Vinyl burns
I was given the album I Can't Stop Forgetting Again by Vinyl Burns to review. So I gave it my best shot. I always like to be fair. And part of being fair means offering both sides - so here now for you all is my review of the Vinyl Burns album - and his comments on my review. Taking me to task somewhat. I hope by printing this for all to see - at his request - I can make amends.
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I Can't Stop Forgetting Again is a unique listening experience. It's got glimpses of trance and techno, it's got moments where old-school meets new-school, guitars circling in over processed beats. And it's got a unique worldview being expressed. Often boisterously, almost deliriously.
I can't find a lot of CV-type information about Burns beyond the description that he is an "International Mystery Man". He has an American accent and presumably moved out here reasonably recently.
The album he has created mixes ribald intentions with sentimental balladry. Often in the same tune. Sometimes within the same line within a song.
The song Falling Apart suggests you "cellotape me to your heart". I like that line.
Later, with Dancer, Vinyl Burns drops the toasting but carries on the boasting, becoming a DJ rather than a troubadour - setting up a fiery groove that smoulders then flickers then envelops the tune.
There are songs where Burns manages the innovation of commenting over his own lyrics, essentially reviewing himself (Medieval Times). That certainly makes my job hard! And then there's the club banger, Let Me See Your Hands. That is designed and placed to ensure that no one stays sitting next to their stereo. You would have to be your feet when you hear it. Surely?
I Can't Stop Forgetting is an album to remember. See here for the video to Like A Lion.
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So that was my review. And then came this from Mr Burns...
Sir,
I always welcome critical review of my work, however you appear to have fallen into a few common misunderstandings of my intentions. Don't feel bad that you've misheard my message, as this is complex stuff, and not easy to fully extract the true meaning within my music.
Firstly, there are no "glimpses" or "moments". This is a single journey from tracks one through nine, navigating politics, pop culture, anthropological realities and literary fantasies... To break this album down into simple genre brackets is frustrating and cheap. Yes, it is a unique album, but as I suggest in Let Me See Your Hands, we're all at one with the cosmos. I'm surprised you didn't dig a little deeper to see that.
Regarding the mashing of gangsta lewdities and maple sweet sentiment, I try to mirror the two-tone days of our lives. Life and love are passionate endeavors, often polarized and frequently violently conflicted. My music sets out to address these powerful juxtapositions, and my fans believe I succeed.
Falling Apart is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and I'm glad you enjoyed the line. To be honest, the toughest part of writing that song was deciding which spelling to use. I too like "cellotape".
On the track Medieval Times, I do indeed carry a dialogue of sorts between the "singer" and the "narrator", in order to express the modern day conflicts and frustration at the political divide. The "singer" weaves a story of mystical times, hinting at the darkness to come, indeed, the "evil" of futurist corporate politics, but with a tip of the hat to the pleasant immediacies of the "pre-evil" times:"better get a gun... better get a lady".
The narrator simply offers comment on the tale, its telling, and the teen angst hopelessness of not being heard with lines like "I like the ladies..." and "this song is bullsh*t".
Also surprising is your failure to pick up on the parallel story lines pairing several of the songs on the disc. Have a listen again and join the dots between Medieval Times and Ballad Of Yulia, Poetry Slam and Aliens Will Save Us, Seven Beds and Dancer.
To draw an aquatic analogy... you're only in up to your ankles.
No one stays sitting next to their stereo. You did hit the nail right on the hammer there.
I Can't Stop Forgetting Again is a call to arms, to the kids and to the families they will one day have. To them, I say get off the television and make something of yourself!
Yours deliriously,
Vinyl Burns
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There's a fine line between 1 and 5 stars, isn't there?
Being at work right now prevents me from trying the YouTube link, but I have to say I’m doubtful. For one thing, that is a REALLY disturbing photo you’ve got there, and for two things: “The "singer" [of Medieval Times] weaves a story of mystical times, hinting at the darkness to come, indeed, the "evil" of futurist corporate politics, but with a tip of the hat to the pleasant immediacies of the "pre-evil" times:"better get a gun... better get a lady".” Oh dear. I have absolutely zero sympathy for this middle class hippy idea that life was better in the Middle Ages and humanity’s salvation lies in recreating them. It’s an opinion you can only hold if you have no idea what medieval life was actually like. Or am I misinterpreting this guy and the song is a parody? If it’s a parody it might be good.
The third thing, of course, is that this guy sounds like he’s full of it.
Mr Burns That is the best review (and writing!) that has ever appeared on this blog. Keep up the great work.
April Fools?
@ Danny #1 - exactly what I was thinking as I read through his response!
"Yes, it is a unique album, but as I suggest in Let Me See Your Hands, we're all at one with the cosmos. I'm surprised you didn't dig a little deeper to see that."
WTF? Sorry buddy but I don't listen to music to try and find hidden meanings and parallel story lines! I listen to it for enjoyment.
Well spotted Ben! ;-)
Vinyl Burns and Derek Flores are two of the worst things to happen to the Wellington comedy scene in a while. Simon, you realise Vinyl is a comedian? It's horrible nonetheless.
jk#7 and Ben #5 are on to it. Having a passing familiarity with Burns' work, I'd be inclined to agree this has the whiff of send-up.
Danny and Karlos...
I fully appreciate that many listeners only wish to skim the surface, and that's fine by me... I myself occasionally tune in to More FM for a few songs.
I was simply pointing out, for those people interested in a deeper musical journey, that there are many layers and levels to a Vinyl Burns experience.
Yours informatively, Vinyl Burns
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I can't stand listening to musicians....or any artist for that matter, who takes what they do so seriously. IT IS ONLY MUSIC! It is supposed to be fun, supposed to be enjoyed, and yes analysed to the degree that the listener feels like analysing it. But it is not compulsory to go in deep, and look for hidden meanings and subtext....let alone parrallels between certain songs! I thought your review was very complimentary....now he has made himself sound like a prat, and i am not interested in listening to the album at all now.