London play back on friday - Page 5

carole · 26 Feb 2010, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarylB

Still gathering my scrambled and ecstatic thoughts having just got in .. and will try and add to Michael's great review. But in answer to your question ..

The track with Patti is imo absolutely awesome .. actually .. orgasmic .. lol .. I kid you not!!

Caryl

Ok, now I really can't wait to hear it!!!!!!!!

Carole

howlerformeatloaf · 26 Feb 2010, 22:23

I will bet anything he reads all this and has that same grin on his face saying I did it, Yes. Well Meat you did do it. I know I cant wait to get it and listen to every song myself. Great job with the review.

CarylB · 26 Feb 2010, 22:35

Ok .. forgive me if I duplicate anything that Michael's said ... but this is what I can gather together of my tumbling thoughts .. It's long .. if you don't like long just pass me by :) But I felt so very privileged to be there, and so lucky .. and I know some of you will want to share the experience if only vicariuosly :)

I get there very early, am made welcome and allowed to choose my seat .. front centre of course .. lol. The charming girl who welcomes me says "It'll be very loud there" .. I say "And that's how I like my Meat!!"

I wait downstairs in the foyer for the refreshment phase to begin with some music journalists .. chance to ask if they have heard the single. They haven't, so we talk about how new a direction this is for Meat .. this won't be something they're expecting .. and their interest perks :) When Meat comes in he comes over and says hello and gives me a big hug, before scurrying off with so many things to do :)

During the refreshment party Angi and I work the room a bit .. talk to some music journalists and someone from Universal who says they are excited about this Meat/Cavallo collaboration.

And .. we're called in .. we take our seats (they've invited 100 plus people .. this is London :) .. and there's a big crowd in there. Then Meat arrives .. He works the room wonderfully with a mix of humour, good natured naturalness, and real belief and conviction.

He looks at the audience .. says Hi .. and then seeing how many were way back, says "You wanna move forward from the back? No need to be scared of me!" He tells us he's going to hold us captive for the next hour plus ..

He starts by using the big picture of the album cover .. first time he's had it. He explains the three styles (impressionist, fantasy and realism .. the girl in black is a photo that the artist has painted) .. says of the name Meat Loaf .. I'm still working on that one .. sometimes I look and say to myself .. why the ~~~~ did I .. ? .. gets the audience relaxed and laughing with him. Says there have been many comments about the little creature down here (the bat) .. and explains he'd seen a frieze of them at the bottom of the columns of a church in Lisbon, "old .. built in .. one thousand or something", had photographed them and sent them to the artist. Said .. and there's a little something there round it's neck, but I'll let you figure that one out.

He talks about the title .. he told Rob who said "Yeah .. and what are you really going to call it?" .. but eventually all realised he was serious .. and goes though the explanation .. ".. but, I've got your attention for 3 seconds!"

He talks about this being the most important album of his life .. this is Meat Loaf. Always before, although he's been involved in the records, they've never felt really his. He'd say "how about?" and someone would say "NO, that won't work" etc .. with Rob he says How about? And Rob says "Yeah .. go with it!" He says "Colould we?" .. Rob says "Why not?" Rob says "Can I come in?" and if Meat says no .. Rob says OK and potters off :) Rob says "You want to stop it THERE?" Meat says Yes .. Are you sure? Yes .. Because I know that Steve Vai will come in there with a "THWWWWWAAAAANNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG"

Rob does not put his ego in the mix .. he lets Meat run as far and fast as he wants .. and then he makes it work! :)

Meat talks of how they reached a point where they had 23 tracks and Rob says we have three good ones and the rest suck! Meat goes home .. he can't bear to think of waiting 7 months to come up with other songs .. thinks and thinks .. "and this will sound weird .. but suddenly I had this CD in my hand .. and remembered the idea for a short story that a good friend of mine, Killian Kerwin (who's also a GREAT film producer!) had outlined to .. a soldier, lying wounded in battle, visions his life in flash forward rather than backwards .. Meat talks on the phone to Killian for two hours and the idea is born. They call in a team of songwriters .. but "I know you writers!! If we tell you too much you get too literal .. if we tell you a tree is important .. well we've all seen those musicals where some guy is singing .. and Meat parodies a little tree song .. "This is a tree .. It's a beautiful tree .. I'm standing by the tree" .. and we're (the audience) all saying .. Yes, we can all SEE it's a ~~~~in' tree!!!" So we get in a group of writers, but we don't tell them the story .. and the songs finally chosen all fit together as the soldier, who can't rise or crawl, looks at the blood flowing from him and sees a series of flash forwards about how his life could have been .. all the scenes centre on the same women save one, who's a hooker .. and we won't BELIEVE some lines in that .. we'll say "Whoa! Did Meat Loaf say THAT????" And all of them have links to the one before and after .. but he wants us to figure that out ..

He says to us we think we know what's in it? Well we don't!!!!!!! And he didn't understate .. not one bit!

He finally says it will be loud, because he likes it loud .. lol "But if you're really having trouble to raise your hand and say Meat my ears are bleeding! and we might turn it down" .. lol .. He says he will be listening to it with us because he loves to hear it .. and sits down right behind me.

Over all what strikes me is .. yes there's humour, huge enthusiasm .. he's persuasive, informative, interesting .. but mainly it's this clear and honest conviction .. a genuine belief he has in it. Meat and this album are bonded somehow .. it possesses him, he has put his soul into it. I think of the train analogy he used about getting BOOH accepted .. that has always described so well his drive, guts and determination .. head down, keep pushing until that sucker wins through!

This time it seems somehow different to me .. Evangelistic is not the right word, with all its connotations of tub-thumping hallelujah merchants .. but that's the word that keeps coming to me .. This presentation may be easy, entertaining and accomplished .. but it's not slick. There's a raw honesty to it that is compelling.

To me Meat's saying this record is ME .. I AM this record. You may love me or hate me .. but I believe this is special, different, new. I've finally been able to put me into an album, and I'm asking you to listen because I want you to believe too.

That's as far as I've got .. lol ..

As I sit there listening to the album I am just lifted away. From the crash at the start through the angry noises of war, the tracks roll on, one after another, and I am stunned. In part lifted away seeing what the soldier sees as he lies there .. in part feeling as if I am there hearing Meat and a group of incredibly talented musicians deliver each one live, as in concert.

He's sitting right behind me .. and I'm a little conscious of that, but I have to go with the music, although stay in my seat :) But I think he is just sitting there, eyes closed, head nodding .. as he said, he loves listening to it, and I can understand why now!

I'll need time to try and piece together something of the songs .. but the sounds, the colours are still whirling round in my head .. and Meat's voice, which is so REAL as well as powerhouse on this album that has been produced to perfection. It's rining in my head still .. I feel like I do after a concert .. taken somewhere else for a time and still not wanting to come back .. But this time was to a new place .. and it was amazing!!

Caryl

carole · 26 Feb 2010, 22:45

Thanks for the wonderful review Caryl, sounds like you all were in for a real treat and a fantastic time was had by all. That's really great that Meat finally got to do what HE wanted in an album. His enthusiasm for this is infectious and has us all intrigued and anticipating it even more. And I really can't wait to hear THAT song!!!!!!!!

Carole

betterbyfar712 · 26 Feb 2010, 22:53

Thanks so much for the review. I'm hoping for even more info. (a more detailed song-by-song would be nice

) if you don't mind.

Were certain songs more Steinman-esque? How many?
Were others more in the style of CHISB, BAH3? or anything else Meat's done?
...or was the whole album radically different?
Does "Los Angeloser" give us a pretty good idea?

Was it more of a catchy album or did it have non-traditional arrangements in the BAH tradition?

How many ballads? How intense as opposed to light etc. was the album?

Was there a standout track ("the next AFL")?

What can you tell us about the Hawkins tracks (Love is Not Real etc.)?

Any flaws?

I can't wait to buy this album! Congrats on the experience!

If Meat Loaf reads this; thank you for the great music! Can you give us an idea of when you will be touring the States?

**Monstro** · 26 Feb 2010, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterbyfar712

Thanks so much for the review. I'm hoping for even more info. (a more detailed song-by-song would be nice

) if you don't mind.

Were certain songs more Steinman-esque?
Were others more in the style of CHISB? or anything else Meat's done?
...or was the whole album radically different?
Does "Los Angeloser" give us a pretty good idea?

Was it more of a catchy album or did have non-traditional arrangements in the BAH tradition?

How many ballads? How intense as opposed to light etc. was the album?

Was there a standout track ("the next AFL")?

What can you tell us about the Hawkins tracks (Love is Not Real etc.)?

Any flaws?

I can't wait to buy this album! Congrats on the experience!

If Meat Loaf reads this; thank you for the great music! Can you give us an idea of when you will be touring the States?

Tried answering this bit by bit but best advice I could give is to listen to this album with a completely open mind not comparing it with anything Meat's done before with whoever he's worked with.

This album is nothing like you've heard Meat do before.

Sarahdk23 · 26 Feb 2010, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterbyfar712

Does "Los Angeloser" give us a pretty good idea?

I actually dont think Los angeloser gives an idea to how the rest of the album sounds like. That song is after my opinion much more different to the rest of the songs. It is not nearly as powerful.

betterbyfar712 · 26 Feb 2010, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monstro

Tried answering this bit by bit but best advice I could give is to listen to this album with a completely open mind not comparing it with anything Meat's done before with whoever he's worked with.

This album is nothing like you've heard Meat do before.

Sounds good. I love the single and I'm very optimistic. I'm actually eager for a new direction (if that's what's in store). For now though, any more feedback on the songs would be great!

CarylB · 26 Feb 2010, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monstro

Tried answering this bit by bit but best advice I could give is to listen to this album with a completely open mind not comparing it with anything Meat's done before with whoever he's worked with.

This album is nothing like you've heard Meat do before.

lol .. Was just about to reply and saw your post.

I agree .. keep your memories of all you treasure from what Meat's done before .. but then turn round, clear your heart and mind and just step into something new. Then you'll find something else to treasure :)

And as Sarah says, Los Angeloser doesn't convey the over all feel of the album .. it's just one step in the story ..

Caryl

Vickip · 27 Feb 2010, 00:02

Thank you Caryl for sharing your amazing experience and making me feel like I was right there with you

CarylB · 27 Feb 2010, 00:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterbyfar712

Sounds good. I love the single and I'm very optimistic. I'm actually eager for a new direction (if that's what's in store). For now though, any more feedback on the songs would be great!

Like Michael, I'm finding it so hard to give any sensible kind of track by track review.

First track .. stunning .. Huge sound pulls you in and sucks the soul out of you, then tosses you into the second which was SO massive that halfway through I find the tears starting in my eyes, and just feel a wave of pride for what Meat's achieved. Meat's used words like "raw" and "edgy" .. and now I think I truly understand what he was trying to convey .. And EVERYthing is just so balanced, his voice is so powerful, the arrangements amazing, the instrumentals carried to the edge and then on for a few miles .. And that's what just carried me away, and I lost the ability to think or remember track by track .. But that's a good thing I think .. it's what lies at the powerful heart of this album.

Los Angeloser may not be like the other tracks, but after the emotional rawness and huge sound of the first two, it has a perfect fit for me .. and it still grabs me the more I hear it. I think it's a terrific single, even if it doesn't mirror the raw power of some of the other tracks. I love the humour, the beat .. the sheer delight of it ..

And then we pound on into If I Can't Have You with Kara Dioguardi and Hugh Laurie on piano .. a big powerhouse of a ballad, and then into Love Is Not Real .. and I see what Meat was talking about when he said .. no, we'll stop there because Steve Vai will come in with a .. Well .. one more understatement!!!

California Isn't Big Enough, which I'll always now think of as "the hooker song" made me lol .. Yep ... no punches pulled there :) ... it's wonderfully outrageous .. but as Meat says afterwards .. there's a redemption in the following track Running Away From Me ..

As Elvis In Vegas begins I feel like I do when I hear the chords of BOOH strike up at a concert .. OMG .. it's nearly over! How can the time have run through my fingers like that? And as the record closes and Meat gets up and walks to the front again, there is a huge and deserved burst of applause. I don't know how this compares to other events. I just hope it's an indicator that everyone else was as blown away as I.

In the aftermath, and I use the word advisedly .. lol .. it's just so hard as Michael said, to remember track by track. Each one just builds and builds .. the experience is amazing. It's as if everyone, Meat and every single player (and I agree, John's work is just awe-inspiring) threw every imaginable boundary away. The other word Meat's used a lot is "huge" .. and it just sums up the whole roller-coaster ride that the album takes you on.

There's something very powerful too about just being there, uninterrupted, and hearing it through from opening crash to stunning finish. Most new albums I listen to with distractions .. If I want a coffee I stop 'play' and get one .. if the phone rings I do the same.

This one demands the experience Meat gave us today I think .. and imo demands it be repeated. There are songs that stand alone and stand wonderfully .. but listened to in its entirety just blows one away, because the parts are pretty overwhelming, but the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts!!! I can understand why Meat just loves to sit there and listen to the whole each time. I can understand his utter conviction and pride in what he and Rob have produced together.

I keep trying to put my finger (and my words) on what it IS about this album. There's a kind of paradox for me .. in that there is so much talent, skill and expertise brought together and allowed to explode into a huge powerful sound, yet at the same time there is such a clean real feel to it. For a studio album it has, to me, this incredible sense of a live performance .. I'm not left wondering how this track or that would sound live .. I feel like I've experienced it.

Michael said operatic, it's not .. No, it's the pure and unfettered rock Meat has in his vision .. It's not bombast either .. nothing of pretension here, this is raw (but never rough) honesty .. Bomb-blast perhaps .. because it pounds into your soul and threatens to shatter it :)

This is not only unfettered rock . it's unfettered Meat ... and the ride is amazing .. the adventure huge ..

All I can say is ..

Meat, I'm a believer! And now ... I have no socks!!! :)

Caryl

dukesofhazard · 27 Feb 2010, 00:18

What's Brian May's contribution on whichever track he's on like?

After hearing these views on the album I'm glad I've booked the 19th April off so I can listen to it properly (all day)!

Just hope at least one of the versions i've ordered arrives on release date!!

nikox1 · 27 Feb 2010, 01:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarylB

Like Michael, I'm finding it so hard to give any sensible kind of track by track review.

First track .. stunning .. Huge sound pulls you in and sucks the soul out of you, then tosses you into the second which was SO massive that halfway through I find the tears starting in my eyes, and just feel a wave of pride for what Meat's achieved. Meat's used words like "raw" and "edgy" .. and now I think I truly understand what he was trying to convey .. And EVERYthing is just so balanced, his voice is so powerful, the arrangements amazing, the instrumentals carried to the edge and then on for a few miles .. And that's what just carried me away, and I lost the ability to think or remember track by track .. But that's a good thing I think .. it's what lies at the powerful heart of this album.

Los Angeloser may not be like the other tracks, but after the emotional rawness and huge sound of the first two, it has a perfect fit for me .. and it still grabs me the more I hear it. I think it's a terrific single, even if it doesn't mirror the raw power of some of the other tracks. I love the humour, the beat .. the sheer delight of it ..

And then we pound on into If I Can't Have You with Kara Dioguardi and Hugh Laurie on piano .. a big powerhouse of a ballad, and then into Love Is Not Real .. and I see what Meat was talking about when he said .. no, we'll stop there because Steve Vai will come in with a .. Well .. one more understatement!!!

California Isn't Big Enough, which I'll always now think of as "the hooker song" made me lol .. Yep ... no punches pulled there :) ... it's wonderfully outrageous .. but as Meat says afterwards .. there's a redemption in the following track Running Away From Me ..

As Elvis In Vegas begins I feel like I do when I hear the chords of BOOH strike up at a concert .. OMG .. it's nearly over! How can the time have run through my fingers like that? And as the record closes and Meat gets up and walks to the front again, there is a huge and deserved burst of applause. I don't know how this compares to other events. I just hope it's an indicator that everyone else was as blown away as I.

In the aftermath, and I use the word advisedly .. lol .. it's just so hard as Michael said, to remember track by track. Each one just builds and builds .. the experience is amazing. It's as if everyone, Meat and every single player (and I agree, John's work is just awe-inspiring) threw every imaginable boundary away. The other word Meat's used a lot is "huge" .. and it just sums up the whole roller-coaster ride that the album takes you on.

There's something very powerful too about just being there, uninterrupted, and hearing it through from opening crash to stunning finish. Most new albums I listen to with distractions .. If I want a coffee I stop 'play' and get one .. if the phone rings I do the same.

This one demands the experience Meat gave us today I think .. and imo demands it be repeated. There are songs that stand alone and stand wonderfully .. but listened to in its entirety just blows one away, because the parts are pretty overwhelming, but the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts!!! I can understand why Meat just loves to sit there and listen to the whole each time. I can understand his utter conviction and pride in what he and Rob have produced together.

I keep trying to put my finger (and my words) on what it IS about this album. There's a kind of paradox for me .. in that there is so much talent, skill and expertise brought together and allowed to explode into a huge powerful sound, yet at the same time there is such a clean real feel to it. For a studio album it has, to me, this incredible sense of a live performance .. I'm not left wondering how this track or that would sound live .. I feel like I've experienced it.

Michael said operatic, it's not .. No, it's the pure and unfettered rock Meat has in his vision .. It's not bombast either .. nothing of pretension here, this is raw (but never rough) honesty .. Bomb-blast perhaps .. because it pounds into your soul and threatens to shatter it :)

This is not only unfettered rock . it's unfettered Meat ... and the ride is amazing .. the adventure huge ..

All I can say is ..

Meat, I'm a believer! And now ... I have no socks!!! :)

Caryl

well done!! fantastic, after that i feel i was there?

MeatLoafFanRay · 27 Feb 2010, 01:34

Thanks for the great reviews, the more I read about HCTB the more I want it right now!

nikox1 · 27 Feb 2010, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatLoafFanRay

Thanks for the great reviews, the more I read about HCTB the more I want it right now!

i know! but then i cant complain, i will be able to get it on the 16th

one of the few perks of living in ireland

MeatLoafFanRay · 27 Feb 2010, 01:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikox1

i know! but then i cant complain, i will be able to get it on the 16th

one of the few perks of living in ireland

I might have to take a day trip lol!

nikox1 · 27 Feb 2010, 01:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatLoafFanRay

I might have to take a day trip lol!

well i can have it to you by 6pm friday 16th of april? no probs

MeatLoafFanRay · 27 Feb 2010, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikox1

well i can have it to you by 6pm friday 16th of april? no probs

Thanks I really appriciate the offer but I have the LP and Super pre-ordered and I really want to buy the standard version from HMV on the release date (I have already asked them to hold one for me).

nikox1 · 27 Feb 2010, 02:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatLoafFanRay

Thanks I really appriciate the offer but I have the LP and Super pre-ordered and I really want to buy the standard version from HMV on the release date (I have already asked them to hold one for me).

yep! you cant beat walking into the shop and buying it

CarylB · 27 Feb 2010, 02:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukesofhazard

What's Brian May's contribution on whichever track he's on like?

He plays on Song of Madness and on Love Is Not Real .. Too much whirling around to be more forthcoming on what his conttibution was like .. I can't isolate each track in my mind .. I sat and just opened my ears heart and soul to the album as a whole, and if you do that first play I suspect you'll find the same :) There was fantastic guitar throughout .. But I need to hear it more times to be able to identify parts from the whole :)

Quote:

After hearing these views on the album I'm glad I've booked the 19th April off so I can listen to it properly (all day)!

Just hope at least one of the versions i've ordered arrives on release date!!

It'll be a day to remember imo :)

Caryl

carole · 27 Feb 2010, 02:45

Thanks for the review of the songs Caryl, and I understand what you mean, I'm sure when I hear it for the first time I will be bamboozled and need to hear it a few more times to be coherent about it. I can well imagine how overwhelmed you must still be feeling and the thoughts buzzing around in your head trying to explain it all.

Carole

carole · 27 Feb 2010, 02:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeatLoafFanRay

Thanks for the great reviews, the more I read about HCTB the more I want it right now!

I know exactly what you mean!!!!!!!

Carole

CarylB · 27 Feb 2010, 03:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by carole

Thanks for the review of the songs Caryl, and I understand what you mean, I'm sure when I hear it for the first time I will be bamboozled and need to hear it a few more times to be coherent about it. I can well imagine how overwhelmed you must still be feeling and the thoughts buzzing around in your head trying to explain it all.

Carole

lol .. I'm suddenly reminded of the first time I took a friend to Epcot .. We came of the energy ride and all she could say, repeatedly, was .. Absolutely ~~~~ing Amazing!! .. over and over and over ..

AFA became a family expression for something superlative and almost beyond words .. and THAT's what the album was today when I sat and heard it from start to finish ..

Simply .. AFA!!!!! ..

Caryl

betterbyfar712 · 27 Feb 2010, 03:26

It sounds to like everyone was amazed! Is it too early too ask (even for a vague idea of) where this ranks among ML albums?

CarylB · 27 Feb 2010, 03:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterbyfar712

It sounds to like everyone was amazed! Is it too early too ask (even for a vague idea of) where this ranks among ML albums?

Why would one want to "rank" it? It's new .. it isn't another in a series. I never do rank songs or albums .. but most importantly the essence of this album is that it is the future, and trying to compare it to anything he's done before just makes no sense to me, apart from saying "It's completely different" .. in fact almost diminishes it, you know?

Trying to think of an analogy here which doesn't diminish what's gone before either .. best I can think of at this time in the morning after a long and exciting day

.. It's like saying what's better? .. the silk the silk worm produces or the silken cloth it's woven into? You have to start with the silk .. but when woven into cloth it's just totally different

It's new .. it's completely different to any other Meat album I've heard. Meat's often said "I'm a plumber" .. well it's like he's now an electrician

.. I'd never say one is more useful than the other .. it depends on whether I have a leak or an electrical fault

But if I keep looking for plumbing skills in the electrician I'm not doing him justice.

Caryl

26 Feb 2010, 22:53	#105
betterbyfar712 Rookie Join Date: 06.02.2010 Posts: 18	Thanks so much for the review. I'm hoping for even more info. (a more detailed song-by-song would be nice ) if you don't mind. Were certain songs more Steinman-esque? How many? Were others more in the style of CHISB, BAH3? or anything else Meat's done? ...or was the whole album radically different? Does "Los Angeloser" give us a pretty good idea? Was it more of a catchy album or did it have non-traditional arrangements in the BAH tradition? How many ballads? How intense as opposed to light etc. was the album? Was there a standout track ("the next AFL")? What can you tell us about the Hawkins tracks (Love is Not Real etc.)? Any flaws? I can't wait to buy this album! Congrats on the experience! If Meat Loaf reads this; thank you for the great music! Can you give us an idea of when you will be touring the States? Last edited by betterbyfar712; 26 Feb 2010 at 23:26.

26 Feb 2010, 22:23	#102
howlerformeatloaf loaf howler Join Date: 15.08.2007 Location: Hershey, Pa Posts: 360	I will bet anything he reads all this and has that same grin on his face saying I did it, Yes. Well Meat you did do it. I know I cant wait to get it and listen to every song myself. Great job with the review.

26 Feb 2010, 22:35	#103
CarylB Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.04.2003 Location: Sheffield UK Posts: 5,910	Ok .. forgive me if I duplicate anything that Michael's said ... but this is what I can gather together of my tumbling thoughts .. It's long .. if you don't like long just pass me by :) But I felt so very privileged to be there, and so lucky .. and I know some of you will want to share the experience if only vicariuosly :) I get there very early, am made welcome and allowed to choose my seat .. front centre of course .. lol. The charming girl who welcomes me says "It'll be very loud there" .. I say "And that's how I like my Meat!!" I wait downstairs in the foyer for the refreshment phase to begin with some music journalists .. chance to ask if they have heard the single. They haven't, so we talk about how new a direction this is for Meat .. this won't be something they're expecting .. and their interest perks :) When Meat comes in he comes over and says hello and gives me a big hug, before scurrying off with so many things to do :) During the refreshment party Angi and I work the room a bit .. talk to some music journalists and someone from Universal who says they are excited about this Meat/Cavallo collaboration. And .. we're called in .. we take our seats (they've invited 100 plus people .. this is London :) .. and there's a big crowd in there. Then Meat arrives .. He works the room wonderfully with a mix of humour, good natured naturalness, and real belief and conviction. He looks at the audience .. says Hi .. and then seeing how many were way back, says "You wanna move forward from the back? No need to be scared of me!" He tells us he's going to hold us captive for the next hour plus .. He starts by using the big picture of the album cover .. first time he's had it. He explains the three styles (impressionist, fantasy and realism .. the girl in black is a photo that the artist has painted) .. says of the name Meat Loaf .. I'm still working on that one .. sometimes I look and say to myself .. why the ~~~~ did I .. ? .. gets the audience relaxed and laughing with him. Says there have been many comments about the little creature down here (the bat) .. and explains he'd seen a frieze of them at the bottom of the columns of a church in Lisbon, "old .. built in .. one thousand or something", had photographed them and sent them to the artist. Said .. and there's a little something there round it's neck, but I'll let you figure that one out. He talks about the title .. he told Rob who said "Yeah .. and what are you really going to call it?" .. but eventually all realised he was serious .. and goes though the explanation .. ".. but, I've got your attention for 3 seconds!" He talks about this being the most important album of his life .. this is Meat Loaf. Always before, although he's been involved in the records, they've never felt really his. He'd say "how about?" and someone would say "NO, that won't work" etc .. with Rob he says How about? And Rob says "Yeah .. go with it!" He says "Colould we?" .. Rob says "Why not?" Rob says "Can I come in?" and if Meat says no .. Rob says OK and potters off :) Rob says "You want to stop it THERE?" Meat says Yes .. Are you sure? Yes .. Because I know that Steve Vai will come in there with a "THWWWWWAAAAANNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG" Rob does not put his ego in the mix .. he lets Meat run as far and fast as he wants .. and then he makes it work! :) Meat talks of how they reached a point where they had 23 tracks and Rob says we have three good ones and the rest suck! Meat goes home .. he can't bear to think of waiting 7 months to come up with other songs .. thinks and thinks .. "and this will sound weird .. but suddenly I had this CD in my hand .. and remembered the idea for a short story that a good friend of mine, Killian Kerwin (who's also a GREAT film producer!) had outlined to .. a soldier, lying wounded in battle, visions his life in flash forward rather than backwards .. Meat talks on the phone to Killian for two hours and the idea is born. They call in a team of songwriters .. but "I know you writers!! If we tell you too much you get too literal .. if we tell you a tree is important .. well we've all seen those musicals where some guy is singing .. and Meat parodies a little tree song .. "This is a tree .. It's a beautiful tree .. I'm standing by the tree" .. and we're (the audience) all saying .. Yes, we can all SEE it's a ~~~~in' tree!!!" So we get in a group of writers, but we don't tell them the story .. and the songs finally chosen all fit together as the soldier, who can't rise or crawl, looks at the blood flowing from him and sees a series of flash forwards about how his life could have been .. all the scenes centre on the same women save one, who's a hooker .. and we won't BELIEVE some lines in that .. we'll say "Whoa! Did Meat Loaf say THAT????" And all of them have links to the one before and after .. but he wants us to figure that out .. He says to us we think we know what's in it? Well we don't!!!!!!! And he didn't understate .. not one bit! He finally says it will be loud, because he likes it loud .. lol "But if you're really having trouble to raise your hand and say Meat my ears are bleeding! and we might turn it down" .. lol .. He says he will be listening to it with us because he loves to hear it .. and sits down right behind me. Over all what strikes me is .. yes there's humour, huge enthusiasm .. he's persuasive, informative, interesting .. but mainly it's this clear and honest conviction .. a genuine belief he has in it. Meat and this album are bonded somehow .. it possesses him, he has put his soul into it. I think of the train analogy he used about getting BOOH accepted .. that has always described so well his drive, guts and determination .. head down, keep pushing until that sucker wins through! This time it seems somehow different to me .. Evangelistic is not the right word, with all its connotations of tub-thumping hallelujah merchants .. but that's the word that keeps coming to me .. This presentation may be easy, entertaining and accomplished .. but it's not slick. There's a raw honesty to it that is compelling. To me Meat's saying this record is ME .. I AM this record. You may love me or hate me .. but I believe this is special, different, new. I've finally been able to put me into an album, and I'm asking you to listen because I want you to believe too. That's as far as I've got .. lol .. As I sit there listening to the album I am just lifted away. From the crash at the start through the angry noises of war, the tracks roll on, one after another, and I am stunned. In part lifted away seeing what the soldier sees as he lies there .. in part feeling as if I am there hearing Meat and a group of incredibly talented musicians deliver each one live, as in concert. He's sitting right behind me .. and I'm a little conscious of that, but I have to go with the music, although stay in my seat :) But I think he is just sitting there, eyes closed, head nodding .. as he said, he loves listening to it, and I can understand why now! I'll need time to try and piece together something of the songs .. but the sounds, the colours are still whirling round in my head .. and Meat's voice, which is so REAL as well as powerhouse on this album that has been produced to perfection. It's rining in my head still .. I feel like I do after a concert .. taken somewhere else for a time and still not wanting to come back .. But this time was to a new place .. and it was amazing!! Caryl

26 Feb 2010, 22:45	#104
carole Mega Loafer Join Date: 20.10.2007 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 2,286	Thanks for the wonderful review Caryl, sounds like you all were in for a real treat and a fantastic time was had by all. That's really great that Meat finally got to do what HE wanted in an album. His enthusiasm for this is infectious and has us all intrigued and anticipating it even more. And I really can't wait to hear THAT song!!!!!!!! Carole

27 Feb 2010, 00:02	#110
Vickip Mega Loafer Join Date: 07.02.2003 Location: Posts: 8,101	Thank you Caryl for sharing your amazing experience and making me feel like I was right there with you

27 Feb 2010, 00:18	#112
dukesofhazard Super Loafer Join Date: 24.09.2003 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 478	What's Brian May's contribution on whichever track he's on like? After hearing these views on the album I'm glad I've booked the 19th April off so I can listen to it properly (all day)! Just hope at least one of the versions i've ordered arrives on release date!!

27 Feb 2010, 01:34	#114
MeatLoafFanRay Super Loafer Join Date: 09.08.2009 Location: Ipswich Posts: 308	Thanks for the great reviews, the more I read about HCTB the more I want it right now!

27 Feb 2010, 02:45	#121
carole Mega Loafer Join Date: 20.10.2007 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 2,286	Thanks for the review of the songs Caryl, and I understand what you mean, I'm sure when I hear it for the first time I will be bamboozled and need to hear it a few more times to be coherent about it. I can well imagine how overwhelmed you must still be feeling and the thoughts buzzing around in your head trying to explain it all. Carole

27 Feb 2010, 03:26	#124
betterbyfar712 Rookie Join Date: 06.02.2010 Posts: 18	It sounds to like everyone was amazed! Is it too early too ask (even for a vague idea of) where this ranks among ML albums?