My opinion on Endless Wire album

ricky Jay · 07-30-2005, 11:56 PM

Hello again :D

Anyway, weeks ago I was going to provide my opinion on the Endless Wire album that I asked people's viewpoints of. I guess I got lazy and didn't want to write down my feelings about it because I felt it would take too long (due to the fact that once I start writing, I never am able to stop...I can get lengthy).

I was trying to decide whether or not I wanted to bump the other thread or make a new one. I decided to do the latter because I thought it would result in more views, due to the topic being newer. I hope I did not annoy anyone by making a new topic about something that I already stated a few weeks ago. I just thought I was doing what was best. :D Anyway....

I have been listening to the album for nearly a month now and while I can't say I love the album quite as much as, say, Cold on the Shoulder, Shadows, or Salute (the other albums I had ordered in conjunction with Endless Wire), but I can say with certainty that I like this album quite much. I would say that I feel the same way about this album as I do about Old Dan's Records...it's like a record that I don't immediately think about listening to in GL's collection off the bat, but once I listen to it, I think to myself, why didn't I listen to this more often? Or something like that.

To be honest, I feel that there are some great songs on it, and that the album is a bit underrated. I am, however, trying to decide whether or not I agree with other people's reservations regarding their opinion that it may not be up to par with other albums, or that the band sounds unenthused or something. Maybe you can see whether or not you concur with this, but I think that if I were rating it on Amazon, I would give it at LEAST a 4-star rating...

Well, I got the "con" part out of the way. Let me continue with what I perceive to be "pros."

The songs themselves seem to be just fine...I love them all, even though my least favorite on the album is Sometimes I Don't Mind...but the electric guitar on there helps things. I like the 2nd version of The Circle is Small (and of course, I like the first), because it seems a bit more personal-sounding in the way it is sung, I don't know why. What surprised me is the song If There's a Reason. I was apprehensive about whether I could listen through this song in its entirety every time Hangdog Hotel Room ended...I felt it was a listenable song but it didn't click with me for a couple listens, then suddenly one fine day I was listening to it and thought to myself, "Hey...it's a slow song, but it's got a catchy hook!" And ever since, I like this song now. I have to admit, this song may sound slow and meandering, but I can feel that this song is more difficult to sing than one may realize. Anyway, I will go on...

I like every song in their own way. I get a kick out of Hangdog Hotel Room and I adore Dreamland...for some reason that song stands out for me. Songs the Minstrel Sang kind of remind me of Cherokee Bend, while If Children Had Wings sounds like a firsthand account of emotional pain and strife...

There's something though that I observe about this album that I didn't observe even in the meloncholy melodies of Cold On the Shoulder...(and I do love that album!)...it seems like GL is very sad in this album...and NOT just because he's singing a sad song or two...he seems emotionally down in spots on this album...as if something is bothering him personally (probably problems in his marriage...I don't keep track on WHEN his problems began though)...I didn't notice this internal sadness as much in some other albums...it's as if something is weighing him down emotionally...I notice this in songs like If There's a Reason, Dreamland, If Children Had Wings, and The Circle is Small. Does anyone notice this? Oh well, if anyone doesn't, that renders me the only person who does.

[ July 31, 2005, 00:06: Message edited by: Shazia ]

Shazia · 07-30-2005, 11:56 PM

Hello again :D

Anyway, weeks ago I was going to provide my opinion on the Endless Wire album that I asked people's viewpoints of. I guess I got lazy and didn't want to write down my feelings about it because I felt it would take too long (due to the fact that once I start writing, I never am able to stop...I can get lengthy).

I was trying to decide whether or not I wanted to bump the other thread or make a new one. I decided to do the latter because I thought it would result in more views, due to the topic being newer. I hope I did not annoy anyone by making a new topic about something that I already stated a few weeks ago. I just thought I was doing what was best. :D Anyway....

I have been listening to the album for nearly a month now and while I can't say I love the album quite as much as, say, Cold on the Shoulder, Shadows, or Salute (the other albums I had ordered in conjunction with Endless Wire), but I can say with certainty that I like this album quite much. I would say that I feel the same way about this album as I do about Old Dan's Records...it's like a record that I don't immediately think about listening to in GL's collection off the bat, but once I listen to it, I think to myself, why didn't I listen to this more often? Or something like that.

To be honest, I feel that there are some great songs on it, and that the album is a bit underrated. I am, however, trying to decide whether or not I agree with other people's reservations regarding their opinion that it may not be up to par with other albums, or that the band sounds unenthused or something. Maybe you can see whether or not you concur with this, but I think that if I were rating it on Amazon, I would give it at LEAST a 4-star rating...

Well, I got the "con" part out of the way. Let me continue with what I perceive to be "pros."

The songs themselves seem to be just fine...I love them all, even though my least favorite on the album is Sometimes I Don't Mind...but the electric guitar on there helps things. I like the 2nd version of The Circle is Small (and of course, I like the first), because it seems a bit more personal-sounding in the way it is sung, I don't know why. What surprised me is the song If There's a Reason. I was apprehensive about whether I could listen through this song in its entirety every time Hangdog Hotel Room ended...I felt it was a listenable song but it didn't click with me for a couple listens, then suddenly one fine day I was listening to it and thought to myself, "Hey...it's a slow song, but it's got a catchy hook!" And ever since, I like this song now. I have to admit, this song may sound slow and meandering, but I can feel that this song is more difficult to sing than one may realize. Anyway, I will go on...

I like every song in their own way. I get a kick out of Hangdog Hotel Room and I adore Dreamland...for some reason that song stands out for me. Songs the Minstrel Sang kind of remind me of Cherokee Bend, while If Children Had Wings sounds like a firsthand account of emotional pain and strife...

There's something though that I observe about this album that I didn't observe even in the meloncholy melodies of Cold On the Shoulder...(and I do love that album!)...it seems like GL is very sad in this album...and NOT just because he's singing a sad song or two...he seems emotionally down in spots on this album...as if something is bothering him personally (probably problems in his marriage...I don't keep track on WHEN his problems began though)...I didn't notice this internal sadness as much in some other albums...it's as if something is weighing him down emotionally...I notice this in songs like If There's a Reason, Dreamland, If Children Had Wings, and The Circle is Small. Does anyone notice this? Oh well, if anyone doesn't, that renders me the only person who does.

[ July 31, 2005, 00:06: Message edited by: Shazia ]

The Rez · 07-31-2005, 02:17 AM

For what it's worth:

This album and each album have taken root in my heart - after a time. Perhaps not on first hearing, but after a time the roots find home.

As to Gord's frame of mind or the story behind a song, I must return to what he told me yrs ago, after I asked such a question.

"If I told you it wouldn't be yours.:

So, Shazia, as it touches you, it touches you uniquely. Celebrate that and, perhaps, not annalize it too deeply.

The Rez

Sheryl · 07-31-2005, 02:59 AM

Shazia, I believe that If Children Had Wings was written after his first wife took the kids (after the divorce) to Europe to live. They were small. That's heartbreaking. So, knowing that fact now, re-listen to that song and see if your heart doesn't break, too.

In regard to If There's a Reason, on another topic thread, we were talking about something or other and someone made a joke about no GL songs are danceable. I said, "Oh, yes, there is!" "If There's a Reason!" That song is SO country/western-sounding to me and truly slow-danceable, dontcha think? I agree with you that some songs I had to listen to quite a few times before they grew on me. And don't you just love his "tough guy" attitude on the cover photo?

joveski · 07-31-2005, 04:20 PM

i also love Sometimes i dont mind. is that the first song that gord plays electric guitar on an album?.. i think i read it was.

i took the album instantly when i first heard it.. its very underrated (bit like east of midnight)

The Rez · 07-31-2005, 04:52 PM

Endless Wire: a few "free range" thoughts.

When this was Gord's most recent album, it was the same time Doug Wesson of The Troubadore in LA was in need. Gord, and a number of other luminaries did benefit shows at that ol' stompin' ground for Doug.

Seeing Gord w/ full band & full program from 'bout 2' away was very cool - mustache, tinted glasses & all. Backstage at The Troubadore is little more than a big restroom. No passes needed. Great, sweaty time.

Danceable:
Is there a gentle waltz (If Children Had Wings) that cannot glide a couple about the floor?
Hangdog Hotel Room does it, too. (In a saloon you just have so start out w/ Proud Mary, then switch - they'll never know.)

The Personal:
Remains the personal experience drawn out from the songs he gives us.

The Rez

PS: Anybody know why Gord changed "rubbin' the wrong girl right" to "lovin' the wrong girl right" on stage? I've always related to the "rubbin'"

ricky Jay · 07-31-2005, 05:10 PM

I just finished listening to Endless Wire again and now I am listening to Shadows (another album I got in conjunction with Endless Wire)...I adore Heaven Help the Devil...heck I love a lot of other songs there too...Thank For the Promises, Triangle, I'll Do Anything, Baby Step Back (that is catchy as heck!! holy COW!)

Shazia · 07-31-2005, 05:10 PM

I just finished listening to Endless Wire again and now I am listening to Shadows (another album I got in conjunction with Endless Wire)...I adore Heaven Help the Devil...heck I love a lot of other songs there too...Thank For the Promises, Triangle, I'll Do Anything, Baby Step Back (that is catchy as heck!! holy COW!)

ricky Jay · 07-31-2005, 05:11 PM

Sheryl I was always wondering what he was pondering about in his mind when I look at his face on the album cover!

Shazia · 07-31-2005, 05:11 PM

Sheryl I was always wondering what he was pondering about in his mind when I look at his face on the album cover!

jeffyjo · 07-31-2005, 07:31 PM

First, Old Dan's Records is a much better album than Endless Wire. By miles and miles.

But yes, Endless Wire is something of a failed masterpiece. The emotional despondency, in the end, is what knocks the album down to A-/B+. If you take an album like, say, Dylan's Blood On The Tracks, Dylan manages to be despondent in a vibrant way. (If that makes sense). Dylan is using his art to work through his depression.

Once you get to the end of Endless Wire, it's almost as if Gord's despondency is crushing him.

Endless Wire is, in effect, three of Gord's best songs (Daylight Katy, Endless Wire, If Children Had Wings), surrounded by a number of "middle of the road" songs that find Gord brooding and saddened, but ultimately unable to connect to his Muse to the best of his ability.

It's a noble failure that has great work proceeding it, and even greater work after it.

In my mind, Gord tried to deal with his pain through his work, and for only once in his recorded albums (as far as I'm concerned), the pain got the better of him.

ricky Jay · 07-31-2005, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeffyjo:

Once you get to the end of Endless Wire, it's almost as if Gord's despondency is crushing him.

Endless Wire is, in effect, three of Gord's best songs (Daylight Katy, Endless Wire, If Children Had Wings), surrounded by a number of "middle of the road" songs that find Gord brooding and saddened, but ultimately unable to connect to his Muse to the best of his ability.

In my mind, Gord tried to deal with his pain through his work, and for only once in his recorded albums (as far as I'm concerned), the pain got the better of him.

I was sensing this internal pain very much on the songs If Children Had Wings and The Circle is Small. Speaking of If Children Had Wings, I notice the same thing (regarding the pain getting the better of him) when he sings:

"There were things that were said
There were things that were done
And a wife cannot stand too much pain"

Shazia · 07-31-2005, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeffyjo:

Once you get to the end of Endless Wire, it's almost as if Gord's despondency is crushing him.

Endless Wire is, in effect, three of Gord's best songs (Daylight Katy, Endless Wire, If Children Had Wings), surrounded by a number of "middle of the road" songs that find Gord brooding and saddened, but ultimately unable to connect to his Muse to the best of his ability.

In my mind, Gord tried to deal with his pain through his work, and for only once in his recorded albums (as far as I'm concerned), the pain got the better of him.

I was sensing this internal pain very much on the songs If Children Had Wings and The Circle is Small. Speaking of If Children Had Wings, I notice the same thing (regarding the pain getting the better of him) when he sings:

"There were things that were said
There were things that were done
And a wife cannot stand too much pain"

Sheryl · 07-31-2005, 10:13 PM

And we have to remember that he was drinking in those days. His depression was probably magnified 10 times because of that. Add the wife leaving and taking the kids... well...
and yet his genius shone through. Didn't he say in one of his songs.. which one... that he's trying to be more upbeat (he didn't use that word).. which song was it??

I've been looking at people's reviews for artists' albums and have come to the conclusion, Shazia, that no matter what people say, it comes down to what you, personally, like. Some people here like certain songs that I don't, and vice versa. So, for some people to say it's not his best work or whatever... well, I just take that with a grain of salt. Hey -- look at Picasso. If I'd been his kindergarten teacher, I'd have said, "Go take up a trade -- you'll never make it in art."

christopherfowles · 07-31-2005, 10:43 PM

Hi all!
First I want to say this is my first post on this forum, and I hope it will be a good one. I've been in a musical family all my life, with now, one uncle who now tours the bluegrass festivals (he was out here in Manitou Springs last summer), playing many different string instruments (banjo-fiddle-guitar-piano, etc.) including his own hammered dulcimer...a beautiful instrument if you've ever listened to one...he even took the time to teach me how to play, and gave me the first one he ever built!

Shazia, I agree that Endless Wire is a very sad, "painfilled" album, mostly, and I did a lot of tearing up when I first heard "Dreamland, If Children had Wings, and The Circle is Small." But when Hangdog Hotel Room played, I felt as if he is "picking himself up, dusting off, to get back into the life play again"...at least that's what I hear in it.

Rez, in the album I have, he says, "treatin the wrong girl right." What happened there, because I'd heard on the radio "rubbin" also. I don't know...

I've been listening to this album off and on since 1976 (I think) and from the first time I heard it...I fell completely in love with the whole thing, and in my own way, with Gordon, himself.

I can listen to this album over and over again (which applies to any of his songs), and it won't bother me, unlike some other music...getting old after just a couple times around.

This is one album, along with Gord's Gold I, that I lost track of until this year...I divorced back then too...and have tried to get them back from my ex...do I need to continue?

I really don't think there is a song he CAN'T sing, no matter the genre... And yes, you definitely CAN dance to his music, I know, I have many, many times over.

I know I reiterate this...I adore the man, the artist, and his music. I'll be so grateful when, at long last, I could get the chance to meet him.

Does anyone know how I can get tickets to one of his concerts in either IL this month, or NV next month...or would they already be sold out?

Debra · 07-31-2005, 10:43 PM

Hi all!
First I want to say this is my first post on this forum, and I hope it will be a good one. I've been in a musical family all my life, with now, one uncle who now tours the bluegrass festivals (he was out here in Manitou Springs last summer), playing many different string instruments (banjo-fiddle-guitar-piano, etc.) including his own hammered dulcimer...a beautiful instrument if you've ever listened to one...he even took the time to teach me how to play, and gave me the first one he ever built!

Shazia, I agree that Endless Wire is a very sad, "painfilled" album, mostly, and I did a lot of tearing up when I first heard "Dreamland, If Children had Wings, and The Circle is Small." But when Hangdog Hotel Room played, I felt as if he is "picking himself up, dusting off, to get back into the life play again"...at least that's what I hear in it.

Rez, in the album I have, he says, "treatin the wrong girl right." What happened there, because I'd heard on the radio "rubbin" also. I don't know...

I've been listening to this album off and on since 1976 (I think) and from the first time I heard it...I fell completely in love with the whole thing, and in my own way, with Gordon, himself.

I can listen to this album over and over again (which applies to any of his songs), and it won't bother me, unlike some other music...getting old after just a couple times around.

This is one album, along with Gord's Gold I, that I lost track of until this year...I divorced back then too...and have tried to get them back from my ex...do I need to continue?

I really don't think there is a song he CAN'T sing, no matter the genre... And yes, you definitely CAN dance to his music, I know, I have many, many times over.

I know I reiterate this...I adore the man, the artist, and his music. I'll be so grateful when, at long last, I could get the chance to meet him.

Does anyone know how I can get tickets to one of his concerts in either IL this month, or NV next month...or would they already be sold out?

Tyler · 08-01-2005, 12:17 AM

Go to www.lightfoot.ca, Wayne Francis' site he has links to all the venues. The casino in Nevada has an 800 number. If you are going alone sometimes you can get great seats because of wanting a single.
Yep I have heard rubbin' too. Maybe he figured his kids would listen since their song is on it and cleaned it up a bit. Only Gord knows for sure. I happen to really like the Endless Wire album, I love every song on it. I like it better than Cold on the Shoulder and Don Quixote. But alas, my opinion only.
Welcome, Deb you'll love it here.

brink · 08-01-2005, 12:17 AM

Go to www.lightfoot.ca, Wayne Francis' site he has links to all the venues. The casino in Nevada has an 800 number. If you are going alone sometimes you can get great seats because of wanting a single.
Yep I have heard rubbin' too. Maybe he figured his kids would listen since their song is on it and cleaned it up a bit. Only Gord knows for sure. I happen to really like the Endless Wire album, I love every song on it. I like it better than Cold on the Shoulder and Don Quixote. But alas, my opinion only.
Welcome, Deb you'll love it here.

Sheryl · 08-01-2005, 12:39 AM

Welcome, Debra! You'll find lots of kindred spirits here at corfid. If you decide to go to Nevada, let us know, as a few of us are going and we'd love to meet you.

random7 · 08-01-2005, 10:51 AM

Endless Wire was the first GL Album I owned. I think it's the reason I still love listening to Gordon. It definitely touches the heart! But what the hey, I love them all :D !

Cat Tail · 08-01-2005, 10:51 AM

Endless Wire was the first GL Album I owned. I think it's the reason I still love listening to Gordon. It definitely touches the heart! But what the hey, I love them all :D !

The Rez · 08-01-2005, 11:29 AM

Debra - Welcome, much.

When, not if, you meet Gord you won't be disappointed. Some whose music we admire turn out to be personal jerks - not Gord.

When the opportunity presents itself, seek him out. Both you and Gord will be glad you did.

My LP says "rubbin." I'll continue to sing "rubbin" cause it's Naughty - not Dirty, nust Naughty - and that's fun.

I don't know about a song he CAN'T sing regardles of genre': I haven't heard his take on Wolly Bully yet. So my jury is out.

Adios you good folk,

The Rez

PS: a quick not on dancing. The song Old Dan's Records is perfect - you just have to clog. And clogging makes a very joyful noise.

Borderstone · 08-01-2005, 04:47 PM

My overall opinion is this:
Nothing wrong with Gordon's writing or his singing on this one.

The drawbacks are these:

1.Trying to fit the into late '70s "California" sound. I.E.; The Eagles,Fleetwood Mac,Joe Walsh and a few WB acts of the day.

2.Musically,it's a little uneven. You have Rock in the title track,you have the odd "Songs The Minstrel Sang" which seems to have no category.

You have typical Gord in I.C.H.W. and Sweet Guenevire,Country in Hangdog Hotel Room and Pop/top 40 with The Circle Is Small and Daylight Katy. It would have been quite a hat trick to successfully mix these formats together and have a patinum seller!

3.The beginning of burnout,from contractually having to have an LP out every year,is rearing it's head. He really needed a break.

So,even though the songs have grown on me,I'd give this one a rating of 5 out of possible 10.

It's not the worst or the best,just good.

RaisinSpores · 08-01-2005, 07:21 PM

Endless Wire held in same esteem as Old Dan's Records? Endless Wire preferred to Cold on the Shoulder and Don Quixote? I certainly don't share those opinions mentioned in this thread, although I do like the album more and more with each listen. I don't think I'll ever put Endless Wire on a par with the other albums released between '66 and '83 (I'm not familiar with the newer ones).
I don't really analyze it in terms of what GL was going through at the time, or how the songs reflect certain events in his life--I just know that there's no other GL album that makes me push the "skip" button so much on my CD player when I'm listening to it. It's just not one of his better collections of songs, musically speaking. Yet not a BAD album by any means.
...
(By the way, I only hit "skip" once or maybe twice, if that. Unfortunately, this post makes it sound like I skip about half of this album. I don't. Rather than erase what I wrote and confuse everone, I thought I'd add this little clarification.)

[ August 05, 2005, 06:06: Message edited by: Winter's Claw ]

Winter's Claw · 08-01-2005, 07:21 PM

Endless Wire held in same esteem as Old Dan's Records? Endless Wire preferred to Cold on the Shoulder and Don Quixote? I certainly don't share those opinions mentioned in this thread, although I do like the album more and more with each listen. I don't think I'll ever put Endless Wire on a par with the other albums released between '66 and '83 (I'm not familiar with the newer ones).
I don't really analyze it in terms of what GL was going through at the time, or how the songs reflect certain events in his life--I just know that there's no other GL album that makes me push the "skip" button so much on my CD player when I'm listening to it. It's just not one of his better collections of songs, musically speaking. Yet not a BAD album by any means.
...
(By the way, I only hit "skip" once or maybe twice, if that. Unfortunately, this post makes it sound like I skip about half of this album. I don't. Rather than erase what I wrote and confuse everone, I thought I'd add this little clarification.)

[ August 05, 2005, 06:06: Message edited by: Winter's Claw ]


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