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Bryan Ferry — Song To The Siren
Album: Olympia
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 440









Released: 2010
Length: 5:50
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Long afloat on distant oceans
I did all my best to smile
'Til your singing eyes and fingers
Drew me loving to your isle

And you sang
Sail to me, sail to me
Let me enfold you
Here I am, here I am
Waiting to hold you

Did I dream? You dreamed about me
Were you hare when I was fox?
Now my foolish heart is leaning
Broken, lovelorn, on your rocks

For you sing, touch me not
Touch me not, come back tomorrow
Oh, my heart, oh, my heart
Shies from the sorrow

Here I am, here I am

I am puzzled as the newborn child
I am riddled at the tide
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Should I lie with death, my bride?

Hear me sing
Swim to me, swim to me
Let me enfold you
Here I am, here I am
Waiting to hold you

Here I am, here I am

I am puzzled as the newborn child
I am riddled at the tide
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Should I lie with death, my bride?

Hear me sing
Swim to me, swim to me
Let me enfold you
Here I am, here I am
Waiting to hold you
Comments (72)add comment
 chinaski wrote:

This is indeed Avalon all over again. Nice to hear.




I agree. Thanx RP!  
Posted 4 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 chasech5 wrote:
 This is an abomination onto the Lord. 

Tim Buckley, yes

Sheila Chandra, yes.

This Mortal Coil, yes.

Brian Ferry soundling even more "lounge-singer" than usual?  No f'ing way.
 
yep.. he lost the plot along the way somewhere
Posted 3 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Lovely, and just what was needed. 
Posted 3 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 Larrygrrl wrote:
The Tim Buckley original makes me sleepy & sad.  The Bryan Ferry version makes my clothes come off.  Guess it's a matter of personal preference.
 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFWKJ2FUiAQ
Posted 3 years ago by Johnny_Alpha    [ Reply ]
This song has been hunting me for some weeks now. It started with a cover by Finn Andrews from the Veils (Isolation Hour nr. 2). Then, my subconscious figured, I hear this song on Radio paradise all the time. This is one of its versions with so lovely voice of Bryan Ferry. 
Posted 4 years ago by niccca    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:

In general, the Roxy Music records and his solo work after are really well produced and recorded. A lot of those subtle little touches as you noted.
 
I have loved this Tim Buckley song for much of my life. I find Bryan Ferry's cover intricate and lovely; a true homage to the original.
I confess that the first time I heard it here, I was just irritated, and gave it a 5. I'm glad that I listen is more openly today!

An outstanding cover. (9)

Thank you, Bill and Rebecca, for continuing to broaden my musical appreciation, and thus enrich my life.
Posted 4 years ago by haretic    [ Reply ]
Ferry is still mumbling I miss the Ferry from the early Roxy Music days.
Posted 4 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
I've only just noticed that David Gilmour is noodling in the background on this one. That's worth an extra rating point!
Posted 4 years ago by Ben_D_Wire    [ Reply ]
 chasech5 wrote:
This is an abomination onto the Lord.

Tim Buckley, yes

Sheila Chandra, yes.

This Mortal Coil, yes.

Brian Ferry soundling even more "lounge-singer" than usual?  No f'ing way.

{#Razz}
 
Have you heard Pat Boone's version?  His version was the first one released.
Posted 4 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 mandolin wrote:
...i was listening to this album last night and marveling at all the subtle little production touches murmuring throughout the background of this recording - beautiful rendition...
 
In general, the Roxy Music records and his solo work after are really well produced and recorded. A lot of those subtle little touches as you noted.
Posted 4 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

He does kinda suck the magic out of the original (& This Mortal Coil's version) doesn't he?
 

Oh wow, this is totally unrecognizable. Saw the title and thought it was only a coincidence. Checked the lyrics, and well, I guess he did it his way.
Posted 4 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Ferry's voice reminds me for some reason of Steve Winwood. Same kind of reedy quality I guess.

I wonder if they ever collaborated...
Posted 4 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
The Tim Buckley original makes me sleepy & sad.  The Bryan Ferry version makes my clothes come off.  Guess it's a matter of personal preference.
Posted 4 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
Tim Buckley would be better, much better. In fact, more Tim Buckley RP, please.
Posted 4 years ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
sure, why not?
Posted 5 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
This is indeed Avalon all over again. Nice to hear.
Posted 5 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Like the guitar on this. My favorite cover of this still Dead Can Dance's: https://youtu.be/DOTqU0BKE44
Posted 10 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
This is an abomination onto the Lord.

Tim Buckley, yes

Sheila Chandra, yes.

This Mortal Coil, yes.

Brian Ferry soundling even more "lounge-singer" than usual?  No f'ing way.

{#Razz}
Posted 13 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
I like it.
Posted 13 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
yepp. copying is sooo easy. and booooring. govna wrote:
this is just silly.
 


Posted 13 years ago by nisi    [ Reply ]
Silly ... derivative ... call it what you will, I think it sounds awfully good. {#Meditate}
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
I feel ferry's voice complements the feel to this, likeable :)
Posted 13 years ago by farley    [ Reply ]
avalon, roxy music??
Posted 13 years ago by nisi    [ Reply ]
this is just silly.
Posted 13 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 oldman wrote:
Sounds like he stepped right out of the early 80's
Hasn't varied his sound much has he
{#Wink}

 
Agree that this sounds nicely retro...almost Bowie-like with Nile Rogers' guitar licks.  Nicely done Mr. Ferry.  You know your audience / market. 

Posted 13 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
 oldman wrote:
Sounds like he stepped right out of the early 80's
Hasn't varied his sound much has he
{#Wink}

 
But back in the 80's it sounded like he stepped out of early 10's, wierd...

Posted 13 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
 oldman wrote:
Sounds like he stepped right out of the early 80's
Hasn't varied his sound much has he

Why mess with a good thing?


Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Sounds like he stepped right out of the early 80's
Hasn't varied his sound much has he
{#Wink}

Posted 13 years ago by oldman    [ Reply ]
where is the skip next button?
Posted 13 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
hitting over play
Posted 13 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
 wesleyc wrote:
We need less of this version and more of the Tim Buckley original!
 
He does kinda suck the magic out of the original (& This Mortal Coil's version) doesn't he?
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
We need less of this version and more of the Tim Buckley original!
Posted 13 years ago by wesleyc    [ Reply ]
i really hope he has a "what the hell was i thinking?" moment whenever he hears this.
Posted 13 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
I can practically see the credits for a John Hughes movie rolling.
Posted 13 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
He still has that unmistakably smooth voice.
Posted 13 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 salide wrote:
Is it me or is this guy stuck in the 80's?

{#Wall}
 
Can't. Take. This. Anymore.
Posted 13 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Yep, and slowly mutating into a crooner on the strength of this one; Kate Moss has never looked so good mind

 ncollingridge wrote:

Yup. Pleasant at best. Sounds like an anaemic version of Avalon.
 


Posted 13 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
original is the best.

Tim Buckley. 
Posted 13 years ago by Wittgenstein    [ Reply ]
 ncollingridge wrote:

Yup. Pleasant at best. Sounds like an anaemic version of Avalon.
 
This Mortal Coil - Song To The Siren, "soft version", surely not the same thing ....
Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 salide wrote:
Is it me or is this guy stuck in the 80's?

{#Wall}
 
Yup. Pleasant at best. Sounds like an anaemic version of Avalon.
Posted 13 years ago by ncollingridge    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:

I'm with you snowcat. I love the lush sound of this song and the entire album. Ferry's like a painter, with every stroke he's adding new color...layer upon layer of brilliant musicianship...when he's finished he's created a work of art. Some might find it overproduced, but I wouldn't change a thing. I bet this sounds amazing on a high-end stereo.

 
I totally agree with every word !
Not overproduced,,just to perfection !

And yes it does..in 5.1,,he's in a league of his own !

Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
I really love this version.  I listened to the album the other day and thought it was absolutely gorgeous.  Reminds me a lot of those shiny smooth sounds from the days of Avalon.
Posted 13 years ago by modernrelics    [ Reply ]
{#Music}
Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Is it me or is this guy stuck in the 80's?

{#Wall}


Posted 13 years ago by salide    [ Reply ]
...i was listening to this album last night and marveling at all the subtle little production touches murmuring throughout the background of this recording - beautiful rendition...
Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
I like Bryan better when he doesn't take himself so seriously ("hard rain's gonna fall" for instance) but I can't give most of his other stuff less than a quite likeable. Maybe never higher, but not lower either.
Posted 13 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]


No. That would be Paul McCartney's "Yesterday" 
  If so then Wikipedia is wrong. "Yesterday" has been covered 132 times, But Elenor Rigby has been covered 139 times. Elenor Rigby surpassed Yesterday within the last year.

Read more: https://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_most_covered_song#ixzz16tDsresK agkagk wrote:


Posted 13 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Slick and classy. Simply stated...sounds like a continuation of Avalon. Not a bad thing at all. Great stuff!
Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Nice to see him back
Posted 13 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
ARRRRRRRRRRRGH! This album sucks! Make it stop!
 
I used to watch my father grade his students' English papers by looking at who wrote them and after grading them he would then actually read the papers and offer critique. Occasionally after reading them he would change the grade but if he did he wouldn't change it much.  In the same way I was ready to give this song a "5" before I even heard it because it's by Bryan Ferry.  After listening to it, I'm convinced that it is indeed a solid "5".

Posted 13 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 socalhol wrote:
wow — is this THE most covered song ever??  {#Stupid}
 

No. That would be Paul McCartney's "Yesterday" 
Posted 13 years ago by agkagk    [ Reply ]
Me likes, but I have to admit the hot babe on the cover may have brought home a 1/2 point or so for BF.
Posted 13 years ago by yodasan_magoo    [ Reply ]
...i hear purple rain...
Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Nope, not a patch on This Mortal's Coil's cover of this song, which raises goosepimples. This just raises a yawn, though it is Yuprock hero Bryan Ferry so that's not entirely surprising. As sirens go, this one is unalluring in the extreme...

 

What he said.  The version by This Mortal Coil makes me weep; this would barely pacify me during a short elevator ride.

Posted 13 years ago by denmom    [ Reply ]
ARRRRRRRRRRRGH! This album sucks! Make it stop!
Posted 13 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]


Posted 13 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Nope, not a patch on This Mortal's Coil's cover of this song, which raises goosepimples. This just raises a yawn, though it is Yuprock hero Bryan Ferry so that's not entirely surprising. As sirens go, this one is unalluring in the extreme...
 
This Mortal Coil definitely did the definitive version, which will probably never be surpassed. Buckley's original is pretty nice, too.
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 snowcat wrote:
What a great version!  So good to hear the old Brian Ferry sound again.
 
I'm with you snowcat. I love the lush sound of this song and the entire album. Ferry's like a painter, with every stroke he's adding new color...layer upon layer of brilliant musicianship...when he's finished he's created a work of art. Some might find it overproduced, but I wouldn't change a thing. I bet this sounds amazing on a high-end stereo.

Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 dogpound wrote:
hhmmmm
sounds awfully 80s for being a 2010 release. 
 
I think he's kinda been stuck there now, hasn't he?

Posted 13 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]

{#No}


Posted 13 years ago by anabel    [ Reply ]
hhmmmm
sounds awfully 80s for being a 2010 release. 
Posted 13 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
This version's got about as much real emotion as an amoeba. Not working for me...totally not working.  Still a 6 'cause it's Song to the Siren...
Posted 13 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
Good gawd- what a watered down version. I love the creepy depressing original. This is... elevator music. {#Snooty}
Posted 13 years ago by purplespider    [ Reply ]
What a great version!  So good to hear the old Brian Ferry sound again.
Posted 13 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
thought this sounded familiar...not bad i suppose.
Posted 13 years ago by black321    [ Reply ]
As much as I love Roxy's Avalon and most of Ferry's solo efforts, I still have not taken to this effort. Intend to give it uninterrupted listens over T'giving...
Posted 13 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Nope, not a patch on This Mortal's Coil's cover of this song, which raises goosepimples. This just raises a yawn, though it is Yuprock hero Bryan Ferry so that's not entirely surprising. As sirens go, this one is unalluring in the extreme...

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 sailorgirl wrote:
Does BF (try to) sound like Roy Orbison somewhat, withe the falsetto-y vibrato sounds?  And does it work?  I'm not sure..., but I think I like this song...
 
That's his accent.  I believe the technical term for it is "drama queen."  Cf. Morrissey.  Bowie's good at it, too.  I think it works as a cheap substitute for emotion when you've got only 3 minutes to get your point across.

Posted 13 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
Does BF (try to) sound like Roy Orbison somewhat, withe the falsetto-y vibrato sounds?  And does it work?  I'm not sure..., but I think I like this song...
Posted 13 years ago by sailorgirl    [ Reply ]
Whoa!
Posted 13 years ago by mmoyer    [ Reply ]
wow — is this THE most covered song ever??  {#Stupid}
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
...new renditions are always welcomed to my ears - thanks, bill...
Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]