Listening to Beth Orton on Radio Paradise

Uprated from 7 to 8 this evening. It's context and timing, I think.

Posted 1 year ago by DrMacDaddy [ Reply ]

Beth Orton reminds me of a girlfriend you used to have and have no idea why you liked her then, but you miss her now.

Posted 3 years ago by nelsonha [ Reply ]

I normally skip Beth Orton, but I forgot this time ... and glad I did. A solid 8.

Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo [ Reply ]

The first six notes in the chorus ("I don't mind no what I tell you") are the same as in this song from Game of Thrones

Posted 3 years ago by Sofa_King [ Reply ]

Just remembered an appointment with my speech pathologist.

Posted 6 years ago by TerryS [ Reply ]

Hearing this way too often on RP. A long break would be nice.

Posted 7 years ago by daniel_rusk [ Reply ]

easmann wrote:

ambrebalte wrote:

First heard her voice when she was singing with the Chemical Brothers - always loved her since then. Soft and strong, smooth and smoky, all contrasts. How is she in concert? Would love to see her live!

SquiddlyDiddly wrote:

I have seen her three times and each time was a disappointment. I really, really love her recorded output and wanted to connect with that live. . . but she is not a natural live performer (in my humble opinion that is) and one time I even walked out half way through I because I could not deal with what I was hearing.

She is still high up on my list of female performers. Perhaps this is a classic case of a rare and fragile flower not best suited to the glare of a spotlight.

That's unfortunate, her difficulty performing live. Maybe this is changing now that performers are becoming less dependent on recording labels and their contracts but I've heard that the way many (most?) of those contracts are constructed, performers rely on live performances for the bulk of their income.

I've only ever seen her perfom on the Jools Holland show (UK). I was excited that she was going to be on there, as I've always loved her voice, but her live performance was really not great - it seemed she was struggling with stage nerves, you could hear it in her voice. A shame - we'll just have to keep listening to her recorded work.

Posted 7 years ago by adib [ Reply ]

scrubbrush wrote:

Love this song. Haunting and powerful. Really great stuff IMHO.

.... it most certainly is

Posted 7 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw [ Reply ]

Love this song. Haunting and powerful. Really great stuff IMHO.

Posted 8 years ago by scrubbrush [ Reply ]

Beth Orton is like a Sara McLachlan for those addicted to diet pills..

Posted 8 years ago by floydoftherocks [ Reply ]

lovely show

Posted 9 years ago by Mike_S [ Reply ]

how could you know

Posted 9 years ago by Mike_S [ Reply ]

ambrebalte wrote:

First heard her voice when she was singing with the Chemical Brothers - always loved her since then. Soft and strong, smooth and smoky, all contrasts. How is she in concert? Would love to see her live!

Your description makes me think of coffee!! Café con leche.

My first hearing "your fingers like fuses, your eyes were cinnamon" really got to me. She has a way of both energizing and desolating you, sort of like watching Breaking Bad.

Overlooked.

Posted 9 years ago by averybadcat [ Reply ]

ambrebalte wrote:

First heard her voice when she was singing with the Chemical Brothers - always loved her since then. Soft and strong, smooth and smoky, all contrasts. How is she in concert? Would love to see her live!

I have seen her three times and each time was a disappointment. I really, really love her recorded output and wanted to connect with that live. . . but she is not a natural live performer (in my humble opinion that is) and one time I even walked out half way through I because I could not deal with what I was hearing.

She is still high up on my list of female performers. Perhaps this is a classic case of a rare and fragile flower not best suited to the glare of a spotlight.

Posted 9 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly [ Reply ]

First heard her voice when she was singing with the Chemical Brothers - always loved her since then. Soft and strong, smooth and smoky, all contrasts. How is she in concert? Would love to see her live!

Posted 10 years ago by ambrebalte [ Reply ]

Stingray wrote:

Bill's personal muse!

Nothing wrong with that..Life should have us all mezmerized in some way or fasion. ;) Everything is to be grateful for! Nothing is promised.

Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule [ Reply ]

Rats.....I missed her play in Boulder when she was touring for this album, which I added to my collection. Another great artist only on RP evidently.

Posted 10 years ago by cohifi [ Reply ]

dragon1952 wrote:

the day of the crooner ended around 60 yrs ago in case nobody noticed ...

I still like the crooners (Andy Williams is a guilty pleasure of mine), but Beth Orton is another world. The entire "Central Reservation" CD is outstanding, from "Stolen Car" all the way through to the title track.

My dream date would include Allison Goldfrapp, Neko Case, Beth Orton, and Elizabeth Fraser.

Posted 10 years ago by Zep [ Reply ]

Bill's personal muse!

Posted 10 years ago by Stingray [ Reply ]

Some may sing the wrong words to the wrong melodies
Little things like this don't matter to me

Posted 10 years ago by scrubbrush [ Reply ]

Agreed.....the day of the crooner ended around 60 yrs ago in case nobody noticed. Since when is it important to sing like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole or Tony Bennet? In this case, I think it's just kind of her 'style' that makes it sound a little 'off', but really who cares anymore? It's the artistic aspect that matters and is what has mattered for the last half century.

rdo wrote:

Ziakut, that was a wonderful bitch session and one I agree with wholeheartedly. I don't know what it means to sing in key, or in tune, or whatever they are trying to communicate. I think too much ink is spilled on meaningless criticisms like this. I don't think anyone pays any attention to these things. They don't matter.

Posted 10 years ago by dragon1952 [ Reply ]

h8rhater wrote:

I always preferred Bournemouth to Brighton anyway.

Are you sure? The only redeeming feature it has over Brighton is sand on the beach and a plentiful supply of mobility scooters.

Posted 10 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly [ Reply ]

ziakut wrote:

People keep saying stuff like..."Her voice is out of tune" etc...Her voice is "OFF KEY" not out of tune! If it was "out of tune" then someone could feasibly alter her vocal cords and make her 'in tune'....I personally don't hear her sounding off at all...so, not sure what all the bitching is about. Just can't stand when people use that phrase. There! That was my bitch session for the day! Damn...I have the whole day left....sigh.

Ziakut, that was a wonderful bitch session and one I agree with wholeheartedly. I don't know what it means to sing in key, or in tune, or whatever they are trying to communicate. I think too much ink is spilled on meaningless criticisms like this. I don't think anyone pays any attention to these things. They don't matter.

Posted 10 years ago by rdo [ Reply ]

Wow. Love the Orton. I mean.... really, really impressed with her work. The song is fantastic and I'll be downloading before it sleep tonight.

Posted 10 years ago by scrubbrush [ Reply ]

gillespp wrote:

Maryanne Faithful, 1960s-1970s: Severe laryngitis, coupled with persistent cocaine abuse during this period, permanently altered Faithfull's voice, leaving it cracked and lower in pitch. While the new sound was praised as "whisky soaked" by some critics, journalist John Jones, of the Sunday Times, wrote that she had "permanently vulgarised her voice".

,
Well that's journo's for you. Do you think she could sing Kurt Weill's music, which she was born to do, with the voice she had during her 'girl on a motorcycle' days. Or what about her album 'Broken English'? That so-called cracked voice really hits the spot.

Posted 10 years ago by funkyalfonso [ Reply ]

People keep saying stuff like..."Her voice is out of tune" etc...Her voice is "OFF KEY" not out of tune! If it was "out of tune" then someone could feasibly alter her vocal cords and make her 'in tune'....I personally don't hear her sounding off at all...so, not sure what all the bitching is about. Just can't stand when people use that phrase. There! That was my bitch session for the day! Damn...I have the whole day left....sigh.

Posted 10 years ago by ziakut [ Reply ]

She has grown on me over the years. Likey.

Posted 10 years ago by DanO-1 [ Reply ]

9 > > 10. Put simply I can't find any fault with this and the start of it swells my heart as much as any wonderful song I know.

Posted 10 years ago by Sloggydog [ Reply ]

god you idiots bitch about bad voices, and buy squeal young by the millions, envy is ugly too.

Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48 [ Reply ]

Sugar coat your voice then. I heard a raven last Tuesday which had more appealing vocalisation.

Posted 10 years ago by TerryS [ Reply ]

maxmox wrote:

However, 40 years of smoking 'improved' Maryanne Faithful's voice somewhat.............

Maryanne Faithful, 1960s-1970s: Severe laryngitis, coupled with persistent cocaine abuse during this period, permanently altered Faithfull's voice, leaving it cracked and lower in pitch. While the new sound was praised as "whisky soaked" by some critics, journalist John Jones, of the Sunday Times, wrote that she had "permanently vulgarised her voice".

Posted 10 years ago by gillespp [ Reply ]

zenhead wrote:

I've heard it said that if Beth Orton would cheer up, she'd sound like Imogen Heap. I love them both.

I love them both too, but I don't think they sound anything alike.

Posted 10 years ago by TJS [ Reply ]

Huh-oh. My huh-rage response to her verbal tag is huh-kicking-in.
Join you all later a-huh-gain when I can turn up the sound...

Posted 10 years ago by Rotterdam [ Reply ]

NeuroGeek wrote:

And I think she's flat in this one, too.

If she's flat now and then, she's doing a poor job. If she's flat every time, she's singing with skill.

Posted 10 years ago by oldsaxon [ Reply ]

h8rhater wrote:

I always preferred Bournemouth to Brighton anyway.

When Bournemouth grows up and becomes a city, it'll still be 1/3rd the size of Brighton, but have twice as many wrinklies.

Posted 10 years ago by TerryS [ Reply ]

NeuroGeek wrote:

The number of pop/alternative/etc female singers that sing off-key (usually flat) is mind-blowing for me. Since when did being out of tune become cool and voice lessons (apparently) become taboo? Yikes.

I thought I had bad CD's of her recordings. Glad it's not my my hearing. I still love her voice and music.

Posted 10 years ago by flyboy50 [ Reply ]

Leslie wrote:

Hey, she actually doesn't sound horrible on this song. She's always off-key, IMO.

And I think she's flat in this one, too.

Posted 10 years ago by NeuroGeek [ Reply ]

Leslie wrote:

Hey, she actually doesn't sound horrible on this song. She's always off-key, IMO.

The number of pop/alternative/etc female singers that sing off-key (usually flat) is mind-blowing for me. Since when did being out of tune become cool and voice lessons (apparently) become taboo? Yikes.

Posted 10 years ago by NeuroGeek [ Reply ]

Boy_Wonder wrote:

Fight on the South Coast!

I always preferred Bournemouth to Brighton anyway.

Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

Hey, she actually doesn't sound horrible on this song. She's always off-key, IMO.

Posted 11 years ago by Leslie [ Reply ]

However, 40 years of smoking 'improved' Maryanne Faithful's voice somewhat.............

Posted 11 years ago by maxmox [ Reply ]

Fight on the South Coast!

Posted 11 years ago by Boy_Wonder [ Reply ]

coding_to_music wrote:

Same here, longtime fan. Saw her in Somerville MA a month ago. Giant letdown, had no voice. 20 years of smoking will destroy your money-maker. Just ask Joni Mitchell. Very sad. Will not see her again. Sigh....

Poppycock .. are you going to say the same of Nat King Cole, George Melley etc ?? and the reference to Joni I really dont get. Her double Album called 'Travelouge' is an Album you must listen to, a musical autobiography, can't witness any croaking there or in any of her Albums.

Posted 11 years ago by Toke [ Reply ]

coding_to_music wrote:

Same here, longtime fan. Saw her in Somerville MA a month ago. Giant letdown, had no voice. 20 years of smoking will destroy your money-maker. Just ask Joni Mitchell. Very sad. Will not see her again. Sigh....

I have come to the opinion she is not really comfortable performing live. I have seen her thrice and even walked out half way through the last time - we could not bear the train wreck of the performance. Never mind though, she is still played at Poacher Mansions on regular rotation.

Posted 11 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly [ Reply ]

colt4x5 wrote:

Been a borderless, unabashed Beth Orton devotee since Trailer Park. My three daughters are likewise sold on her. Thrilled that there's new material to adore.

Same here, longtime fan. Saw her in Somerville MA a month ago. Giant letdown, had no voice. 20 years of smoking will destroy your money-maker. Just ask Joni Mitchell. Very sad. Will not see her again. Sigh....

Posted 11 years ago by coding_to_music [ Reply ]

she's tall

Posted 11 years ago by bobzane [ Reply ]

I've heard it said that if Beth Orton would cheer up, she'd sound like Imogen Heap. I love them both.

Posted 11 years ago by zenhead [ Reply ]

Bumped this up. Growing on me. The recorded version, anyway.

Posted 11 years ago by michaelgmitchell [ Reply ]

Saw her in Toronto the day before the North American release of Sugaring Season.Wonderful relaxed solo performance she seemed genuinely happy to be on tour. Maybe a different story after too many stops. Great chemistry with her husband Sam on a few numbers. Glad to have her back.

Posted 11 years ago by atw58 [ Reply ]

What awesome melodic, charming, vocal beauty this artist adds to the sound her voice makes!

Posted 11 years ago by GrooVy [ Reply ]

I am liking her new stuff! Go, Beth!

Posted 11 years ago by coloradojohn [ Reply ]

kaybee wrote:

I have a feeling I might wind up buying this album.

Do keep us posted!

Posted 11 years ago by RKeaton [ Reply ]

I have a feeling I might wind up buying this album.

Posted 11 years ago by kaybee [ Reply ]

Saw her on that iTunes Music Festival thingy recently. Looked pretty rough, actually. Lack of sleep?

Posted 11 years ago by michaelgmitchell [ Reply ]

justlistening wrote:

Same here. She did look scared and I thought it came across in her performance. Also the Letterman performance sounded much sparser than this and I didn't think it did the piece justice. But good to see her again and I have to say I would be wetting my pants if I had to perform on TV.

She wasn't scared, she had no voice. Probably in the middle of a tour. You could almost see her grimace every time she reached for the power and it wasn't there. It's a horrible feeling for a singer.

Posted 11 years ago by jhorton [ Reply ]

justlistening wrote:

Same here. She did look scared and I thought it came across in her performance. Also the Letterman performance sounded much sparser than this and I didn't think it did the piece justice. But good to see her again and I have to say I would be wetting my pants if I had to perform on TV.

The other thing I noticed on her performance and also others is the studio sound balance really is not good at all. There have been a couple of other performers I have seen that I know the tunes are good but they just did not come across real well.

Posted 11 years ago by xtalman [ Reply ]

xtalman wrote:

Saw her on Letterman the other night. Very nice, though she look a bit scared.

Same here. She did look scared and I thought it came across in her performance. Also the Letterman performance sounded much sparser than this and I didn't think it did the piece justice. But good to see her again and I have to say I would be wetting my pants if I had to perform on TV.

Posted 11 years ago by justlistening [ Reply ]

So good to hear her distinctive voice again. Thanks RP.

Posted 11 years ago by Larry_Rosenow [ Reply ]

Saw her on Letterman the other night. Very nice, though she look a bit scared.

Posted 11 years ago by xtalman [ Reply ]

Been a borderless, unabashed Beth Orton devotee since Trailer Park. My three daughters are likewise sold on her. Thrilled that there's new material to adore.

Posted 11 years ago by colt4x5 [ Reply ]

RPJunkie wrote:

THE NEW PHONE BOOKS ARE HERE! THE NEW PHONE BOOKS ARE HERE!

Seriously, very excited for any new Beth Orton. I expect to wear out the CD player with this one.

HAHAHAHAHAHA! And, also seriously, I am very excited to hear some new Beth Orton!

Posted 11 years ago by rvontha [ Reply ]

THE NEW PHONE BOOKS ARE HERE! THE NEW PHONE BOOKS ARE HERE!

Seriously, very excited for any new Beth Orton. I expect to wear out the CD player with this one.