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02 Feb 08 - 01:34 PM (#2251637) Subject: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST I heard that Christy Moore objected to the audience singing along at one of his concerts. I will be going to see him soon and wouldn't like to upset him by joining in. Does anyone know if this is really the case? If it is I feel that he is being a bit 'precious'. It has certainly been one of the good features of 'folk' concerts over the many years that I have been in clubs and at concerts, that the audience are encouraged to take part. Recently Tom Paxton stopped singing so that the audience could 'do their bit'. I'm not talking here about drowning out the main man during a quiet melody just an appreciation that the audience does pay his fee.
-Joe Offer-
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02 Feb 08 - 02:33 PM (#2251703) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Fergie Christy is in no way "precious" he expects people to respect the songs he sings. He encourages people to join in during songs that have a chorus. Remember, people go to hear him singing they don't want to be sitting beside some wannabe that comes to hear him/herself singing. Christy is a fantastic entertainer and his impromptue comments to hecklers and members of the audience are priceless. Go there and enjoy, you'll have a great time. |
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02 Feb 08 - 02:39 PM (#2251711) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Suegorgeous I think I'd want to respect the individual performer's feelings on that, whichever they want to be part of their performance. It is their presentation of their work, after all, and I think what they say goes. I pay a fee to see the performance as a creation of the performer, therefore I think the performer should have maximum control of it. I accept that when I go to a performance, and if I didn't like that, I wouldn't go, I'd go to a performer that liked people to join in. And there are plenty of other places/opportunities to join in singing if you want to. And I think that all applies even to an open mike performance. |
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02 Feb 08 - 03:17 PM (#2251751) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: michaelr It always bothers me when I'm at a concert and people sing (or clap) along with the performance. I certainly won't do it, as it isn't what I paid to hear. Cheers, Michael |
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02 Feb 08 - 05:09 PM (#2251873) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Folkiedave Just about the least precious person it is possible to meet. He doesn't like people shouting requests at him either. Christy is well aware who pays his money. At Sheffield in November he said "When I was starting I couldn't get a booking in Dublin but I got three in Sheffield. So this is for Jenny" and he went on to dedicate what is probably his most requested song to Jenny Fox. (Malcolm - her husband ran a folk club, booked Christy in the 60's when he was starting out and arranged tours at no cost to Christy). He didn't know whether or not she was in the audience and he certainly didn't have to say it. Dave Eyre |
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02 Feb 08 - 06:12 PM (#2251909) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Jean(eanjay) Christy Moore sings a lot of songs that would not be the same with an audience singing along. I haven't seen him live for a long time but, in the past when I have seen him, it would have spoilt it for me if the audience was singing along. I'm a great fan of his. Go along and enjoy what HE does. |
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02 Feb 08 - 07:10 PM (#2251948) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Tattie Bogle If it's a chorus song, and he asks you, sing the chorus: leave the verses to him. If it's a song with no chorus, restrain yersel' unless he asks you to join in. |
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02 Feb 08 - 07:23 PM (#2251959) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Chris Murray He played a request for me when I saw him a few months ago. He usually invites people to sing along or clap during the more popular songs and the ones with a chorus, but he does expect people to listen to his music. I have known him to ask people to stop clapping if he thinks it spoils the song. I don't think it's 'precious' - as he says, if he spent weeks writing a song, he wants people to listen to it. The bar is usually shut during his performance. I assume this is to minimise the amount of people walking in and out during the songs. Good for him, say I. When I went to see Moving Hearts at the Royal Festival Hall last week, the amount of people wandering about during the performance was appalling. Surely it's good manners to go to the bar or the toilet in between the tunes, not during. |
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02 Feb 08 - 07:32 PM (#2251966) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Peace You pay to hear a performer. Having paid the entrance fee, you do not concomitantly gain entitlement to call the shots. People clapping inappropriately when I am trying to hear a songwriter/singer/performer (for which privilege I have paid) ticks me off. IMHO. No offense to anyone. |
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02 Feb 08 - 08:27 PM (#2252011) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Marc Bernier I would think any fan of Christy would understand this already. And you bought tickets? |
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02 Feb 08 - 08:44 PM (#2252022) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Joe Offer I love community singing, and usually I want people to sing along with me. Sometimes, however, I like to make a song "new" by singing it a little differently - when that happens, I want people to listen to me, and wait until I invite them to sing along. Popular performers may have a real problem with this, since so many people think a song should be sung exactly as it was on a popular recording, and many audiences don't seem to be open to innovation, or to alternate renditions of a song. Kudos to Christy Moore for insisting on doing what he wants to do with his music. On the other hand, I'll continue to enjoy concerts from Bill Staines and Peter, Paul and Mary, where people sing along with every song. -Joe Offer- |
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02 Feb 08 - 10:58 PM (#2252085) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: harpmolly One of my favorite moments during "Live at the Point" is in "Knock" when he starts playing the song, the audience starts clapping along, he stops (they laugh) and then he says indignantly, "I spent two days writing this song, and for Jaysus have you ever listened to it!" (Apologies if I transcribed it wrong...going by ear here). I loved it...gently chiding the audience without losing his sense of humor. As I mentioned on the "best live album" thread, I'm all for singing along with choruses, as long as it doesn't go on even longer than the song itself. Yes, Dougie my love, I'm talking to YOU! ;) M |
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02 Feb 08 - 11:07 PM (#2252086) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Nick E Sounds like a Prima Donna To Me! If his command of the audience is so poor that he can't controll the audience, perhaps the studio is where he should remain. Or be more careful of the venues he chooses, Eh Gad Inapropriate Clapping! |
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03 Feb 08 - 02:46 AM (#2252112) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Al Whittle He's magic. Big auditorium; one man, one guitar (better in my mind than with an accompanist) - he fills these places with his personality and music. Just go, you won't be disappointed or have any reservations. |
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03 Feb 08 - 03:24 AM (#2252121) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: harpmolly I dunno...if I don't have any reservations, I'm sure to be disappointed. ;) (sorry, couldn't resist!) But in all seriousness, I would love to see Christy live. My mom saw him in Ireland (and in fact, stayed in the same hotel and chatted with him a bit) and she turned me on to his music. |
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03 Feb 08 - 04:20 AM (#2252134) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Jim Carroll Walter Pardon had to drop two songs from his repertoire because of audiences joining in and dragging out the verses at nearly half the speed. Can't wait till they put Aida on in Dublin again; I love to sit there and sing along with the lead performers! Jim Carroll |
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03 Feb 08 - 04:28 AM (#2252138) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Al Whittle we could have another thread - famous people you met in a hotel. I once stopped in a hotel in Stratford and Seamus Heaney was there eating his breakfast - in a seat overlooking the river. I nearly went up to him and said, don't worry Seamus - the frogs can't get you here! (reference to his poem, Death of a Naturalist). In the Intercontinental Dusseldorf, I saw Randy Newman going up in the lift. |
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03 Feb 08 - 04:53 AM (#2252147) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: KeithofChester If you watch the Christy Moore Live in Dublin 2006 DVD, you will hear Christy explain the audience participation issue himself. As someone above has said, it is all about people showing restraint on certain songs, otherwise (as Christy says) "they'll sound shit"! It isn't just singing, it is people clapping along out of time, etc. Which is just true, and nothing to do with being "precious". I can't remember if that comment is on the CD version of the concert. |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:21 AM (#2252185) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST The bigger the auditorium, the bigger the problem with people clapping out of time -- even if they're clapping "in time" with the music as they hear it. It's not a problem I have, frankly. I'm hard pushed to get people to clap when I've finished. ;-) |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:44 AM (#2252192) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Dave Sutherland Somewhere at home I have a tape of Christy at South Tyne Folk & Blues from around 1968 where he was appearing with John Doonan and he is chiding the audience because only three people are joining in the chorus. I do stress the chorus! I don't like to see people joining in the verses whether the song has a chorus or not. |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:49 AM (#2252197) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean In Dusseldorf, Weelittledrummer? Remember (or have you heard) Newman's chilling song "In Germany Before The War"? Though I can't think of any clever or lighthearted song-relevant comment one could make on THAT subject. (For anyone who doesn't know this song, it's about Peter Kurten, the serial child-killer who lived in that city in the 1930s, narrated from the eerie perspective of the man's own warped mind. Soundtrack features a brilliant Kindertotenlieder-esque accompaniment in dark-toned menacing brass. Outstanding work, but not something you can joke about.) In scrabbling about trying to make this post Christy-related, it occurs to me that he would do an excellent job on this song. Its powerful understatement would blend perfectly with his style of delivery. And "precious" is about the last word one could use to describe him. He's very down to earth, very real, not afraid to call it as he sees it, even when it means asking an audience to listen (as if he should have to!) rather than join in. This sort of honesty is the polar opposite of Precious. |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:52 AM (#2252199) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ruth Archer When I saw him for the first time in around 89/90 at the Beacon Theatre in NY, there was no bar at all. I'd seen another band there the month before and the bar was open. When we asked why this was a dry gig, we were told it was at Christy's insistence. There was a lot of talk in the audience about the fact that, following his heart attack, Christy was teetotal, and didn't like alcohol to be sold at his gigs. I never found out whether that was true or not. At the same gig, a woman made her way up the aisle and asked, very politely, for a particular song. The audience held its breath - but, presumably because of the way the request had been made, he immediately played it. On the other hand, at Cambridge a couple of years ago, he was one song into his set and someone bawled out "Lisdoonvarna!!!" He said, "Look, if that's the only song you've come to hear, do everyone a favour and go to the bar, and come back in about an hour." But he encouraged everyone to have a sing during the choruses of Ride On... |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:55 AM (#2252202) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ernest I have heard the man twice: First time he made a fuss when a photographer from one of the bigger papers made a few photos - apparently the clicking of the camera was too much for him (he still got a half-page picture in the paper next morning - not the ordinary thing for a folk musician here in Berlin). Second time he threatened to stop when a few of his fans requested a song (during the announcements, not during a song). That was the first and the last time I went to his concerts. I prefer listening to his CDs now. "A bit precious" is a good way to put it IMHO. Best Ernest |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:56 AM (#2252203) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean I think he was right! (Have you any idea how LOOOONNNNGG Lisdoonvarna is?!) |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:58 AM (#2252204) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean Sorry, cross-post. Mine was in answer to the lady from Ambridge - |
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03 Feb 08 - 07:13 AM (#2252208) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: KeithofChester I though the actual quote about audience participation might be on YouTube. Quite a bit of that DVD is. Here it is, about a minute in. Live in Dublin - the actual quote |
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03 Feb 08 - 07:45 AM (#2252215) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Chris Murray Christy has total control of his audience. There are always a few hecklers but he knows exactly how to deal with them. It's called respect. Somebody mentioned audiences singing a song which is different from the way the writer actually meant them to be sung. Does anyone else remember Ralph McTell asking the audience not to join in with "It's a long way from Clare to here"? Apparently the way we've all be singing it is not the way he originally wrote it. He said that it's his song and he'll sing it the way it should be sung. If anyone's interested, the chorus should go: "It's a long way from Clare to here". We all sing "It's a long long way from Clare to here." The "long" should last 3 notes. |
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03 Feb 08 - 08:06 AM (#2252230) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean I do remember McTell saying that, though when I heard him (Hastings Folk Fest, eons ago) he was perfectly polite about it and not at all arrogant. In fact he seemed bemused that the other version had acquired such a life of its own. He remarked that after some gig where he'd performed this song, a member of the audience came up afterwards and informed him that he was doing it wrong, and "corrected" him! Perhaps by Hastings this sort of thing had happened so often that he simply grew philosophical on the subject - I also recall that at the Planxty Reunion gig in Hammersmith (I'm not sure whether it was Christy or one of the other band members who spoke) when they were about to play a Horo [spelling?] the audience was asked politely BEFORE the number began to please not clap, as its rhythm was very complex and it wouldn't work. Andy Irvine had just collected this piece on his travels and obviously he wanted it to come across well. Horos were unfamiliar to most Irish-music fans at that time, so this was an introduction to something new. And did the audience refrain from clapping along? Did they HELL!!! Did it ruin the number? Well, perhaps not totally but certainly to a large degree. The rhythmic subtlety was completely obliterated, and you simply could not HEAR it with all the extraneous noise coming from the wrong side of the stage. It's already been pointed out that audience-clapping gets out of synch even in a straight reel or jig and drags it down - you can imagine what this ended up sounding like! And afterwards I still heard mutterings of resentment that the performers had asked the audience not to "join in". |
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03 Feb 08 - 08:13 AM (#2252235) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ruth Archer singing along with choruses is a folk tradition, and I doubt you'd stop it even if you wished to. Clapping, on the other hand...well, people who do it clearly don't realise how disruptive it can be. Inevitably, the audience goes out of time and screws up the song. |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:22 AM (#2252277) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Rogthedodge I think he does take himself too seriously, perhaps more than his talent merits? Anyone who chooses their own music for Desert Island Discs deserves derision IMO |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:33 AM (#2252280) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Marc Bernier I believe this might be a bit of a Christy trade mark. I'v only seen him 3 times, (I'm an american). '84 in Dublin, early '90s here, early '00s there again, and he's made that audience participation point each time, while his performance has grown and changed over the last 25 years. Some songs are clapping songs and some are listening songs. He also at a specific point in the concert had called juke box time at every concert. Though not untill he had done what he come to. There's more to him than his foot stomping humorous raps, and it's important to him for his audience to experience that. Audiences today have grown up with all their entertainment coming through a sound system, and there by comfortably feel that they can do what ever they want. The performer should just turn up to accomidate them. That's just plain rude. Christy is Precious. He's a valuable treasure. |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:36 AM (#2252281) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean The Desert Island discs show is discussed in the "Christy Moore" thread above (58 posts). And, for everyone's information, here's the playlist off the BBC website: 1. Ave Maria Performer Felicity Lott Composer Gounod CD Title Songs by Charles Gounod Track 4 Label HYPERION Rec No: CDA668012 2. A Stitch in Time Performer Christy Moore Composer Mike Waterson LIVE PERFORMANCE 3. Lonely Boy Performer Paul Anka Composer Paul Anka CD Title Paul Anka: 30th Anniversary Collection Track 7 Label RHINO Rec No: R271489 4. Brennan On the Moor Performer The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem Composer Trad. CD Title The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem Track 1 Label TRADITION Rec No: TCD 1022 5. Taimse Im' Chodladh Performer Planxty Composer Trad. CD Title Planxty: Words and Music Track 3 Label SHANACHIE Rec No: 79035 6. Joe Hill Performer Luke Kelly Composer Robinson CD Title The Dubliners: 20 Original Hits, Vol.2 Track Side 2 trk 5 Label CHYME Rec No: CHLP 1014 7. The Joy of Living Performer Ewan McColl and Peggy Seeger Composer Ewan McColl CD Title MacColl: Black and White – the Definitive collection Track 20 Label COOKING VINYL Rec No: Cookcd 038 8. The Raggle Taggle Gypsy Performer John Reilly Composer Trad CD Title The Bonny Green Tree Track Side 2 Trk 2 Label TOPIC Rec No: 12T 359 Record: Taimse Im' Chodladh Book: Collection of Popular Songs of England & Scotland –Francis Child Luxury: A set of Uillean Pipes |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:38 AM (#2252284) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ruth Archer To be fair, I think they only used that version of Stitch in Time because it was the only one they could get hold of. Wasn't Christy talking about it as a Mike Waterson song? |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:46 AM (#2252288) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean I seem to remember hearing something like that too, Ruth - certainly comment was made about the fact that he had recorded it especially for the programme (right there in the Beeb studio as they taped the rest of the show?) but Mike wasn't mentioned because I remember asking in Mudcat who wrote the song - I'd thought it might be Jake Thackray. Certainly the playlist doesn't reflect any egotism that I can see - |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:46 AM (#2252289) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Nick E I think it is interesting, when talking about a live performance to say things like the performer wants you to "Respect HIS Music". Should not the whole point of a live performance be to share, so that it becomes "OUR" music? Im not saying that the audience has to sing and clap for all or even any of the songs, but I do think there is a very different mind set when a performer, the music and the audience are all part of an organic combination that has a life of it's own, as opposed to being told Ok audience, this is your part here, this is my part here. |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:48 AM (#2252290) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Rogthedodge IIRC Ruth he recorded track 2 'specially for the programme. I know there was a female (opera?) singer who famously chose 8 of her own records but surely anyone with an ounce of humility would avoid choosing themselves? |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:56 AM (#2252295) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean Elisabeth Schwartzkopf, I think. (I'll no doubt be corrected if I'm wrong.) Disagree with you. Humility - or lack of - isn't always the driving reason for doing something. Read the "Christy Moore" thread where there are some good points made on this issue. Can anyone tell me what other recording there ARE of A Stitch In Time? If he wanted to include that song and there's no other way of getting ahold of it...? Also, if you're going to blow your own trumpet, surely you'd choose a studio-produced no-rough-edges recording, not that one, which was obviously done in one take with whatever speaking mic they had to hand. You are one critical customer Rogthedodge. |
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03 Feb 08 - 10:10 AM (#2252302) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Dave Hanson Martin Carthy was first to record it, it's certainly on ' The Carthy Chronicles ' eric |
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03 Feb 08 - 10:19 AM (#2252308) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ruth Archer Bonnie, on reflection I think you're right. But we were speculating at the time that, because most folk is farmed out to Smooth Ops these days, they may well hang onto the BBC folk archives for Mike Harding's programme. So it's possible that D.I.D really didn't have access to another recording... Mind you, they managed to get hold of John Reilly - far rarer. Nick E, I think it's about respect for the performer - any performer - rather than "his" music. Mind you, one of my favourite things about seeing John Tams live is when he says to the audience: "Go on, have a slice." - meaning "Come on, join in!" But at least you've been asked. |
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03 Feb 08 - 11:28 AM (#2252352) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Suegorgeous Nick - What you said is interesting. I think that initially it is the performer's music - s/he's written/found it, interpreted it, made it into something. S/he's then presenting it to - and yes, sharing it with - the world, whereupon it does become something like "ours". But it's also an act of giving and receiving, and I guess we choose how we receive. Me, I'd prefer not to ungraciously interfere with or spoil what I'm given. I don't think that's much different from your "organic combination with a life of its own" - but if you let that take its own course, you could end up with people storming the stage to join in with the performer! and that would be justified by your idea... |
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03 Feb 08 - 11:29 AM (#2252353) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Chris Murray I don't think Ralph McTell was being arrogant. He just wanted to sing his song his way. Don't blame him! Christy usually attributes "A Stitch in Time" to Mike Waterson when he performs it on stage. I assumed they couldn't find another version so asked him to record it specially. He really is a very modest man who just wants to perform the music in a way that most of the audience will enjoy. I think he's just a perfectionist. |
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03 Feb 08 - 11:33 AM (#2252355) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST Nick, it was me that said HIS music. I'm pretty sure Christy never said it. |
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03 Feb 08 - 11:51 AM (#2252370) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Folkiedave Eric, "Stitch in Time" is recorded by Martin on "Mighty River of Song". Recorded at the Udazkenean Festival, Donostia Spain - previously unreleased - it says. It's on Disc Three. I shall probably be playing that version on my show next week. (Already planned - before this thread!!) |
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03 Feb 08 - 12:04 PM (#2252380) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: The Borchester Echo It's on Right Of Passage (Topic 1988) which is, I suppose, the first studio recording. It is also one of my favourite Martin Carthy collections. Which reminds me, I should be setting off to see him later on at The Plough . . . |
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03 Feb 08 - 12:23 PM (#2252398) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ernest Here`s a question inspired by Nick E.`s remark and all those "John Lennon (& others) -Folksinger " threads: Is a songwriter who is trying to keep his songs from being folk-processed, still folk? Just wondering... Ernest |
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03 Feb 08 - 12:28 PM (#2252402) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Hopeful As probably one of the few people contributing to this thread who actually knows Christy Moore I'd say he's one of the least *precious* people I've ever met in my life and I'm thankful for the privilege. |
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03 Feb 08 - 01:20 PM (#2252463) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: michaelr Guest, Chris Murray - would you consider posting a review of the Moving Hearts show you saw? I'd be very interested in how they sound after all these years. Cheers, Michael |
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03 Feb 08 - 02:00 PM (#2252505) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Al Whittle Actually I did think about writing a comedy song about Peter Kurten, the monster of Dusseldorf - but I was persuaded not to. I wrote one about the Hitler diaries instead, but it didn't really take off. The only one they would release was a pretty crap song about Franz Beckenbauer. record companies eh....? |
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03 Feb 08 - 02:01 PM (#2252506) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean Ahhhh go on, Randy Newman beat you to it, admit it... ;-) |
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03 Feb 08 - 06:18 PM (#2252737) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Tattie Bogle Just bought a ticket to see Christy in Edinburgh in June: will report back thereafter! Last time I saw him must be going on ten years ago: then a heckler shouted, "Christy, what about the potato famine?", to which he replied, "Well, what about it?" which silenced the heckler. RE Ralph McTell: he's not the only one to have had his songs changed by a certain other Irish group, who changed words and added a 4/4 rhythm to Tom Paxton's "Every time" which was previously in pretty free time, and they also changed the title and one note (resulting in a horrible clash on the word "down" when both versions get sung together) of Eric Bogle's "No Man's Land". While folk are encouraged to "make this song your own", I do have reservations about such radical changes, and say you can't beat the author's original version. |
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03 Feb 08 - 07:45 PM (#2252802) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Suegorgeous So Moving Hearts still play together? cool - that album is one of my favourites. |
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03 Feb 08 - 07:46 PM (#2252803) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: McGrath of Harlow had his songs changed Singing a song a different way doesn't "change" the song. It just adds a variant. The original version is still there. |
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03 Feb 08 - 07:49 PM (#2252805) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Tattie Bogle Semantics/pedantics! You know very well what I meant, and it was in response to a posting further up this thread anyway, which you may or may not have read! |
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03 Feb 08 - 09:53 PM (#2252863) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: harpmolly My precioussssssssssssssssss... (well, *someone* had to say it. ;)) |
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04 Feb 08 - 02:03 AM (#2252946) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ernest Oh no, harpmolly: Now we will forever remember him as Chrisssssgol (or Moooron) from J.R.R.R. Talkum`s trilogy "The Lord of the Strings". ;0) Ernest |
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04 Feb 08 - 02:46 AM (#2252952) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Al Whittle No not at all Bonnie. In fact, its not my first foray into writing jolly songs about mass murderers. http://bigalwhittle.co.uk/id22.html I had a snappy chorus worked out for the Monster of Dusseldorf, I just never thought he had quite the stellar qualities to really mark him out in the Homicidal Maniacs Hall of Fame. Apparently he used to wear make up a lot, and whilst there is something rather fascinating about the idea of him powdering his nose and doing his lippy, after polishing another one off - I don't know.......if you believe Isherwood and Visconti - half of Germany was walking round with frilly knickers stitched inside their bowler hats and wearing mascara, those who weren't actually in drag. I have a sneaking suspicion, he fitted in rather well. I'm sure Hitler could have found gainful employment for someone with his proclivities. And I don't do conformists. |
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04 Feb 08 - 04:41 PM (#2253480) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,thetwangman Christy Moore is a pure gem, so he's precious in that since. He may well indeed be a little bit precious about his music, but that's a good thing. He wouldn't be half as good if he wasn't, but I don't think he is too precious. He takes himself just seriously enough but not too seriously. Christy's problem is he is so damn good that he has a very big and a very eclectic audience (a problem a lot of other folk singers probably wish they had). It might be a cliché, but Christy Moore fans really do come from all walks of life. Sometimes it almost seems as if his audience clashes, it's like a Pogues audience and a Daniel O'Donnell audience turning up on the same night by mistake. But Christy should be proud of the fact that he attracts such a cross section of society, it is something I have not witnessed to the same extent with any other singer in any genre. But having such an eclectic audience can be problematic on occasion. I have seen him get slightly annoyed on a couple of occasions, but justifiably so. Audience members shouting out songs when he already has a song in mind or indeed when he has already started a song must be annoying. A happy-clappy audience during a non-happy-clappy song is extremely annoying. I myself once got so annoyed at a guy beside me constantly shouting out all the obvious songs that I started saying "Christy, sing all the songs off the only album I have" (I said it loud enough so the guy beside me could hear me, but not so loud that Christy could hear me, I hope). |
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04 Feb 08 - 04:46 PM (#2253483) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: goatfell I hate it when I go to a performance and dsomeboy's mobile phone goes off, I just hate that. |
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05 Feb 08 - 02:07 AM (#2253811) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ernest Would be even worse if it is the performers phone that goes off... |
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05 Feb 08 - 06:26 AM (#2253921) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,DK This bloke is probably the most over-rated, untalented, stuck up, hypocritical pseudo political, prima donnas on the scene.I also note that he is not taking part in the Moving Hearts re-union - I hear he doesn't like having to share the money! But it's more likely he is not competant to play with them. Watered down plastic-Irish slop for Brits & Yanks. If you like this drivel ... good luck to you!!! |
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05 Feb 08 - 06:49 AM (#2253930) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Riverman Sorry folks slight change of tack but didn't seem necessary to start a new thread: It's high-time I knew more about this man. Which 3 of his albums should I buy as a good introduction for a Christy Moore beginner? Thanks for sharing... |
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05 Feb 08 - 07:24 AM (#2253948) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ernest There is a nice "Best of" album called "Collection 91-91" I`d recommend. Otherwise I would listen through a few albums and deceide which songs I prefer... Best Ernest |
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05 Feb 08 - 07:28 AM (#2253949) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Giant Folk Eyeball (inactive) Riverman, I'd start with 'The Time Has Come'... and any of the Planxty albums he featured on, but particularly 'The Well Below the Valley'. Apart from the rather schmaltzy song about John Lennon, I'd recommend 'Ride On', too. Haven't heard any of his recent stuff apart from the inspired Morrissey cover. Very rude Guest "DK", meanwhile, apears to have arseholes for earholes... Cheers Nigel |
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05 Feb 08 - 07:53 AM (#2253963) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean He has one for a mouth too. > I hear he... [fill in the blank] DK, do NOT repeat casual grapevine gossip of that nature unless you can prove your sources (signing your name might be a start). That characteristic doesn't sound like him, and it tells us a lot more about you than it does about Christy. It just comes across as the bitching of someone with an agenda - a jealous also-ran, perhaps? Music for Brits & Yanks? Undoubtedly. But you forgot one group: the Irish. He's universally popular here, and not just for his singing. |
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05 Feb 08 - 08:12 AM (#2253969) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Steve Shaw All too often he comes across (I think) like a fish out of water on his albums. The man live is the thing with Christy. If you want some of his albums I would go for the early ones such as "Spirit of Freedom" and "Ride On." I love "The Iron Behind The Velvet" too though it's much more of a Christy-with-guests type album. There's plenty of good humour and wit afoot on it. The early (though short-measure) "Live in Dublin" is a cracker too. "Live at The Point" gives a far better idea of the real man than most of his studio offerings (in my opinion of course!) And everyone should have "Prosperous," the album for which the word "seminal" was invented and which spurred the lads on to forming Planxty. As far as his live shows go you won't find a better chap or chappess anywhere. |
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05 Feb 08 - 08:16 AM (#2253972) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST In recent years Christy has recorded some Handsome Family songs: Butterfly (So much wine) and Peace in the Valley, the latter which he played on the Cambridge Festival highlights show a couple of years ago. Their songs are dark, American gothic tales, but Christy gives them a poignancy and warmth. I think Butterfly is one of the best things he's ever recorded. |
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05 Feb 08 - 09:24 AM (#2254021) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Mick Listen to Steve Shaw. The two albums that I would START with are "Prosperous" to hear Planxty and "Live at the Point" which is an absolute joy. I still cannot listen to him say, "Tough shit, Paddy" without breaking out in a horselaugh. Perfect line, perfectly delivered. CAUTION: Once you hear these two, you will be forced to buy every other CD. Mick |
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05 Feb 08 - 09:29 AM (#2254025) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Ruth at work arrrgh - guest above is me. |
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05 Feb 08 - 09:55 AM (#2254040) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Nigel Spencer (cookieless) Thread drift, but Ruth, you have excellent taste. The Handsome Family are an incredibly good act... great live too, as much for the understated deadpan humour as for the fantastic songs. Rennie Sparks is one of contemporary America's best lyricists. Everyone should make an effort to hear songs like 'Weightless Again' and 'The Giant of Illinois'. Priceless stuff. Take a peak: Handsome Family If Christy is now covering their songs, it only goes to show that not only does the man have talent, he also knows how to spot a great song. Cheers Nigel |
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05 Feb 08 - 10:00 AM (#2254045) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Elfcall On Christy being 'precious' - I have seen him 15-20 times and only once did he request an audience to stop clapping. This was at the RAH and as the acoustics are a bit odd he was getting the clap a 'half beat' behind his own playing and was finding it difficult - he was apologetic. Best CD - mmm so many - I think I would agree with Big Mick - Prosperous is a must, as is Live at the Point, for my third Ride On or Ordinary Man but that is simply not fair on the other CDs and this does not include anything from the catalogue of Planxty or Moving Hearts. Funnily enough I have not seen him live in the last few years - does he still use Celestial Soda Pop as his intro music? Elfcall |
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05 Feb 08 - 10:04 AM (#2254046) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Ruth at work agreed, Nigel. I loved them - when I worked on the Summer Sundae festival about 5 years ago they were playing, which is when I doscovered them. Great set. Lovely people. Amazing music. Christy adds a whole new dimension to their songs. |
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05 Feb 08 - 10:07 AM (#2254050) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Mick Yep, elfcall. I am not saying that those recommendations are comprehensive in any way. They simply give you a picture of the man at two very different times in his life, and a feel for the force he is. As to one criticism, he is not a stellar musician. But stellar musicians love to play with him. His timing is dead on, and when you combine that with the ability to deliver a lyric with superb interpretation, his quick wit with the audience, and the tales (liberally told) of his experiences, ... well, he is simply one of the best. "Authentic" is a word that is very trendy and overused in the States these days, but applying it to Christy is an absolutely correct use. Mick |
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05 Feb 08 - 10:24 AM (#2254066) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: KeithofChester It's high-time I knew more about this man. Which 3 of his albums should I buy as a good introduction for a Christy Moore beginner? Live in Dublin 2006: either the double CD or the DVD or both. I'd go with the latter, if you only want one, simply because its possibly the best folk DVD I've ever seen. Musical content is more or less the same, running order is different. Depends if you like to see the show as well as just hear it. |
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05 Feb 08 - 10:44 AM (#2254084) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST Big Mick His guitarmanship (is that a word?) may not be top notch but his use of the bodhran, without a beater IIRC,is some of the most sympathetic and skillful use of the instrument I have had the pleasure to witness. Middle of the Island and Well Below the Valley sung only with his own bodhran (where can I find a fada on my keyboard)accompaniment make the hairs on my arms stand upright. Sure, there are better singers too - but as you say his interpretation and timing are superb. He has been off my Iriver far too long. Elfcall |
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05 Feb 08 - 10:58 AM (#2254090) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Mick I thought about mentioning that (bodhran), and I would have cited the same two cuts.......***chuckle***. But I was just trying to give the poster a flavor. We could do a whole thread on Christy's music and reviews. I would be one of the loudest cheerleaders. Mick |
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05 Feb 08 - 11:35 AM (#2254107) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: The PA Husband and I love him, recorded and live, though I do have to translate/interpret for the old man, its the accent you see, but I've been brought up with it. I agree with all the positive comments, yes I go to hear HIM sing not the bloke next to me. And as for the rude guest, DK, was it. Those comments say far more about him that they do about Christy Moore. Best ignored. |
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05 Feb 08 - 01:40 PM (#2254231) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,RaggleTaggleGypsy Most of the songs that Christy choses to sing deserve reverence and are well worth just getting lost in. I, for one, do not pay money to hear some gobshite singing out of sync in order to show off the fact that he/she knows a few lyrics. There are times in Christy's gigs when the songs demand a quiet respect and others where jovial participation adds to the atmosphere. A Christy Moore gig is THE most complete performance. |
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05 Feb 08 - 02:43 PM (#2254300) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ruth Archer Speaking of great covers by Christy Moore: he also did a gorgeous version of Richard Thompson's Beeswing. |
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05 Feb 08 - 02:55 PM (#2254314) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Bonnie Shaljean And "True Love Knows No Season" (a.k.a. Billy Grey) on the later (reunited) Planxty album, The Woman I Loved So Well. There's all manner of good stuff on that record - some great songs by Andy Irvine too. |
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05 Feb 08 - 03:09 PM (#2254331) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ernest Also he is a good interpreter of Jimmy McCarthy`s songs. A lot of those usually associated with C.M. are in fact written by J.McC. (Ride on for instance) |
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05 Feb 08 - 03:17 PM (#2254336) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Giant Folk Eyeball (inactive) And what about Philip Chevron's beautiful and poignant 'Faithful Departed'? |
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05 Feb 08 - 03:38 PM (#2254347) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: ard mhacha Christy was one of the few Irish performers that came to north of Ireland venues, during the recent troubles, a man of the people in every sense. |
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05 Feb 08 - 05:44 PM (#2254462) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,seadew Sure he's precious ! Most precious treasury of Ireland and yonder plains. A man of words, of responsability towards the songwriters he generously puts under the white light, aware of his immense talent yet not taking it for granted and working every day to polish the gift he was given. Really throws his heart at the audience each time, gigs can only be described as "magic". |
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05 Feb 08 - 05:49 PM (#2254468) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Brendy Christy called them 'The Demon Clappers'. Rightly so, as well. What gets me are the guys who take out a harmonica and try and have a go at 'The Rocky Road To Dublin' ... in D Minor.... B. |
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05 Feb 08 - 06:43 PM (#2254516) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST "A bit 'precious'?"...Of coursehe is...a Diamond Geezer! |
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05 Feb 08 - 08:07 PM (#2254605) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Fergie As I said at the beginning of this thread. Christy is the man. Fergus |
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05 Feb 08 - 09:04 PM (#2254652) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Neil D The first time I heard "Little Musgrave" I got chills up my spine. |
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05 Feb 08 - 09:22 PM (#2254664) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Suegorgeous Audience members in the US take out harmonicas and play them during a performance??? :0 |
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05 Feb 08 - 09:29 PM (#2254672) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Brendy Scandinavia, Sue.... You'll be guaranteed to run into the odd headbanger when you're out there, believe me B. |
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06 Feb 08 - 02:42 AM (#2254811) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Ella who is Sooze He's absolutely fan bloomin tastic. Saw him in Bristol, the performance was electric - the atmosphere electric, and the whole evening a joy to go to. I wouldn't want someone to sing along next to me either, I think I'd even ask them to be quiet! EWIS |
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06 Feb 08 - 09:17 AM (#2254920) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST "... i wouldn't want him any other way..." Up the 4711ers ! |
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07 Feb 08 - 04:44 PM (#2256283) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Jimmy At a recent concert in Glasgow, Scotland, the lead singer of the band U2, Bono, asked the audience for total quiet. Then, in the silence, he started to slowly clap his hands once every few seconds. While having everyone's complete attention, he said into the microphone, 'Every time I clap my hands, a child in Africa dies.' A voice with a broad Scottish accent from the front of the crowd pierced the quiet: 'Well, foockin stop doin it then, ya evil basturd!' |
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07 Feb 08 - 05:10 PM (#2256317) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Marc Bernier That's a funny story. I laugh everytime I hear it. LOL |
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07 Feb 08 - 09:00 PM (#2256469) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Tattie Bogle At Celtic Connections last week, at the Festival club, Michelle Shocked asked members of the audience to come up and jam with her on stage. There was a lemming-like rush, including a backward one by myself as my button accordion was located half a mile away down the corridor in another room. By the time i got back with said instrument the stage was full of lemmings wi' moothies! (harmonicas) |
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08 Feb 08 - 03:50 AM (#2256592) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Betsy He's a LOT precious . He's been performing for many many years and he knows what he's doing for the best, not only for himself in order to give the best performance , but to protect the audience, and make sure they get what they paid for , and NOT have the occasion spoilt by a hard core of so-called fans, who can be noisy (generally after imbibing too much ) and use his gig ,(and other Irish performers)an excuse for a gathering of the Irish "Clan"/hangers on , and a good piss up. Christy puts first things first i.e. YOU the audience , so admire him for it and stop these snidey references. There are performers who maybe deserve criticism for their inability or unwillingness to interact with the audience - Christy ,is certainly not one of them. Cheers , Betsy |
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08 Feb 08 - 01:37 PM (#2256996) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Neil D Guest,Jimmy, I read your post about Bono 5 minutes ago and just now quit laughing. Good thing no suits walked into my server room just now or they'd be hauling me off. Not that I don't respect Bono and the things he has tried to accomplish, but funny is funny. Thanks for the laugh, it felt good. Neil |
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08 Feb 08 - 01:46 PM (#2257010) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Mick It's an old story, Neil. I have been using the joke for several years now. Except I tell it as happening in Ireland. Mick |
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08 Feb 08 - 03:56 PM (#2257138) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: GUEST,Neil D Okay. You got me. Still funny though. |
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08 Feb 08 - 04:05 PM (#2257147) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Big Mick It is absolutely hilarious. I still have a hard time not cracking up telling it. All the best, Mick |
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08 Feb 08 - 05:36 PM (#2257245) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Leadfingers 100 is VERY precious |
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12 Feb 08 - 06:38 AM (#2260207) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: KEVINOAF yes he is precious and beyond the criticism of tasteless dorks ( critics are usually failed artists) nothing for me matches the RIDE ON album but more acknowledgement ought to have been given to the poetry of Bobby Sands on whose a lot of the lyrics rely heavily, The politics of this will no doubt light a fuse or two somewhere but britain has quite a lot to be ashamed of in its dealings with Ireland ___ I'm not Irish by the way ! |
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12 Feb 08 - 09:11 AM (#2260297) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Dave Hanson There is an old Yorkshire saying, ' them as can, do, them as can't either criticise or teach. ' eric |
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12 Feb 08 - 03:04 PM (#2260645) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: PeadarOfPortsmouth I can't weigh-in on his concert persona, since I haven't had the opportunity to see him in person. But since it seems like you're all in agreement (with the notable exception of GuestDK) that he is not precious, and this thread has turned into a love-in for the man, I wanted to add two words: Me too. I think he is a fantastic artist, great interpretator of songs and a decent songwriter himself. He is perhaps my favorite artist and without a doubt my single biggest influence. I probably wouldn't have picked up a guitar and started singing myself if not for his music. (I'll leave it to those who know me to decide if that's a good thing or not.) Unfortunately, within the last week, I discovered that I've lost a cassette I had of a live performance he did for Claire FM back in the 90s. It seemed to be a warm-up to "Live at the Point" so now I'm going to spend money I don't have to buy that CD given the recommendations from Steve Shaw, Big Mick, et.al. Thanks, gang, thanks a lot. :-) Peter |
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06 Jun 16 - 05:46 AM (#3794053) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Andrez Just heard from a dear Irish friend that there is a new Christy CD just released recently. I've heard it involves remakes of older material and a couple of new songs. Has anyone heard it? What do you know or think of it? Is it worth getting? Cheers, Andrez |
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06 Jun 16 - 11:39 AM (#3794104) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Megan L I often wonder why anyone would pay for a cd that was predominantly a rehash of old material |
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06 Jun 16 - 06:17 PM (#3794149) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: FreddyHeadey Andrez, I don't know if these tracks are older material but here are some links for you for the CD Lily which came out on May 2016. Lily 20th May 2016 Track listing "Mandolin Mountain" "The Tuam Beat" "The Gardener" "Lily" "Wallflower" "Oblivious" "The Ballad of Patrick Murphy" "Lightning Bird Wind River Man" "Green Grows the Laurel" "Lost Tribe of the Wicklow Mountains" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_(Christy_Moore_album) ~~~~~~~~~~~ "...We worked at different locations over the past 2 years..." http://www.christymoore.com/news/new-album-lily/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Review by Patrick Maginty ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
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06 Jun 16 - 07:55 PM (#3794158) Subject: RE: Christy Moore - A bit 'precious'? From: Andrez Many thanks for your info Freddy. One link led me to hear some snippets of the album and now I should probably go through my CD collection and look for the earlier versions if they exist and have a listen there. I might have to visit my Irish musician friend and have a listen to the album over there before committing my own $$ I don't necessarily mind repeats of old material Megan if they are done well or differently in some way or another. Moving Hearts and their 2007 Dublin reunion album (sadly minus Christy) or Van Morrison Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl 2009 might be a couple of good examples here. Anyway thanks all for the info and your thoughts. Cheers, Andrez |