Some assorted thoughts on CHSIB...

[MBrevard]

Well, dear friends, I FINALLY received my copy of CHSIB, the album today. New Zealanders were getting theirs before I got mine in California!!! But I guess that's the way of the world, these days, at least, mail-wise. Slow...slow...slow--especially when it's something you REALLY want!!

I've held off from joining in many of the great discussions here on these songs. I wanted to wait to do it all at once. But I know this review, 'er NON-review, is coming extremely late. I have enjoyed what everyone else has had to say in theirs. One of the true joys of this forum is that it is a comfortable, creative and open enough environment for everyone to step forward and share their perspectives and feelings about --- well, about nearly anything concerning Meat. And it's been wonderful reading everyone's personal takes on this album.

BUT if you are tired of this sort of thing, I won't be the least bit upset or insulted if you skip on by and go on to some of the other great topics at the forum. I hope you understand that there are things I'd like to share and that this is something I need to do for me.

I'm afraid, however, it will not be any kind of traditional review. I can't look at songs and rate them 3 out of 5, 5 out of 6, 2 out of 3 (Whoops! Wrong album--how did THAT get in here?! ) . It's just not how I look at music. I'm not a trained musician, although I've played an instrument or two over the years. But I can't separate music into its component parts, and clinically discuss production values or technical details. I have to leave that kind of review to those who know more about it than I do.

I can't remember a time in my life when music wasn't around, wasn't always important to me. My mom loves to tell the story of when I was in my playpen, and I used to jump up and down and get excited when the Kate Smith Show would come on our TV. Of course, I don't remember that at all, but I guess it shows I was always attracted to the "big" voices!

You see, to me, music has always been strictly a matter of the heart. I listen to new songs and if I like them, I try to figure out how they have touched me and why. Does a song make me laugh? Does it make me cry? Does it make me think? Does it take me back to a time in my life? Does it just make me want to get up and dance or if I'm in the car, does it make my head go boppin' to the rhythm? You know what I mean? It's how it makes me feel that matters to me.

And what I found, as I listened to the album all the way through for the first few times, is that there were elements of all the above, and more, for me.

Now, I've had the individual songs for quite a while and have been enjoying them. But it made a huge difference to me to finally be able to hear them in the order and in the way they were designed to be heard. I tend to listen to new albums in a strange way, anyway. I'll play them all the way through a few times and then, one song will work its way to the foreground of my heart and I'll end up putting it on endless loop for a while, as I learn it, as I take it in and as it takes ME in. Then, after a while, another song will grab my heart and the process starts again. Eventually--usually--I will make it through an entire album that way--it just takes me time to do it. (Yes, I know that's odd, friends. But many of you already know that about me! So no big news... )

In recent interviews Meat has gotten away from saying that this album has a story, as all of his have in the past. But we, here, know that there IS a story. When it was first presented to us, as it is on the album, itself, it was:

Chapter One
songs
Intermezzo
Chapter Two
songs

There IS a story. Now, I'm only going to touch upon this subject very briefly and move on because, quite frankly, this isn't any of my business or any one else's--aside from Meat's. But for those of us who love this man and have followed his life and his career, it seems that many of the songs here may mirror, parallel, or coincide with things happening in his real life during the past four years while this album was being created.

You know what they say about writers--Good writers write about what they know. So, perhaps, and these are just theories, mind you, it works the same for people who are talented at putting together the story of an album.

I mean, is there anyone out there upon hearing DIST for the very first time, and understanding the words, who didn't feel right then and there that this was going to be a VERY special ML album to his fans on several different levels?!

I have this theory I'm just working on. It may hold water or it may be full of holes. Let me run it by you, and see what you think. Whenever I am working on a problem or I'm in a situation which I need to think about and work through, it finds its way into whatever it is I'm doing. It certainly ALWAYS finds its way into my writing. Those of you with whom I correspond here can vouch for that! But it also finds its way into the other things I am doing.

And I've come to accept that my mind continues to work on the problem, even when I'm doing other things, but working on it from a different level. Does that make sense?

I have no idea if anything like that was working here or not. And once again, it's not mine to know that.

In a nutshell, I guess what I'm saying is that what is going on in an artist's life influences the art they produce. How could it not? But whether the art produced reflects THE truth or A truth is an open question.

But for those of us who are looking at this album more closely and realize there IS a story being told through the songs, I think it's better for us to take a few steps backwards and try to get to the larger picture. And when we do that, CHSIB turns into a very powerful story, indeed.

But one of universal themes. Now this is open to everyone's interpretation, of course, but this is how I see it:

It's the story of a troubled relationship that bounces between serious problems and the possibility of reconciliation. There is anger, there is sadness, there are hidden passions. Finally, the couple steps back and sees that it just isn't working, and separate. After an interlude of grief and introspection, our protagonist accepts responsibility for his actions, and, finding the strength and courage to stand up for himself, with regret over what might have been, accepts what is to be, and with a hope for new love, moves forward with his life...

To be honest, I don't know whether or not to tie in the final song, because we all know that it was meant to be a special message to us from someone who thought this was going to be his last album. So, I can never decide whether it belongs in the main storyline or is merely an addendum...

Okay. That's my basic outline and I look forward to others' opinions on it, changes, differences for those of you who care to talk about it afterwards. It'll be interesting, as always, hearing your points of view.

But that, briefly, is how I see it. And you see, that the themes here are totally universal. Anyone who reaches beyond themselves to try to form a relationship and keep it going can identify with many of these themes and understand them from their heart. It becomes an extremely powerful story, indeed, sung beautifully through its individual songs.

And that's where I'm heading now--to the songs, themselves. There have already been so many wonderful, insightful writings on them. So, I'm just going to share a few thoughts and feelings that I've had about them, before closing this off.

CHSIB: This is probably going to be the toughest song on the album for me to talk about. This song grabbed me the first time I heard it. How could it not--with its powerful lyrics and even more powerful performance by Meat and Patti. I very much look forward to seeing it performed live in June and August because it was meant to be...created to be...a performance song, in the traditional Meat Loaf theatrical style. (These are the first songs I've heard by James Michael and I have to say I'm totally impressed with his ability to play with and manipulate the words to give us the imagery he's trying to convey. Great songs!!)

I thought I understood this one, after listening to it several times--that is, until my family started listening to it and began to share their interpretations of what it meant. Surprisingly, at least to me, everyone had a different opinion. Then, I got confused. Did I have it right or did I have it wrong?? The argument continued here for days. I began to reach out to my friends online and ask them what they thought it meant. I got more differing opinions. (And I think that would make a terrific thread either here or in the Tyre Tracks forum. I'd love to hear what more folks have to say...) But I'll tell you, friends, what was even more interesting. In addition to explaining what they thought the song meant, each of them, in their own way, without being asked to, related the song to their own lives!!!! I started thinking, "Wow!!! What a great song this is!! Not only can everyone take it in as something slightly different from anyone else, but they can find something in it that relates uniquely to their own experience." Now to me, that's a pretty amazing feat for a song to do!!

Do I love this song? Hummm. I must admit that I cannot play it on endless loop, as I'm able to with so many of the others. I don't know why yet. I'm still trying to figure that one out. That doesn't mean I don't love it. I just can't listen to it over and over again. But I'm fascinated with it, with its images and tensions, with its amorphous yearning for constant reinterpretation....

DIST: Well, it seems like so much has happened since we first heard this one, so many months ago from German radio--before it was ever released. My first reaction, when I listened to the words--I got gooseflesh up and down my arms and the beginnings of tears in my eyes. And I still get that same reaction today, if I get myself to the point where it feels as if this is my first time hearing it.

I do love this song. In the beginning, it was on continuous loop for hours at a time. I thought my family was going to kill me! Either that, or I would wake up in the morning to find every single MP3 player in the house destroyed!! But thankfully, we all survived that.

I love the lyrics, the imagery in this song. I love the power in Meat's voice. And it has what has to be one of the best lines of ANY of the songs on this album: "I want to take you in the backseat now and slowly drive you home..." How can anyone not love that line?! It's such a powerful and sexy play on words....

WITE: (Hope it's all right with everyone that I'm using the abbreviations here. I'm taking the songs in order, if that's a help...) This was not one of the songs which grabbed me in the beginning. I listened to them all 3 or 4 times, then went on to concentrate on those which found their way into my heart first. But the strangest thing happened. One morning, I woke up and found myself humming something. For the longest time, I couldn't identify it--until it finally hit me. It was the middle "why isn't that enough" segment from this song. I was stunned. Here, there were other songs playing endlessly in the background and yet, after only 3 or 4 plays, this song had already entered my brain, entered my psyche and entered my heart. That quickly, it was already a part of me, without my realizing it!

Now, many of you know that I take care of my elderly parents. And ever since they moved in with us, my world has basically gone quiet. They don't like things too loud. And I have to admit, from everything I miss since they've been with us, I miss my volume control the most!! Meat is best listened to at a high volume! How else in the world can one appreciate the power and the glory of this voice?!

So, I waited for a time when they were watching TV in the family room and I brought the song to our main stereo system upstairs to play it the way it was intended. Loudly...

How do I describe my feelings?! I don't know whether you got to see this or not, but there was a TV ad--I think it was for speakers or something. It had a man sitting hunched down in a big easy chair in front of the speakers and the music would begin playing; his hair begins to blow and then everything in the room also starts to blow away.

That's how I feel when I listen to WITE. It starts slowly, quietly, with just Meat's voice (and the backing instruments, of course). There are background singers on this, but only for one line and even that isn't really necessary. And it just builds and builds and Meat's voice gets stronger and stronger until it reaches that middle part that grabbed my psyche so quickly. And I sat there, on a couch right in front of the speakers and as the song reached its crescendo, I FELT that powerful and glorious voice just wash over me and past me...leaving me exhausted. And as the song grows quiet again, I felt the tears welling up and overflowing...

Do I love this song? I love Meat's moving interpretation and powerful performance of this song and that is what draws me to it every time. This is the purest of the songs on the album, as Meat performs with minimal vocal backup, and seems to come from the center of him. I hope, if he decides to do it live during the tour, that he doesn't add much to it. I know that makes it harder on him, but this is one song, sort of like "For Crying Out Loud," where you're there for the power and the simple magnificence of the performance he brings to it as a solo singer.

LYOL: This was the second song to grab me. And in fact, it is probably my second favorite song on CHSIB. It is the song of choice right now and has been for quite a while, with no sign of giving up its place any time in the future.

I LOVE these lyrics, which are clever and oh, so sexy. I feel like they should make me drool. Everyone wants someone to feel that way about them. You know what I mean? And I love the countermelodies here. I love to listen to the voices playing off each other and how they fit and flow between one another. And the unusual harmonies.... This is a real fun song to try to sing backup on. Give it a try next time it's playing...But Love You Out Loud is probably not going to be an easy song to sing live. It's a great one, though, and yes, I love it!!

MOS: Well, what can I say about this song, which hasn't already been said? An amazing opening. A totally separate little poem that draws you in--not knowing what to expect next.

I love listening to Meat and Pearl singing together here. THAT is what draws me to this song. I am always surprised when I hear Pearl's voice. There is so much country influence. Because it's so unexpected, it just surprises my ears every time. I'm not quite sure WHY she is singing in the song, though. She doesn't really advance what's being said. She just sort of repeats it. So, I guess, if I were to ask a question, of any of these songs, it would be Why was MOS turned into a duet at the end, aside from allowing father and daughter to sing together--something I think fans have wanted for a long time now?

I know that one of the big complaints being made about CHSIB is that one can't find the rich, dark humor often found in Steinman songs. But you know, friends, these are not really humorous subjects we're dealing with here. I'm not sure it would have been appropriate in most of the songs. But what I have found here, aside from rich imagery in several of them, is irony and that IS appropriate for what is being sung. A good example of that are the lines:

I built this prison that I thought was a home.
And we both lived there
I guess you were living alone...

Those lines really surprised me when I first heard them. You don't often find that kind of clever irony in pop lyrics.

Intermezzo I'm really not sure what to say about this one. I suppose, as Meat once said about Fiesta De Almas Perdidas in "Welcome to the Neighborhood," it is the point of no return in the story. As Willie Wonka says, if you remember that ever shrinking room of his, "Oh, you can't get out backwards. You've got to go forwards to go back, better press on."

Since I enjoy New Age music, the penny whistles are gentle on my ears and appealing. In the storyline, as I envision it, it is a time of quiet contemplation, of introspection, of inner realization, acceptance...A nice calming break...And then...

...All hell breaks loose with the next song:

Testify: (How do you abbreviate one word??!! :P ) Ahhhh, happy to be here. This IS my favorite song on the album. I believe that Meat's instinct was spot-on when the album was being called Testify and my guess is that this was supposed to be the first single. And it deserved to be. However, we all quietly know that probably due to unforeseen circumstances (thanks, Phil!), it couldn't be and plans had to be changed.

But no matter. I first heard this as one of those stupid Kazaa loops. You all know what I'm talking about? I don't think I'll ever forget people around the net listening to those and complaining to everyone that the lyrics on this album needed serious help!! I mean, duh! Didn't you just want to reach your hand through the monitor screen and tap these people on the forehead, saying, "HellOOO. Is anybody home?? Don't you realize that you've been listening to the same 45 seconds again and again and again for EIGHT SOLID MINUTES, you idiot!!!!!!! Of course, it needs better lyrics! It needs a beginning, middle and an end!!!!!" Geez. People were awfully fast to put this album down, weren't they?! It got to be rather annoying!!

Anyway, I first listened to Testify on one of those loops, understanding what they were, of course. But you know, this particular loop played here for quite a while. And I said to my family, "If I'm having this strong a reaction to just these 45 seconds, I can't even imagine how the entire song is going to affect me!!"

When a kind friend shared the promo version of the entire song with me, and I listened to it for the first time, I knew, in that instant, how great this album was going to be!!

I love this song SO much I don't even know where to begin. It's so different--a wonderful combination of rock and gospel--what could be more perfect for Meat? Incredible and once again, sexy lyrics sung at a pace only Meat could do and make them understood. It leaves you breathless. And talking about breathless, shall we mention the background singers and their part in this??!

I have one minor complaint (and believe me, it's minor). Somewhere I managed to get a longer version of this song--one that is 5 minutes and 30 seconds long, whereas this one is 4:58. Naturally, since I love this song so much, I prefer the longer one. But, as I said, that's really minor!

If any song ever cried out to be an ML video--in the traditional sense of what we think of when it comes to his music videos [yes, FireBall, funding allowing], it is THIS one!! Can't you just picture it in your head?! I hope and pray this will be the third single released! It deserves to be! THIS is the song which could go gold--everywhere!! And I just can't say enough about it or how I feel about it, so I'd better stop here...

TMD: Well, there isn't anyone who attended one or more of the "Friends Concerts" last year who didn't already love this song, flipcharts and all. What a fun performance number. And I think it's perfect for Meat--a story that has sort of been true for him most of his life, since he's had to fight so hard to get where he is, to achieve what he has. But other than that, I have nothing really new to add here. Happy it's on the album, though.

YRIWW: I'm really in a quandary about this song. It has not yet grabbed my heart, although I have no doubt it will. What I can say is that, as far as the storyline goes which we were talking about earlier, this is an essential song to the plot! We have to reach a point of being able to accept the wrongs we've done, and accept the consequences for them before we can ever move forward in our lives again. It's a necessary step. And the words certainly convey those thoughts beautifully, as does Meat's performance of them. I wish I could say more, but since music is a matter of the heart for me, I have to wait until my heart is involved before I can go on....

BOY: (Gotta love the abbreviation for THIS one!) Another ahhhh song for me. Dottie, in her wonderful review, felt there was something familiar about this song. I was raised on the music of the British Invasion in the '60s and this one just has the feeling of that--I don't know why. Perhaps it's some of the harmonies I hear in it. But it makes it sound familiar, and it brings back good memories of happy times.

This song, to me, is a little like coming home from work, getting out of those stiff or tight work clothes, getting into those comfy jeans and t-shirt and just relaxing. The song feels good on!

There isn't much to it. There isn't supposed to be. Meat said just a few days ago that he wanted to put a positive spin on this album. And this is one of the songs he chose to do just that. It's fun and it's upbeat and I thoroughly enjoy listening to it. I give it an 85. [Oops! I TOLD you it took me back to the '60s. For a moment there I thought I was on "American Bandstand"!]

DI: Oh boy. This one might not be easy to talk about. Like many of you, I had great difficulty getting into this song. I think it was only because it was SO foreign from anything Meat has done before. It just sort of shocks your ears.

When I first starting listening to it, I'd go downstairs to my family and tell them, "You know, I think that Do It! is starting to grow on me," while I was wiping off my shirt. "Whoops. Sorry. My mistake. That was just something from breakfast!"

Since I know that you will feel the same as my family about that joke, and demand that I NEVER, EVER use it again, I hereby promise, on my honor, that it'll be a one-time thing! Honest!!

But I'm the kind of person who never likes to give up on anyone or anything, unless I absolutely have to! And so, I continued to listen to the song, when it was its turn. I don't think this is one I would ever put on endless loop. But I tried to find my way into it.

And you know when that happened? When I realized the difference between just a regular song one can listen to and one that was meant to be performed.

I figured out that Do It! is a performance song. And I began imagining hearing it in concert, with Meat singing the words in that breakaway pace of his. And when I got into yelling the "Just Do It!" part and got into the 'attitude' of it all, it became fun.

So, I don't avoid this song, anymore. I enjoy it when it comes on and have fun with it. I'd like to see it done live and get the whole audience into it. But it'll probably shock those who have not gotten the album yet because it's not the ML music they're used to listening to....And I still think it's a great idea for Nike to pick this song up and run with it in their ads. [Hey! That was an unintentional pun, guys!! They don't happen that often!] It's a great way to focus a National audience on the new CD! (Product placement on an album--what next?! )

FY: Another song I worried about when I first heard it was coming to the album. Covers are always a worry. But then, I got to thinking, "It's Dylan. Why am I worried?"

PAUSE

I had to pause there, friends. Most of you will have already seen that that last sentence can be taken in several ways. I figured I'd better let each of you take it whichever way you'd like!!

I grew up listening to Dylan, actually. The very first live concert I was ever allowed to go to was Bob Dylan at the Columbus Auditorium, Columbus, OH. I can't remember the year. But I'm not sure if "Blonde on Blonde" had even been released yet...As time went on, though, he went his way and I went mine...[I don't know why I thought of that; my mind walks its own path sometimes...]

Anyway, I was very pleased to hear Meat's version of Forever Young. It's simply beautiful and beautifully simple. Not a lot of heavy orchestration or backup singing. It's an easy song. Easy on the ears and easy on the mind...

I'm not quite sure how or if this fits into the storyline, or even if it's meant to. We all know that since this was supposed to be Meat's last album, this was his message for all of us. And it's actually not new. It's what he's been saying to us in nearly every concert for years and years now. "Don't you ever, Ever, EVER, stop rockin'!!!!" This is just another beautiful way of saying that same thing. It's something he's wished for us for a long time.

I always listen to this song to the very end...You know, when the music changes and it becomes very quiet, I find myself sitting in my chair and the room, too, gets quiet. And the house feels quiet. It's a perfect ending for this CD. As I sit there listening to it, I find that it touches my heart and calms my soul. And I continue to sit there quietly for the entire period of silence, as if in some kind of meditation. It feels good, like I've just taken in the entire album and it's complete. It's inside me now. It's hard to put the feeling into words--that certain feeling of satisfaction. I don't know how else to say it....

And then, of course, that silence and the peaceful feeling is shattered with an engine revving up and...

MB: But you won't hear a single complaint out of me!! I was SO unhappy when I saw that this song had not made it to the CD. I loved it during the Friends' tour and in fact, I managed to get a live version of it and since last summer, whenever I felt sad or depressed or worried, I'd find myself gravitating toward this version of Mercury Blues. I came to realize that halfway through the song, I am no longer feeling sad, nor depressed, nor worried. There is just something about it which takes it all away. It makes me smile, inside and out!!

I was more than delighted to find out that it really did make the album. And it's a terrific version of the song! I love the metallic "Star Spangled Banner", and I always listen for and enjoy Meat's "owhhhh" (how does one spell that??)--well, you all know what I mean--toward the end of the song, and through the background singers' extended notes at the very end. In fact, I wait for those!! The song is a great and fun surprise here. Very glad to have it!!

So, as far as putting all this together, I feel that the things FireBall has been telling us here all these months are true. I think that this is a very different sort of album for him, one that he's obviously poured his heart, along with a lot of care and time and thought and love into. On many different levels, it is a very special album, a gift, as it were, to us, his fans, since he thought at the time it would be his last. I think, in order to 'get it,' you have to look at the album from those different levels and not just straight on, as you can with other singers and their CDs.

The quality of the effort is unmistakeable, from the words and music by all the wonderful writers including James Michael, Nikki Sixx, Diane Warren..., the incredible bass work and vocals from the extremely talented Kasim Sulton, and the other musicians, to the background singers and, of course, Patti and Pearl.

But the album is really a showcase for this glorious voice and just how good it is right now!! Meat's voice has matured, and in maturing has gained power and depth. It's a voice that can literally rock my world, force my feet to dance, send shivers up my spine and in the next moment touch my soul and make me cry.

And FireBall, if you're out there, please remember what I said in the post after your anger at the Steinman fans about agendas! Don't let anyone--fans or reviewers--tell you or convince you anything different about this CD than you already know in your heart!! This is a GREAT album!!

I believe that just as BOOH is timeless because of its themes of teenage angst and sexual development--things which certainly bring back memories to each of us of the early days of our lives, CHSIB has that same potential, has the same universality, although a much different theme--one more mature, more heart-rending. I know that 5, 10, 15 years from now, when I hear Testify, for example, it will still get my blood boiling, my pulse racing. [And 15 years from now, I'm probably gonna NEED that!! ] And the simple, pure power of Meat's voice in a song like Why Isn't That Enough will still blow me away.

I think that for as long as there's a person out here who is willing to grab someone's hand and take that first step together (or take that 10,000th step together) many of these songs will still be relevant, will still have the magic to touch one's heart and move one's soul.

And when you get right down to it, what more can we ask from ANY album?!!


Thanks, friends, for putting up with such a long discussion. As always, the opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. If you feel like sharing, I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, opinions on anything said.

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity, ALBEIT LATE, to share my thoughts on CHSIB!!


Sending love and peace to each of you...
MB
xxx

[Tim]

You really expect me to read this???
My god.... this is long.......so long... tought you only write long emails but he... this is real big!! Men!!.... read it tomorrow!!

Very nice one! Hope to talk to you soon again.

Tim, The Butcher.

[mariella]

Yes, that will keep all of us busy for a while. But trust me, it is worth reading!!

THANK YOU!! MB, now did I tell just HOW much I love you, lately?

Have to go to bed now, but please folks, know it's long, but it's 'from the heart', the way I like it.

Mariella

[sherrie87]

MB,

I'm glad to see that you went ahead and posted your review, it was a joy to read it. It brought up a lot of things that I had either not noticed or forgetten, and will add to my enjoyment of CHSIB. A few comments on your review:

DIST- my favorite line also has to be the "backseat" line, but there are several very powerful lines in this one- "crying in the bed that we both made", "And you know I'd drag myself through fire at your side", and "but the truth is hard to swallow when you're choking on your pride". That James Michael is mighty impressive, I may have to check out his solo album if this is an example of the type of writing he does.

WITE- I really understand your statement about missing "volume". For some reason, I never play loud music around my son- heck, it would probably be good for him, but I never do it. So, the only time I have to listen to music REALLY loud is the drive from his school to my job in the morning, and my drive home from work- a total of about 30 minutes a day. You can be sure I am playing CHSIB (usually Testify, Tear Me Down and Love You Out Loud over and over) at loud as my car stereo will go for that 30 minutes. I can be heard for blocks before I arrive at my job (where I transform into a mild mannered librarian!)

LYOL- I absolutely love this song- as you said, it is a very sexy song. I love the lines "But I still taste you on my tongue/and I still breathe you in my lungs". Again, James Michaels- he is quite a lyricist.

TMD- I had completely forgotten about the flip cards at the concert- I didn't know the song at all at the time- thanks for connecting my memory to the song.

I genuinely think this may be Meat's best album- it's richer that BOOH, though less anthemic. It's BOOH all grown up.

Sherrie

[Vickip]

Originally Posted by sherrie87

I genuinely think this may be Meat's best album- it's richer that BOOH, though less anthemic. It's BOOH all grown up.

Sherrie

I couldn't agree more Sherrie

Vicki

[TeamNZfan]

What a fantastic review! It grabbed my attention from about the 1st line when New Zealand was mentioned. It is great to get others thoughts on the CD - I enjoy reading peoples opionions.

I would like to add that the song "Unsaid" which missed the CD would have fitted in perfectly. A real shame it is not on the CD.

I also love the comment from the above post about CHSIB being the grownup version of BOOH.

The theme is universal and most people can get something from these songs. Because of You would be my favorite at the moment, but Unsaid would be pretty close behind,

[Ben]

WOW, MB, what a great review, right from the heart!!

[dottie]

I couldn't have said it better

[JulesB]

Bravo!!! I found your review insightful... I couldn't agree more. Thanks MB for sharing with us.

Jules

[Bren]

Thank you so much for your review MB.You have such a way with words,a real ability to express your thoughts and feelings,that your posts are a joy to read.Just wanted to let you know that.
WITE is my favourite,i loved it at first hearing,reminds me of FCOL which is my all time favourite song.(i would sell my soul to hear him sing that live.)...ah well one can dream.You said"...whatever is going on in an artists life influences the art they produce...."i agree.i'm an artist.Speaking from my own point of view,what is happening in my life definately influences what i paint and also my ability to paint.Iguess its te same with musicians.
Like you i know nothing about the technical side of music,but i know what i like and i LOVE this album.

[Jen]

Wow what a review!!! Well put.

Oh and has anyone ever accused you of not having a lot to say

Jen

[mariella]

Hi MB,

First of all, I am SO happy you have the same 'feeling' about Testify I do!
This is a song the whole world should be able to treasure! If they do decide to release it, I think the sky is the limit!
Just looked at the version of testify, you talked about. Yes, it IS longer. But the lyrics are all there on the album-version, so I never noticed before.
Okay, I will stop talking about this song, but it's beyond words
Just LOVE the bunny..

You and Jules are the only ones I know of, who talked about 'the story-line' and, I too 'listen' to the album with this on my mind. This, ofcourse is very personal and other people may have a completely different view. That is what I love so much about music, it can be 'whatever you feel it is'!
But 'I hear you'!

And most of the time, I just choose the song that I feel good about at a certain time and play it over and over, untill it is time for another!

Had the same thing when I first heard the songs, played the whole album and after that, ONLY one song at a time, until I 'got it'.

You are right, is my latest project, for some reason I haven't been able to get into that song.
Do it!!! That was a hard one, but I love it now. Took me a while though!

I can only wish I would be able to tell how I feel about each song, the way you can. But I just can't. Thank you 'for putting it into writing'!
It's a very long review, maybe I 'overlooked' some minor things, but I think it's safe to say, your comments could have been mine. If I was able to find the words!!! Thank you!

Mariella

[Gina]

MB!
Just read your review again. Thanks for taking the time to share it and put so much thought and heart into it! :) I haven't been brave enough to attempt one yet...I'm not that confident in myself with that type of writing. But..maybe after I've listened to it a few more times..maybe I'll work up the nerve LOL. Thanks again for the insight you gave. Like Sherrie said..it made me see and hear things on it I hadn't before. Thanks again!! If you get to any concerts.. Please share a review! I and I'm sure some of the others look forward to it! Take care..

All The Best..
~Gina :)

[MBrevard]

Hello, dear friends.

I don't want to stop the great discussion going on here, but I had to write and thank you all for your very kind comments and what they mean to me.

A big Thank-you also has to go just for taking the time to read it!! I think I'm going to owe everyone a pair of reading glasses now. How are your eyes?!

You can ask R. I really worried about posting such a long message. But thanks, R., I'm glad I did!

Hey, Jen, you know, I'm really quite shy--to talk to, that is. I fumble around with the best of 'em, trying to find the right words to say (at least until I get to know someone. Then, I think they reach the point where they WISH I'd be shy AGAIN!! ).

But, as with my other siblings, writing has always been my best and most effective means of communicating.

So, I can't begin to tell you all how happy I am to be here in a place like MLUKFC and have you wonderful people to 'talk' with every day.

To me, this forum sort of feels like coming home, going into the living room, kicking off your shoes, putting your feet up on the coffee table and sitting around talking with friends. And no, we don't always agree on everything and sometimes the conversations become a bit too lively or rambunctious.

But I cannot begin to say how joyous it is to have found such a place, where people feel the same way I do about this special man and the magic he brings to the world. Some of you know that I've lived a rather isolated life--the past 2 or 3 years have been particularly insular. So, it's double or triple the joy for me to be here with you every day, and getting to know some of you and your families and the things going on in YOUR lives. I mean, is this a great place or what?!!

It's the first place I run to in the morning; I read what's new with everyone and then, I check out some of the other ML sites around that I couldn't (or wouldn't want to) live without. The net has, in so many ways, changed my life!

Before the 'off-topic' police come and take me away, I just need to say that I consider you, and everyone here, to be blessings in my life and continue to hold you all close in my heart.

I've been thinking how Meat must feel--what it must be like to have MILLIONS of people around the world who love you, who love what you do, who want the best for you. I can't even imagine what it must feel like! He's got to be so proud of each and every one of you!!

So, we HAVE to continue this discussion about CHSIB! It's important. The word is coming down right now that the CD is the 14th Best Selling Album in Europe and that's on a limited release, friends!!!!

Way to go, FireBall!!!

We've got to keep it going! We have to talk about it and share our excitement with others! We have to continue to revel in it, as it gets released in more and more countries around the world, while people reconnect with Meat, and even more find their way to him for the very first time!! It's important! It's how each of us can continue to help, can continue to make a difference!!

What love and excitement and joy you give off here goes out into the world and is multiplied by each and every visitor who comes to the net and reads what you have to say! You have to believe that because it's true! How could it NOT be?!

So, please continue the discussion here!

Hey, Tim--"The Butcher" ALWAYS has opposing views! Let's hear 'em, mister!! (I don't think Tim likes my long posts! Good thing he's a friend and puts up with me! )

And Bren, like you, I'm praying that Meat will sing FCOL this tour. You know he promised when he goes back to Holland in December that he was going to sing it. I'm hoping it won't just be there. I would dearly LOVE to hear it sung live!!! (Give a big hug to your kids for me, will ya! You know I laugh out loud every single time I see Meshurp Werfifer and remember how that name was selected!! You have terrific kids!)

TeamNZfan, keep talking about what's happening there in YOUR country, as Meat has promised the album's release there and promotions to come!!

Gina! Welcome!!! Thank you, but PLEASE don't hesitate to write about CHSIB here! We're all friends and we love and support one another at this forum. Nobody cares exactly how you choose to say things. We'd just love to hear what you have to say. What's your favorite song on the album? Are you going to a concert this summer and if so, which one are you most hoping Meat will sing? Do you find yourself listening to a particular song more than others??

You see. It doesn't matter. Just talk with us. The important thing, as I said, is for all of us to keep sharing our love and enjoyment of this album with others!! And now that I've gotten some messages from you, I KNOW you have a lot of love and good things to share! So, please join us here anytime. We're happy to have to you with us!!!

And as for going to concerts, most folks here are already sick to death of me telling them I'm going TO THE VERY FIRST CONCERT ON THE TOUR--Saratoga, CA. And I'm getting SO excited about it--I can't stand it. Also got tickets for several others, but some are 'iffy' as to whether I can get there or not.

You'd better believe I'll be talking about them!!! You poor guys! Maybe you'd better get your glasses from me now!!!

Sherrie, your image of CSHIB as an adult BOOH is amazing! I LOVE it!! (And speaking of giving out hugs, please give your 6-year-old a big one from me. You know that he and your family are in my prayers daily!!)

And Mariella and Jules, my dearest friends, thank you for your words of love and support! We all feel similarly when it comes to CHSIB and to Meat. It's so wonderful to have met this way and to be able to build upon our friendships from here.

Mariella--I think I may have figured out why I cannot take YRIWW into my heart. You know, I am working on unresolved problems in my life and I have come to believe that, until I am farther along with these, this song will stay outside me. I can't take it and what it means, in. Does that makes sense? Does anybody else have that problem with songs? You just can't get them or love them or perhaps, fully understand them because of things happening in your life or your world?? Just curious....

To Dottie ('er Dotster ) and Ben and Vickie as well as all the others who have read this non-review and have yet to reply--well, you guys gotta know already how I feel about you!! Keep the Meaty conversations and the love which surrounds him, going--not just here, but everywhere!!

Slowly, together, we will fill the world with ML and his many talents!! We all can do this! You HAVE to see it, as this forum alone gets new people every single day, and all the other ML websites around continue to grow and flourish.

Shhhhhhh. Listen. Can't you hear it? Can't you feel it? It's already working, friends!!

So, thank you again for reading this and for replying. You really did my heart good today.

I was looking for a heart emoticon to put here for all of you to tell you how I felt, but there doesn't seem to be one to pick from.

So even though you can't see it....
Believe me, it is here!!!


Much love to you all,

MB
XXX

[Guppie]

Originally Posted by MBrevard

Mariella--I think I may have figured out why I cannot take YRIWW into my heart. You know, I am working on unresolved problems in my life and I have come to believe that, until I am farther along with these, this song will stay outside me. I can't take it and what it means, in. Does that makes sense? Does anybody else have that problem with songs? You just can't get them or love them or perhaps, fully understand them because of things happening in your life or your world?? Just curious....

To me, it's the one song on the album I don't like. I don't think it has anything to do with how my life is going... I just don't feel anything, listening to the song.

[Tim]

Hello Mbrevard,

Nice of you.. and yes, see you as a good friend, even our distance is so large.....

Have to read it still.

I saw a post somewhere that this was a grown Bat??? Mmm. strange one.. don't even think it comes close to bat. It's more like Midnight album and Blind Before i stop and Bad Attitude.... NOt at all bad albums... but way behind Bat 1 and Bat 2.

Tim, The Buther.

[Michel]

I agree with Tim.

The Bats are just better than this album. But this album is better than some other Meat albums, like Midnight and Blind.

[Bren]

Hi MB,
Don't worry about posting long messages, it gives us more to read.we love to hear your thoughts on things.
My messages are always short because i;m so bad at typing it takes me forever to type a short message!
meant to say on my earlier message that my thoughts on CHSIB are posted on DOTTIE,S (Dotsters) OWN PERSONEL REVIEW.

[Bart]

Originally Posted by Tim

Hello Mbrevard,

Nice of you.. and yes, see you as a good friend, even our distance is so large.....

Have to read it still.

I saw a post somewhere that this was a grown Bat??? Mmm. strange one.. don't even think it comes close to bat. It's more like Midnight album and Blind Before i stop and Bad Attitude.... NOt at all bad albums... but way behind Bat 1 and Bat 2.

Tim, The Buther.

it is beyond me how you can compare CHSIB with Blind and even Midnight.

[MBrevard]

Hi, everyone! Good to hear from you!

Guppie! Hi! Thanks for writing. You know, you don't seem to be alone in having problems with YRIWW. If memory serves, both Dottie and Bren, in their terrific reviews had various complaints about it, too.

I guess I'm lucky. I don't have bad feelings about any of these songs--now that I've come to like Do It!, that is. And because I have always enjoyed the Diane Warren songs Meat has sung before, I still have hope that this one will touch my heart.

How does everybody else feel about this one??

Tim!! I KNEW you'd have some opposing views, you, 'butcher,' you!!

And Michel!! HI! You never write to me anymore. I've missed you!! Hope you've been well!

Loved the photos at the website, guys! Great to see both of you at the M&G, not to mention several other people who come here!! Hey, Bart--you, too!!!

Looked like y'all had a LOT of fun with Meat!

I think, when the comparison was made between CHSIB and BOOH, they weren't talking about the songs and the writing, per se. I believe they were comparing the THEMES of the songs, what they are talking about.

We go from ageless teenage songs such as Paradise and All Revved Up, for instance, in BOOH and move to older, more mature subjects such as troubled relationships, regrets for things done, love lost, etc. in the new album...

So, in that way, CHSIB is the "adult" BOOH.

Does that make more sense? Does that change your minds on it or do you still want to compare CHSIB to Midnight or Blind??

And by the way, do you all have favorite songs from the new album--ones you listen to more than others?? You know me, I'm just curious...

Hey, Bren! Thanks for checking in again! YES! I read both your review and Dotties'!! And LOVED them!! I think that's how I had the courage to continue with mine!! :P

I loved the fact that we all had this feeling of familiarity with the song BOY! I wonder if EVERYONE has it?? To me, it feels sort of like a Beatles song that was never sung.

And Intermezzo, too--you both agreed that it was too short for your likings. It's such a soothing, calming piece! A lot of folks don't like New Age music, but I do--especially these days, when I can use all the 'calming' I can get, with my parents here and everything.

Decadent Wish: If you were to put this one on the album, Bren, where would you have placed it? I was just thinking about it and where it might have fit into the/a storyline. I can't decide, though. Love to hear your thoughts on it.

I think where everyone agrees is on the song Testify! Has anyone said that they don't like it?? I can't remember seeing that. It is such a GREAT song!! This one is the one to look out for! And you're right, Bren. I, too, can't wait to see it in concert!!! It's gonna rock the house!!

Thanks, guys! Great to hear from all of you. Thanks for continuing the discussion!

Love to all,
MB
xxx

[tbuck]

Thanks for the great review MB.

You know my biggest complaint about this album? I can't stay sitting down when Testify comes on...makes me want to get up and shake these old bones, LOL. I Testify...

T

[tbuck]

PS Just finished listening to one of my all-time favorite rocking albums...Montrose. Funny, it seems to pale in comparison to CHSIB. Go figure.

T

[Gina]

Tbuck LOL.. so can I have the first dance in Cleveland when "Testify" starts? Just kidding Jules!! It is a song that gets you going!! Being from the South..I grew up listening to gospel music with that type rhythm and feel! It's great! :)

Love and Laughs..
~Gina

[JulesB]

I just wanted to add some more things I like about CHSIB. Removing any theme or story and just listening to the music, I find the entire feel of the CD to be bright and positive. The music is upbeat and many of the songs make you get "happy feet", especially Testify. The overall effect is fresh and fun!

Jules

[JulesB]

Gina!
Yes you may have that dance, I've danced with him enough over the years! Course, it may just turn into a "group dance", which is cool too!

Jules