Manchalivin

Yeah, I really like the bass on Massey 99%. I almost like it better than the cd version.

I can see you hoping it would come with mp3 since other vinyls have, but I don't think they should feel obligated to include it or anything. MG said this about it on FB though. Here's the discussion: Nicholaus Biela I'm curious as to why the vinyl copy of the album didn't include an mp3 download of the album. Are us vinyl lovers just a niche market? Loving the album, just unfortunately not on the go! Matthew Good Why would it include two versions of the album for one price? Nicholaus Biela I believe the thinking by the record companies who include the code is that for those who purchase the cd version of it (also physical media), they can simply upload it (thus creating a "second version" of the album for the same price) while, vinyl lovers are unable to do that. Matthew Good Oh, I see what you mean. Ya, that is sort of lame. We just do really limited production runs is all, it's not like we do big runs, so it's more of a collector's item than anything.

I don't think making an mp3 copy of a purchased cd is stealing at all. I do think, however, it shouldn't be expected that the vinyl comes with an mp3 download.

Coolio Hazoolio! Thanks much. I've had part one for a while and was quite interested.

Apparently you don't listen to Matthew Good anymore.

I too turn the volume up on this album. If I go for a walk I pretty much keep it full blast on the cd as well. I'm thinking it was intentional to have the loud really loud and the quiet really quiet on this to give dynamic or whatever. Interestingly I don't think his other albums are really like that.

I actually really like Lights of Endangered Species as the closer. I think it's the closest Matt gets to 'belting it out' on the whole album (Zero Orchestra is more sing/shout-y), and it only comes at the very end. I really like those lyrics as well Moonlight, it's a great way to end the album. It's a subdued, yet grand and fitting ender.

That really sucks that you waited it out all this time and there just happens to be a stupid strike to screw you over right now. I don't blame you wanting to wait though. You waited this long, you might as well wait to hear it in proper cd format. I hope it comes soon for you.

I asked Matt what a claratron is and he responded this: "I invented it. It's basically the use of Clarinets in mellotron format."

I really don't think MG would have any problem with this as long as you bought the album like Bimbly did and don't distribute it to anyone as Crusader said. Maybe ask Matt what he thinks if anyone is actually concerned.

I don't get why anyone would take issue with this. If you buy the cd, for example, you may decide to rip it so you can also have it on your mp3 player. I don't think you should have to buy it again to get a digital version and people buy cds and rip them to their mp3 players all the time. Or am I missing something?

I always really enjoyed the original, but this may be good as well. It's just such a feel good, upbeat MG song.

Hold on to your panties Bimbly, I'll up it for you. ;)

I gotta say, I think I would be up for Matt doing a big band-esque record, or maybe just an EP. Call me crazy but he did so good and unique with it. I'm not saying I'd want every song as extravagant as Zero Orchestra but I'd be fine with one or two. Also, who else loves the intensity and style of Matt's vocals in the song? It's refreshing to hear and while I wouldn't want too many songs with it, Matt sounds really good on the song. I can't explain it, there's just such a fire in his voice like you hardly hear. I think it will be the song of the summer and could be a big hit for Matt. What lyrics do you peeps like from the album? I've got a few right now. Set Me On Fire Can't afford to wake up Can't afford not to either In A Place Of Lesser Men Order in some food, turn on the news, hear some fool say The world is going to end Best spend the night under your bed Extraordinary Fades Where man become machine looks death to live again What If I Can't See The Stars Mildred? If I'm the crazy one then what the fuck's with everyone else?/ Baby you gotta do what you gotta do Non Populus What you escape Let it be done to you What you take away Let it be done to you For what you war Let it be done to you What you ignore Let it be done to you Lights of Endangered Species And get beat to shit for you/ So in pieces your sons and in pieces your daughters

I don't see why some people are taking such issue with the drums. I can see it with Vancouver somewhat but I think the drums are improved and fine for this album. I don't think he just got Blake to play the drums exactly as they were played on the demos, or maybe I just don't know jack about drumming.

No thanks, not an album full of shoegaze. I'm not sure where you hear that anyway. I'll have to listen for it later. The lap steel and guitar and whatnot in Mildred really make it sound grand. I also love the added organ or whatever it is in Shallow's Low.

I've got another extra part that isn't in the lyrics. It's in the new song What If I Can't See The Stars Mildred? In the breakdown or whatever you want to call it, Matt whispers the title of the song.

Walmart didn't have it? That is really strange. That is where I got the last 2 MG albums. Original Species, you're far from the only one who's in love with How It Goes. I personally enjoy it quite a bit but it's not my favourite. I have seen many mentions about it though so people are really liking that one. Crusader, I didn't look it all over but I caught 2 minor mistakes. In Lights, the lyrics are "so in pieces your sons and in pieces your daughters". You just had song instead of sons. In Extraordinary Fades, it's "When I end carry me through the streets of my youth" instead of "Where I end". No biggie. Do you still want that last lyric page?

You're welcome Crusader. Have you heard the album yet? I have some criticism for the record. The amazing instrumental part from the demo is still in Shallow's Low but the guitar in that part is turned up too high on the record in my opinion and seems too noisy. It sort of drowns out the beautiful orchestration in that part. I'm a bit disappointed in it. It still sounds really good, it's just from other songs and parts clearly surpassing the demo I was hoping to be at least as amazed by that part. Does anyone know if there was strings in the demo of Shallow's Low? I almost thought there was and there isn't on the album so that could have added to it as well. Also I want to say What If I Can't See The Stars Mildred turned out fantastic. I love it. Set Me On Fire is indeed awesome and I'm enjoying Extraordinary Fades more now.

You could be right. Whatever it is, Matthew Good plays it on the album on three songs. I obviously need to give this album more listens as I've only listened once full through so far but the best thing I can think to say is WOW. Most of the songs easily surpass the demos. This album can't be explained really, especially not after one listen. There is SO much going on, so many layers and subtlety. Yet I don't find it overpowering and quite often it's pretty simple and quiet. I love the intensity/passion/edge in Matt's vocals in quite a few parts. Some of it reminds me of a fire in Matt's voice I miss from MGB days. I loved the demo of Zero Orchestra, but the final version still blew me away. It is spectacular. They just went NUTS on that one and it could seem a stretch or out of place, but oddly I think it fits nicely. It being in the middle of the album with Mildred is a nice boost of energy, a kick for the album. I think there's a good balance on the record. It's really hard to pick standouts because I'd have to name pretty much every song. I'm surprised I haven't seen more love for the title track or some people that were underwhelmed. I think it's that much better than the demo and is a good closer. This is a special album. I'm really happy for Matthew Good that he could finally produce the album he's wanted to make for years. A great balance of the familiar and the adventurous. Here's some scans:

Sweet signature. Does anyone know what a claratron is? It's in the liner notes on the new cd and I can't find anything about it on the internet.

Yeah, I should have noted that. The one for AOB was Matt's dream tracklist for it, not the original. The one for WL however was his original intention.

Why the crap do the Americans get Darlin' and we don't?

I dunno about focused, sounds about as focused as his other albums to me. I think it has a good number of standouts and I really enjoy almost all the songs that aren't standouts. Some of his most memorable, powerful songs. Standouts: Weapon In A World Called Catastrophe While We Were Hunting Rabbits Avalanche House of Smoke and Mirrors Bright End of Nowhere Double Life Lullaby For The New World Order Near Fantastica That's most of the album.