Secrets of the Beehive |
October 24th, 2005
contributed by |
As far as I’m concerned today was the first real day of Autumn where I live. The sky remained overcast and it remained nearly dark enough to keep your car headlights on all day. The temperature never peaked much above 52 and there was strong gusty winds blowing leaves against my windows from nearby trees. David Sylvian’s “Secrets of the Beehive” was the most ideal sound track for such a day.
My friend Jonas Renkse had been trying to get me into “Secrets..” over a year ago and for whatever reason I never followed through. Luckily another friend of mine, Egan O’Rourke had mentioned his name several times as well. I finally heard the album for the first time and was shocked. The music and Sylvian’s vocals were unlike much I’d ever heard before. Vocal comparisons could be drawn to David Bowie and musically I personally hear strong similarities with Nick Drake orchestration (think “Riverman” or “Way to Blue”).
The music is rich with orchestration but always remains extremely tranquil yet drenched in melancholy — to the point of outright depression at moments (in the same way Drake could bring this feeling in the songs mentioned). “Secrets” has grabbed me tighter in it’s grip with each listen. At times Sylvian’s vocals can be a bit more theatrical than I care for, but this such a small complaint compared to the intense embrace of moods this album has exercised upon me. I certainly classify this album as a definite “find” for me recently, an album I will by all odds be listening to regularly for years to come. It’s incredible to think this is from 1987 — so ahead of its time.
I found the song “Waterfront” to be especially powerful. The orchestration, Sylvian’s vocals and the general use of space all melts together perfectly. This is a dark, dark stuff — but perhaps in a way your not used to. I recommend listening to it many times before even trying to comment and perhaps even checking out the album to obtain your bearing’s. I’m so thankful the album came across my path so many times — now I know what all the fuss was about.
October 26th, 2005
at 5:57 am
I have only one album from David Sylvian, “Brilliant trees” which was recorded in 1984. And except from the first song, which is a pure 80’s shit, the rest of the album is really impressive too. Maybe more jazz oriented than the sample of Waterfront. I’m totally agree to say that this guy was a real visionnaire (is it the word in english ?) in his music. I would say his album is not only dark , but has also something which is very puzzling, floating music, like those atmospheres in Lynch movies. The sample is great. The symphonic work is awesome. I’ll have to get it one day….
October 26th, 2005
at 11:52 am
I found myself looping “When Dead Poets Dreamed of Angels”. Very outside-the-box type listening for me.
November 12th, 2005
at 12:35 am
Great find. I looked more into some of his other albums and unfortanatly this is the only album that really did anything for me. Real unique from the others. I’m definatly going to have to buy this album, though. Being a big fan of atmospheric music, this is right up my alley.
Japan (band he was in before he went solo) is rather interesting too. The bass work stands out a lot. Being a bass player, I’m drawn to it.
September 24th, 2006
at 4:29 pm
I saw that Jonas Renkse had this album on his top 10 over best albums ever, so naturally I had to check it out. I bought it and first thought it was boring, but after many spins I really began to love it. Sadly I have borrowed the album to a guy now, and I miss it very much. Hope to soon get it back.