into Hayley. I have tried in the past. If Hayley wants to appeal to them, she will need to cheapen herself, and I don't think anyone, least of all her, wants her to do that. And you know which way I mean. Out of interest, are there any male members here in their twenties? Hi Nicola, If you rephrased your question to "are there any fit male members in their twenties or thirties?" you might receive a more positive response!!! P.S. If you would be willing to organise a "a marathon run/ walk" to raise money for Hayley, I would be more than willing to sponsor you/ join in! Incidentally you mention that Hayley will need to "cheapen herself" in order to appeal to young male fans... NAH!!! Andrew |
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Post by gra7890 on Feb 6, 2009 17:31:25 GMT
Hi Nicola,
Your thoughts on this album match mine for 'My Gift to You'. It arrived at about the same time as some others, so it was played once and not again then . It was only when I went back to it later I really appreciated it for what it was.
Best Wishes,
Graham
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!) I'm going to criticise her for a week, but that's really not the case. 
