I noticed that today was the day that No Fun Aloud was released, back in 1982.
This is my second favorite of Glenn's solo albums, after Strange Weather. It's so much fun to listen to and the songs are so melodic and catchy. Not a stinker in the bunch. I especially love "That Girl," "I Volunteer," and "The One You Love." I'm a sucker for the ballads! "That Girl" is one of my top 3 Glenn solo songs ever.
05-28-2009, 04:40 PM
Glennhoney
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
..I agree Soda..I love to listen to "No fun aloud" too...the whole album was great..not one bad song on it...hard to believe it's been that long..wow, 1982......brings back a lot of memories...:thumbsup:
05-28-2009, 07:15 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
OK... I love these topics. Here are my thoughts.
First of all I have never forgotten the excitement when I bought it on June 10, 1982 (yes, that's how long it took for the vinyl record to arrive in Australia). I was a bit taken aback by the cover photo, which I still don't particularly like, because I thought he looked awkward (but not 'foolish', Marc Eliot, do you hear me)?!
This is also my second favourite album because it is consistently very good. Even the 'minor' tracks are still listenable.
I Found Somebody - Horns? What? I am so used to Glenn doing songs like this now but back then it was a revelation. It is still a great song which he occasionally plays live.
The One You Love - this has really stood the test of time. It's catchy, it tells a good story and he sings it beautifully.
Partytown - somewhat disposable, though I am fond of it. I prefer the Dublin version.
I Volunteer - another R&B gem. This is gorgeous. For those who haven't heard it you really should try to hear it.
I've Been Born Again - well, if you take out the spoken part (I really am not sure about Glenn's insistence on doing this sort of thing in some songs) it is a great rocker which is sung with the usual charisma.
Sea Cruise - somewhat lazy of him to do an old R&B cover the Eagles had been playing. Came as a shock to me. Where were the profound lyrics? Or as Rolling Stone said were they 'Don Henley's department'? I always found that an unnecessarily nasty comment. Glenn needed to lighten up and Sea Cruise seemed a good way to do it, though it's my least favourite track.
That Girl - SIGH. I agree with Soda about this one. It's beautiful.
All Those Lies - at last a bit of an edge. Some great guitar work. Interesting lyrics.
She Can't Let Go - a Spanish sounding track which has aged quite well. The Royal Oak live version is far superior, though.
Don't Give Up - decent rocker but somewhat cliched lyrics.
05-28-2009, 10:23 PM
Peekaboo
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
This is the only one of Glenn's solo albums that I don't have. I'm still on the hunt for it. The only songs from this album that i've heard are The One You Love, I Found Somebody, and Partytown. I look forward to someday hearing the rest of the album.
05-29-2009, 12:49 AM
Koala
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
No Fun Aloud was my second Glenn Frey album what I had bought, I hear it very often,
I love this album, especially I like The One You Love, That Girl and I Volunteer!
05-29-2009, 06:51 AM
Mrs Frey
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Woo hoo hoo, Soda, thank you for commemorating the release date of this album. This is my favourite Glenn :heart: album!!! I bought NFA and "The Allnighter" together in 2007 after I had them imported, and loved both, but after having played both albums to death (they're both on my MP3 player too - ALL Glenn's :heart: are), NFA is still my favourite. All the songs stay fresh and exciting everytime I listen to them. I'm considering doing a breakdown of the songs as FP has done, but I might just end up saying "I LOVE IT" next to each song! :blush:
Oh, what the heck - here goes:
1) I Found Somebody - my heart pounds everytime I hear the opening notes to this song. Glenn's :heart: voice soars on the chorus and I love his overdubbed harmony vocals. This is definitely one of my favourite Glenn :heart: songs.
2) The One You Love - just a lovely mellow, romantic ballad, so tenderly sung.
3) Partytown - woo hoo hoo! Glenn :heart: at his naughtiest and sexiest - just ask GA how she feels about this song, although I think it has more to do with how HOT he looks singing in his 1992 Dublin concert :wink:. I'm just a sucker for rock 'n roll, and Glenn :heart: can rock with the best of 'em.
4) I Volunteer - very romantic, with beautiful and passionate vocals. Glenn :heart: really shows off his vocal prowess here, in my opinion. I was very impressed with this upon first hearing it, purely for his singing.
5) I've Been Born Again - great soul/rock. I can't help but think that this song is somewhat biographical for Glenn :heart: :wink:, even though he didn't write it. Perhaps this song, apart from "That Girl", could also have been dedicated to Janie.
6) Sea Cruise - I never liked this song until I heard Glenn :heart: sing it. He breathed LIFE into it. Fantastic vocal and the band is superb. Our band incorporated this song into our repertoire recently, although we're doing the Johnny Rivers version. I campaigned for the Glenn :heart: version, but I'm not singing it, so I had to back down :wink:.
7) That Girl - just a beautiful, sincere song about the woman he loved. Lovely, Glenn :heart:...
8 ) All Those Lies - I always wonder about how much of his own life Glenn :heart: was talking about in this song. The reason I think so is because of his reference in the liner notes regarding "cheating on your mate". It's the only one on the album, as far as I can recall, that he wrote alone, i.e. without Jack Tempchin. It's a good song.
9) She Can't Let Go - this song makes me melt everytime. I love the fact that Glenn :heart: is also playing all the instruments. I think this is his most beautiful vocal on the entire album. His gentle vocal on the lyric "Oh she wants to be free/but when she's holding me" is just stunningly pure and melodic. Phew.
10) Don't Give Up - great piece of music. Glenn's :heart: keyboard skills are particularly impressive here.
As for the cover photo, it's my favourite "come hither" Glenn :heart: pose. I'm sure you won't mind if I remind you all of it:
Have you noticed (as if YOU Ladies hadn't <LOL>) the way Glenn has positioned his right hand on that Les Paul? This is a pose that would be more appropriate for Timothy since it is that of one playing a bass guitar.
Obviously Glenn is just "posing". I mean, we all know that Glenn is an accomplished guitarist, but that particular pose is one I'd expect from someone doing "air guitar" <LOL>
And that THIN strap! It would cut his shoulder off were he to use it for more than a few minutes. Les Pauls are HEAVY!
Really, I'm not trying to be negative or show disrespect for Glenn. It's just that I can't help but notice these things. Nothing wrong with posing for a picture. But it isn't a realistic pose for a guitarist <smile>, and Glenn IS ALL THAT!
05-29-2009, 09:22 AM
Stars
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
I have this album on vinyl and CD! I have to agree with those who said it's their second favorite of Glenn's solo albums, "Strange Weather" being my very favorite.
05-29-2009, 09:39 AM
EagleLady
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeA
Have you noticed (as if YOU Ladies hadn't <LOL>) the way Glenn has positioned his right hand on that Les Paul? This is a pose that would be more appropriate for Timothy since it is that of one playing a bass guitar.
Obviously Glenn is just "posing". I mean, we all know that Glenn is an accomplished guitarist, but that particular pose is one I'd expect from someone doing "air guitar" <LOL>
And that THIN strap! It would cut his shoulder off were he to use it for more than a few minutes. Les Pauls are HEAVY!
Really, I'm not trying to be negative or show disrespect for Glenn. It's just that I can't help but notice these things. Nothing wrong with posing for a picture. But it isn't a realistic pose for a guitarist <smile>, and Glenn IS ALL THAT!
How did I know you would notice the guitar? :lol:
05-29-2009, 10:05 AM
MikeA
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleLady
How did I know you would notice the guitar? :lol:
:rockguitar: :wink:
05-29-2009, 06:59 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Mike, it's interesting that you mention the guitar strap because this has something that has worried me slightly about this photo for years. Of course you can't play shows with a thin strap like that - it looks like it was the strap which came with the guitar when it was bought. I wasn't aware of your second point about his right hand though, so thanks for pointing it out!
MF, I noticed you mentioned the lines 'oh she wants to be free etc' from She Can't Let Go. In this version he sings that very softly but in the Royal Oak version he belts it out at the top of his lungs. It is awesome to hear.
05-30-2009, 01:32 PM
Ive always been a dreamer
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Well I have had a busy week, so I'd like to wish a belated Happy Birthday to No Fun Aloud. Like most of you, this is also my 2nd favorite of Glenn's solo albums. It is a very close 2nd to Strange Weather. I really don't think there are any weak tracks on the album. I kind of have to divide them up into "I absolutely love the song" or "I like the song a whole lot".
So, the ones I absolutely love are:
I Found Somebody (love it and would sooo love to see it live)
Party Town (just plain fun and rockin')
I Volunteer (the vocals make me melt)
I've Been Born Again (love it; as I've said before - cheesy, yet satisfying)
All Those Lies (one of my favorite Glenn solo songs; very under-rated, IMHO)
That Girl (simply beautiful)
She Can't Let Go (incredible vocals, and the Mexican music works)
The ones that I like a whole lot are:
The One You Love (even though this was a hit, it's my least favorite of the ballads)
Sea Cruise (I find the story in the liner notes believable, and think that it is reflective of where Glenn was at this point in his life)
Don't Give Up (very catchy - love the "I'm countin' on you" line)
Obviously, there are quite a few of these songs that I don't believe Glenn would record today, but that is part of the charm to me. I think the album reflects exactly how he was feeling at the time - free of the pressure and constraints of being an Eagle, but still wanting to party on!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeA
But it isn't a realistic pose for a guitarist <smile>, and Glenn IS ALL THAT!
Mike, to paraphrase Glenn, I bet his attitude about something like this is "Hey man, it's just a pose". :lol:
05-30-2009, 02:20 PM
Maleah
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
:lol: It looks like he's resting his arm on the guitar, so maybe his hand just happens to be hanging that way? lol
Can't really chime in on a lot of it since I don't have the album.........but I absolutely love Love LOVE "I Found Somebody!" Listen to it all the time!
05-30-2009, 04:09 PM
Ive always been a dreamer
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
JMHO - But, for those of you who are remotely interested in Glenn's solo work, this album is a "must have". It is often available at a decent price on Amazon. Go for it - I don't think you'll be disappointed.
05-30-2009, 07:35 PM
Peekaboo
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Thanks for the info, Dreamer. Every once in a while I would go searching for it at the local music stores but haven't had any luck. My next step was to find the album online.
07-15-2009, 02:03 PM
kperk014
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Glenn was dating the girl who cut my hair back when he recorded this album. My favorite song (and one of the greatest songs ever IMO), is That Girl. I never asked her about that song because it could have been a sore spot for her for all I knew.:fear:
07-15-2009, 08:12 PM
Glennhoney
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
..I would have thought that Glenn was with Janie(the plaintiff) back when he recorded that album...anyway, I'm very jealous of your hairdresser..8-)
07-15-2009, 08:13 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Well, the song is dedicated to Janie, who came from Texas. That is all I know.
07-15-2009, 09:43 PM
sodascouts
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Quote:
Originally Posted by kperk014
Glenn was dating the girl who cut my hair back when he recorded this album. My favorite song (and one of the greatest songs ever IMO), is That Girl. I never asked her about that song because it could have been a sore spot for her for all I knew.:fear:
I adore that song too! So beautiful.
I bet it would be a sore spot for the hairdresser to be reminded of the fact that since the song is "for Janie" it wasn't for her! lol
07-15-2009, 10:56 PM
kperk014
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"
Quote:
Originally Posted by sodascouts
I adore that song too! So beautiful.
I bet it would be a sore spot for the hairdresser to be reminded of the fact that since the song is "for Janie" it wasn't for her! lol
For a hairdresser, she was pretty wild. Glenn was still relatively young and wild back then and you know how most young musicians have a weakness for the ladies.;) That Girl. I can still listen to that song and as soon as I hear the first note, it's 1982 again! Geez to be 22 again.:cheers:
05-28-2010, 01:55 AM
sodascouts
Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Glenn's first solo album No Fun Aloud was released 28 years ago today. To celebrate, check out these videos!
If you don't have it, get it! Here's a link to it on [ame="http://www.amazon.com/No-Fun-Aloud-Glenn-Frey/dp/B000002H12/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1275032370&sr=8-1"]Amazon[/ame].
05-28-2010, 09:10 AM
TimothyBFan
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Love this album!!! It's got probably my favorite Glenn song, The One You Love. Everything about this album is good as far as I'm concerned.
05-28-2010, 09:42 AM
Troubadour
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
GREAT album! Thanks for all the videos, Soda. The One You Love is probably my favourite, too. I've been listening to the live version a lot lately. That sax and his smooth voice... gorgeous!
Happy Birthday, No Fun Aloud!
05-28-2010, 10:53 AM
Brooke
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Way to go Glenn! :thumbsup:
05-28-2010, 12:34 PM
Super Frey
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
What a great album!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: I just love Partytown:partytime:
Happy Birthday No Fun Aloud:birthday:
05-28-2010, 12:43 PM
Koala
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Happy Birthday ♥ Love this album ♥ The One You Love is my favorite song, closely followed by I Found Somebody. I hear this album really often, it's just great!
05-28-2010, 01:28 PM
sodascouts
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
As I've said before, I consider this Glenn's second best solo album, after Strange Weather. Even the ones that aren't my favorites have their merits. The strengths on this album are Glenn stretching himself vocally and introducing the romantic side which we didn't get to see in the Eagles, the catchiness of a lot of the hooks, and the arrangements that build, pull back, and/or blast really effectively. Now that I have a bit of time, I'm going to give a run-down of what I think of each song.
I Found Somebody - Despite the fact that this was a single and he started off his live shows with it for years, it's not a favorite of mine. It's a little too laid back to the point of being sing-songy. However, the part leading up to the bridge - "One look in your eyes, and I said 'Here I go!'" picks up the energy. I'd classify it as "Pretty good."
The One You Love - Beautiful. Great idea releasing this one as a single - it really pulls you in, starting with that lovely sax line, then going into a very emotional vocal delivery that packs a punch despite the fact that his voice remains gentle throughout. He conveys a vulnerability that pulls at your heartstrings.
Partytown - OK, I have to say, this one lost me from the moment the guy in the song leaves his wife to go get high and drunk with bar flies. At least with Springsteen's similar sentiment in "Hungry Heart" you feel that he's conflicted about it and confused; in this song, Glenn sounds like he couldn't care less about anything but a regression to frat boy mentality. But I know to enjoy this song you gotta lighten up and not take it seriously, so... that said, it has a catchy hook and guitar licks, and you gotta love the line "I'm burnin' like a blowtorch in my prime"! He should've left out the talky part at the end though... muttering about how he wishes he had more drugs and how this was "some party" is a pretty limp way to go out.
I Volunteer - Again, a song that has an emotional vulnerability that Glenn really works, and a beautiful melody. I love the way he sings "You don't know that it's me who really loves you so desperately... if I could only make you hear..." - you really believe it. It has a good story arc and the way he amps up the vocal as the lyrics get more intense carries you right along with it. Great song!
I've Been Born Again - Overall, this song is catchy and has a good rock vocal as well as good message. The guitar/horn outro is cool. I love that line "A whole lot of women is an ego trip" - so true! However, that talking opening is horrible. I just cringe when he proclaims "I'm livin' for my baby!" when Tommy Nixon asks him to go party. It's too over the top to be sincere and that kills the sentiment for me. It says a lot that he recorded this at the behest of then-wife Janie - not sure Mr. Frey was really feelin' it.
Sea Cruise - I had never heard this song before playing No Fun Aloud (I know, I know, bad me). Thinking it was an original, I was just "Ugh, this is so lame!" Then I discovered it was a cover of an old song and I realized that's how a lot of those old songs are - super-simplistic, repetitive, inane lyrically, and completely reliant on their riffs and vocals. So, I just started ignoring the cheesy lyrics and enjoying the catchy groove and bluesy vocal... .and now I like it!
That Girl - Best song of the album, one of Glenn's best songs EVER, IMHO. The soft and pretty opening chords leading into the setting of the scene as the guy drives through the rain thinking of the woman he loves; the tender, heartfelt vocal that rises in all the right places, building as it goes, even breaking with emotion at some points... it has no chorus per se, but it flows perfectly... everything about this song works. Glenn has recorded other love songs, most of which I also adore, but this one has a quiet intensity that resonates with an emotional power which puts it above the rest, IMHO. Beautiful, beautiful. LOVE IT.
All Those Lies - Another catchy song with good guitar licks, and Glenn gives a great demonstration of how to charm your woman into believing that you're the innocent victim of a conspiracy rather than a liar with his earnest "You know how much I love you, you know how much I care!" I'd believe him!
She Can't Let Go - I've never really gotten into the Spanish-flavored mariachi type songs, but Glenn makes the most of it with a lovely vocal. A good story too - you really feel for the guy who's so into a woman who can't get over her ex. I can relate to the "song that makes you leave the room" aspect - I can't hear Duncan Sheik's "Barely Breathing" without cringing thanks to its association to a bad breakup. Ugh!! Anyway, despite the fact that it's not my kind of song, I appreciate the musicality of it.
Don't Give Up - No one ever talks about this song - maybe because it sounds a bit dated - but I really like it, especially the part where he sings "I know that I've said that I'm sorry before but I beg you to listen this time!" Yeah, the synthesizer beat is a thing of the 80s, but it drives the song along nicely. Plus, the way he sings "I think about you every night" is hot, as is the guitar. Definitely an underrated song!
Overall, No Fun Aloud gets an A- from me. Pretty impressive for a first effort!
05-28-2010, 04:29 PM
Ive always been a dreamer
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
First of all ...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NO FUN ALOUD!!!
Thank you Soda for putting up all those videos, mpg’s, etc. They are great – it’s too bad that there is nothing available for the beautiful ballads, I Volunteer or That Girl. I wrote some comments about this album in last years thread, but I didn’t rate the songs in the order that I love/like them as I often do, so I’ll do that here. Even though I disagree with Soda somewhat about a few of these songs, we both agree that this is an overall excellent album and was a great way for Glenn to launch his solo career. At the risk of repeating myself, this is also my 2nd favorite of Glenn's solo albums - a very close 2nd to Strange Weather. I really don't think there are any weak tracks on the album. Obviously, there are quite a few of these songs that I don't believe Glenn would record today, but that is part of the charm to me. I think the album reflects exactly how he was feeling at the time - free of the pressure and constraints of being an Eagle, but still wanting to party on! So here goes …
I Love It
All Those Lies (5) – I think this is a very underrated song and is one of my favorite Glenn solo songs. I don’t see any flaws in this song – lyrics, vocals, music, melody – all great! I believe this is his only solo song that Glenn wrote alone. What's not to love??? :shrug:
I Found Somebody (5) – While Soda classifies this song as ‘pretty good’, I say it is ‘excellent’! :wink: I love how catchy it is. Every time I hear it, I think about my mom and my 5-year old niece both singing along to it. So, I guess you could say it appeals to all ages. :thumbsup:
I Volunteer (5) – Glenn’s vocals on this song simply turn me into a puddle of goo! The vulnerability and passion that he emotes in his voice are absolutely amazing. Also, let’s not forget the fantastic guitar work, melody, and story here. Yep – he sells it and I absolutely love this song.
Party Town (5) – This song is just plain fun. It was intended as nothing more than a fun-loving romp, and that’s exactly what it is except with attitude! I’m sure it’s not a song Glenn would record today, but it’s a statement of the stereotypical 70’s/80’s male party animal. Unlike Soda, I love all the banter at the end of the song.
That Girl (5) – While I don’t think this is close to being the best song on the album, I do love this song. It is a pure and simple beautiful ballad with a great, understated delivery.
She Can't Let Go (5) – This is a beautiful song as well. Again, Glenn’s emotion results in some incredible vocals, and the Spanish music works.
I've Been Born Again (5) – I pretty much agree with everything Soda said about this song except the part about the opening dialog between Glenn and Tommy. While, I agree it is somewhat cheesy, I don’t think it’s nearly as cringe-worthy as Soda does. As I always say - cheesy, yet satisfying! :wink: But, having said that, I doubt if this is a song that Glenn would record today.
I Really Like It (4)
The One You Love (4) – This is where my opinion differs a lot from most fans. Even though this song was a hit, it's my least favorite of the ballads on the album. It’s not that I don’t like it, but I just don’t like the melody as much as the other ballads. As Soda said, Glenn does show a lot of angst and vulnerability in his vocals here, but the delivery is just not as emotive as it is in the other ballads, IMO.
Don't Give Up (4) – I agree with much of what Soda said about this song. I also love the "I'm countin' on you" line, and think this is yet another very catchy tune.
Sea Cruise (4) – I find the story about this in the liner notes believable, and think that it is reflective of where Glenn was at this point in his life. Even though this is my least favorite song, it is entertaining, uplifting, has great music, and you just can’t help but want to sing along and dance. I think my feelings about this song pretty much sums up why this is such a great album. Sorry Glenn ... no disrespect intended, but I can’t help myself - I have FUN when I listen to this album!!!
:yay: :yay: :yay:
key:
5 - I love it
4 - I really like it
3 - I like it
2 - meh
1 – yikes
05-28-2010, 10:27 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Well, Soda & Dreamer, you have put me on the spot to provide a follow up to those excellent reviews. I wish I could be so eloquent. I will follow Dreamer's format. I think it is probably my second favourite album too (what a shame The Allnighter has a couple of tracks which really drag it down).
I Love It
That Girl - quiet intensity, Soda, you nailed it. All his best songs have that. This is a song which has matured amazingly over the years. It has understated piano and beautifully arranged (of course) strings and he puts all his heart and soul into it. I like the 'ooh, I'm gonna love her till my.... dyin' day' part.
I Volunteer - more smooth soul. I had no idea he was such a devotee of this type of music. By the time he gets to 'who REALLY LOVES YOU so desperately' you are feeling it with him.
I Found Somebody - because it is very catchy and because of the line 'you got me singin' this song' at which I either inanely nod my head or shout 'and very well too, sir! More please'! He likes it enough to still play it live.
The One You Love - it's a classic, that's all. It's a classic situation and it is beautifully sung. 'It just ain't fair' indeed. I get more out of this every time I hear it. Love the sax. The Eagles could have played this.
All Those Lies - Dreamer summed this up very well. It is a good showcase for Glenn's extremely underrated guitar skills. My favourite moment is 'I can't believe you'd listen to those one eyed jacks'. I absolutely love the way he sings that line. If he is sometimes painted as a wide eyed romantic, he isn 't here, except when he pleads that 'you got to believe me baby'. (NB I've been thinking about the song a lot since the elimination game).
I've Been Born Again - I am very fond of this, cheesy intro and all. It rocks.
I Really Like It
Don't Give Up - a little bit forced and the lyrics are not the most original every written but because it is HIM being so passionate it creeps up on you.
She Can't Let Go - the Royal Oak version takes this to another dimension. It is very pleasant but the situation is a bit dubious. If I were the narrator I'd find someone else but I suppose the point is they BOTH can't let go! Beautiful Spanish guitar work.
Partytown - too much of a deliberate attempt to distance himself from the Eagles, although it is fun to listen to.
I Like It
Sea Cruise - a bit lazy, considering the Eagles had been playing this on their final tour. Depending on my mood, either I go for it or shrug it off.
06-03-2010, 03:57 PM
chaim
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Just noticed this topic. At the moment I haven't got time so I'm not gonna write much. I just gotta say that I love the cover. The sign with the guitar as a symbol of fun with the album title and Glenn posing in front of it, wearing a white jacket and a tie, with his guitar and that expression on his face...It's just hilarious!!!
"Don't let go" is awesome. The word "dated" had never occured to me with this song. If something works for me decades after its release, to me it's not dated. And this song works for me. A sound itself is never dated, as far as I'm concerned. I've always wondered about the intro. That fast lick sounds like a guitar, but is it a synth? I think I hear the same synth in some places in this song that Glenn played the solo with in "Teenage jail". When I hear the lead parts in this song, I'm often not sure if it's a synth or a guitar I'm hearing.
06-03-2010, 07:05 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaim
Just noticed this topic. At the moment I haven't got time so I'm not gonna write much. I just gotta say that I love the cover. The sign with the guitar as a symbol of fun with the album title and Glenn posing in front of it, wearing a white jacket and a tie, with his guitar and that expression on his face...It's just hilarious!!!
"Don't let go" is awesome. The word "dated" had never occured to me with this song. If something works for me decades after its release, to me it's not dated. And this song works for me. A sound itself is never dated, as far as I'm concerned. I've always wondered about the intro. That fast lick sounds like a guitar, but is it a synth? I think I hear the same synth in some places in this song that Glenn played the solo with in "Teenage jail". When I hear the lead parts in this song, I'm often not sure if it's a synth or a guitar I'm hearing.
You mean Don't Give Up?
Your musical knowledge is far more extensive than mine but I think the opening part is a synth and the solo and end parts are guitars.
06-03-2010, 09:52 PM
sodascouts
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
I agree with FP about the opening, with the same caveat.
And "dated" is one of those terms that means something different to everyone. For me, a song can be really good, but still sound "dated" in that it uses a lot of gimmicks common to its time period that are no longer en vogue. For instance, I absolutely adore the song "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, but its heavy synth sound screams "EIGHTIES" to me.
06-04-2010, 02:50 AM
chaim
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freypower
You mean Don't Give Up?
Your musical knowledge is far more extensive than mine but I think the opening part is a synth and the solo and end parts are guitars.
I definitely meant "Don't give up"! Somehow I got "Don't give up" and "She can't let go" mixed up and came up with a new song title!
06-04-2010, 03:01 AM
chaim
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sodascouts
I agree with FP about the opening, with the same caveat.
And "dated" is one of those terms that means something different to everyone. For me, a song can be really good, but still sound "dated" in that it uses a lot of gimmicks common to its time period that are no longer en vogue. For instance, I absolutely adore the song "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, but its heavy synth sound screams "EIGHTIES" to me.
I see what you mean. Me, I just think that we (me included, of course!) like to think that certain things are "dated" when we are so deep in our own time. If someone was brave enough and would use the "dated" things in public, we might realize that we love them too. This often happens when old things come fashionable again. To me nothing is dated, but at some point we like to think they are! A few years from now, ringtones and crocks will seem dated, but now they rule. A few hours from now I'm gonna read this and wonder what on earth I was trying to say :-D
06-04-2010, 04:01 PM
sodascouts
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
I see what you mean, chaim. If a trend comes back into vogue thirty years later, you can't call the initial trend "dated" anymore!
Your comparison to ringtones is interesting, though, because when those go out of style it will be because they are technologically obsolete. Perhaps that's also true of some of the more technologically-driven "sounds."
ETA: You know what, this got me to thinking - synth is featured in some parts of Fleetwood Mac's "Everybody Finds Out" from their 2003 album Say You Will - and it was my favorite song off that album! I didn't think "dated' when I heard it; I thought "this song is awesome!" Guess that proves your point!
06-04-2010, 06:55 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
To me the entire Building The Perfect Beast album is dated because of the overuse of synths.
06-05-2010, 03:02 AM
chaim
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Yeah, ringtones were not a perfect example, because of the technology. I guess I was also thinking of what turns us on at any given time. We laugh at what people njoyed in the 80's, but now we are amazed by ringtones. Anyway, I'll have to listen to "No fun aloud" again to be able to say more about it. And it would be interesting to hear "Don't give up" again, now that the word "dated" has come up! I have moved to a new apartment in a new town, so everything is in boxes at the moment...
This word "dated" has got me wondering since I started to hear people around me laughing at the eighties. We laugh at all things 80's and what are we doing at the same time? Trying to get the ultimate killer ringtone to impress others, wearing pink crocks and writing "I think I'm going to wash the dishes" in facebook! :lol: When I watch Miami Vice today, it still has the same effect on me. No difference whatsoever. A great show with great atmospheres, great scenes with the picture and music fitting together nicely, great characters. But everyone around me is saying, "it's so eighties" :?
Anyway, looking forward to hearing "No fun aloud" again when I get it out from whatever box it is in!
06-05-2010, 11:36 AM
Ive always been a dreamer
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Ragarding this discussion about songs being 'dated', I tend to agree with chaim in that it really doesn't matter to me what it sounds like as long as I like the sound. If it's a great song, I don't care if it sounds like 50's sock hop or 90's hip hop. Although I understand that there are some sounds that are closely identified with a certain period, the problem is that more often than not, whenever people say something is 'dated', it carries a negative connotation with it. IMO, some things are 'dated' in a good way, but unless I clarify that, when I say it is 'dated', the assumption is usually that it is bad. For that reason, I personally don't really like using the term that much.
And chaim, have fun listening to NFA today!
06-05-2010, 06:44 PM
Freypower
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
I always thought that it was interesting that during the F1 tour You Belong To The City was invariably described as 'dated' while Boys Of Summer and Dirty Laundry were not. We know which song was dropped.
06-06-2010, 05:48 AM
chaim
Re: Happy Birthday "No Fun Aloud"!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freypower
I always thought that it was interesting that during the F1 tour You Belong To The City was invariably described as 'dated' while Boys Of Summer and Dirty Laundry were not. We know which song was dropped.
It's funny, because to me "Boys of summer" is as "80's" as "You belong to the city", but the difference is that BoS was more popular from the start. Both are great songs. Seems to me that BoS has escaped the "dated" label because people think it's a great song, not because it doesn't sound like an 80's track.
A little epilogue, added afterwards:
I find it interesting that both BOS and YBTTC have the same three-note hook that was very common in the eighties. If the song is in E minor (like these two songs are), the notes are g, f sharp, d. "Powers that be" by Roger Waters has this, even in the same rhythm as BOS. For those who don't know about musical notes, I mean the "you belong to the city"-melody, which has the same three notes as the "Boys of summer" instrumental hook. Somehow those three notes together, with the minor chord in the background, sum up the eigthies.:)