PublicImage wrote:I'm also dying to hear their new album. I've actually been avoiding live recordings of their new songs, mainly because I just don't like listening to audience recordings, but I also want everything on the new album to be completely fresh when I hear it for the first time, and I find their songs better in context with the rest of the album. I did hear the orchestral arrangement of Arpeggi from the Ether Festival, which I really hope gets included on the new album. I love Jonny's Ondes Martenot playing.
Have you heard any of Jonny's compositions for the BBC? I think Popcorn Superhet Receiver is brilliant. I can't find recordings of any of the other pieces that were commissioned, though.
The Eraser was very much a grower album, for me. I liked it on the first listen, but didn't think that it sustained the quality of the title track throughout the album. But it just kept getting better each time I listened to it, which seems to happen quite often with Radiohead-related music! I'm still not too sure whether or not I like Bodysong by Jonny Greenwood, but I'd love to see the film for which it was composed, as it's rather difficult to imagine what the music is supposed to be a representation of if you've got no idea what concept it is based on.
I love GY!BE's ability to draw out crescendos for such a long time without becoming boring. When they really do go for it, they just sound incredible. It's a shame they probably won't be getting back together any time soon, because they have so much potential.
Excellent point about staying clear of the live recordings of the new songs! I have, however, heard a few of the new tunes taped last year during their tour and I must say that they're really good, especially 'Down is the New Up' and 'Bangers and Mash'. BTW, the recorded versions, at least of these two songs, sound nothing like the live versions in terms of arrangements so I really wouldn't worry about hearing them before the record comes out.
No, I haven't heard Jonny's BBC compositions but I've hear they're very well done. I have heard 'Bodysong', which is what it is - a film score and yes, seeing the film would definitely put the music in proper context...I've yet to see it as well, obviously. I'm glad you seem to be rather impressed by Jonny's musical capabilities. He is probably one of the greatest musicians/songwriters working in modern popular music and deserves much more accolades then he receives.
With regards to The Erasure, you are not the only one to have had the album grow on you...I think everyone who purchased it had the same gradual acceptance for it (myself excluded. I just don't find it that impressive...I guess my expectations were too high).
BTW, I didn't know Godspeed broke up! Not surprising considering they had real issues with the fact that their fan base was growing...they were always against any type of commercial success. They are/were really good...it's a shame!
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