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 The Duncan Sheik Message Board
 Daylight
 Honestly, A Little Disappointed
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Calvin924 Senior Member Posts: 67 |
posted August 28, 2002 11:30 PM
  
Well, Daylight is finally here, and I know that everyone is really excited, but with all the hoop-la, I'm not sure everyone is giving it a fare eval. I hate to say a bad word about Duncan's music, but honestly, Daylight ranks very mediocre with me. I purchased it right before a long drive, so I've listened to the CD about 7 times through in the last day and a half, and I'm a little disappointed. The only song that really reaches me is "Half-Life," and of course the up-beat "On A High" is fun to listen to, but other than that, I find the album on the bland side. Again, I hate to put the album down, but after Duncan's first three albums, I don't feel this one is really up to par. I think the difference in his writing approach he mentioned earlier really took effect into the final product At this point I'm sure most of you are shaking your heads at the screen in disagreement, but thats okay. Let me know what you think of the new album, whether you think I'm nuts, or you agree. Whatever you write, I urge you to be honest, you don't have to like everything Duncan does, don't blow smoke up the man's *ugh* just because thats the mainstream of the board. Looking forward to your replies, (Don't worry, I'll keep listening and see if one of these times Daylight clicks with me.) [This message has been edited by Calvin924 (edited August 28, 2002).] IP: Logged |
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aileen Senior Member Posts: 299 |
posted August 29, 2002 12:19 AM
I honestly love Daylight. It is a nice upbeat statement. I think that we all expect Duncan to be so deep all the time, it is nice to see him lighten up a bit. I really love Shine Inside, Genius, and Start Again. The final version of Memento is awesome, the strings that were added really give the song more depth. Ok, I am rambling on and not making much sense since I just woke up and still are half asleep. I am really looking forward to seeing Duncan playing live, I have only seen him during his PM tour, so it will be nice to see him rock. IP: Logged |
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duncanfan Senior Member Posts: 847 |
posted August 29, 2002 09:53 AM
My thoughts exactly Aileen!  I love Daylight!! Tina IP: Logged |
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yakbihn Member Posts: 2 |
posted August 29, 2002 10:50 AM
I'm really enjoying the album. I have been a fan of Duncan's since '96 and I think he's wonderful. I have to say I find Daylight refreshing. It's nice to see him move his sound in this direction. And I'm tired of hearing complaints about it being "too pop". The definition of pop music isn't just bad or shallow. You can still say something interesting with a pop rock sound. Plus, who wants to see an artist continually do the same thing over and over again? I love being a fan of someone who writes bare, melancholic musings and then turns around and writes a radio-friendly hook with a good beat. Also, he is growing alot purely as a singer. He sounds great. IP: Logged |
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JessicaB Senior Member Posts: 44 |
posted August 29, 2002 04:04 PM
Good point Yak. I totally agree that it's refreshing to see an artist evolve. If we wanted to hear the same thing over and over, we wouldn't buy the new CD, we could just keep listening to the old ones. I just look at it as a small peice of the big picture. So, maybe this album isn't your favorite. Duncan has grown as an artist, and this album was part of the process leading up to the next album, which may end up being your favorite. I agree with you too, Calvin. You don't have to like everything Duncan does. Let's not be sheep. I'm sure Duncan would want us all to use our brains and have opinions. Music is intended to evoke a reaction. So, take a minute, and react in a real way. You may think this album is not great. You may think it's the best thing you've heard. Either way, you still win, because Duncan made you think, and isn't that why we love him?! ------------------ "There is no chance at all. We are all trapped by a singular fate. No one ever finds the one." IP: Logged |
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Nate8833 Member Posts: 4 |
posted August 29, 2002 04:07 PM
I understand where you are coming from, and I can see where fans would feel Duncan is moving in a different direction. This bothers some people, but it's fun for me! I loved his last album, but I think that Daylight answers it perfectly. I've heard the term "overproduced" applied to a lot of singer-songwriters, and I never understand it. A lot of people like to see the writing stand up on it's own, and Duncan's can, but what is the harm of making a record that just sounds great!? Some of the songs like "On Her Mind" and "On a High" don't mark the best of his songwriting, but they just sound absolutely beautiful. Frankly, I am a fan of a lot of singer-songwriters, and I've been waiting for one of them to just make a record that envelops you with it's sound. I love Freedy Johnston, but his work has been constantly "underproduced" since his "Perfect World". I'm glad Duncan values the sound of his record as well as the words. Someone let me know if this makes sense! IP: Logged |
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duncanbox Senior Member Posts: 160 |
posted August 29, 2002 05:17 PM
Hey Calvin. I can understand why you would be upset. When an artist goes in another direction it can be pretty weird. Still, for some reason I'm not surprised by the album. Well, I'm pleasantly surprised actually. But I'm not shocked, as I thought I would be. I was expecting the worst at first. After a while, I realized that he wouldn't sing something he didn't feel. Plus, when I finally heard the album in full, I loved it. I don't see a great big difference. Sure he's trying something new, but, if you think about it, isn't he always? IP: Logged |
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JessicaB Senior Member Posts: 44 |
posted August 30, 2002 01:39 AM
Good call Nate! I think there is just as much artistry in properly producing an album as there is in creating the music. I think the term 'overproduced' is being thrown around a lot as part of the boy band backlash. It's a more polite way of saying fabricated talent. Talent is necessary, but when coupled with good production value, the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. ------------------ "There is no chance at all. We are all trapped by a singular fate. No one ever finds the one." IP: Logged |
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Amy Senior Member Posts: 315 |
posted August 30, 2002 11:30 AM
Hi, calvin I've been a Duncan fan since '96, as well. His albums (esp. the 1st) have always affected me. I identified myself with his music not just because of the words but, also for the melodies. When I gave Daylight it's first spin on my cd player, I was extremely happy. The only song that I had to listen to a couple of times, before I actually liked it was, "magazines". It's still my least favorite song but, now I don't feel the need to skip over it. Overall, I think Duncan did top his previous albums with this one. *Amy IP: Logged |
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Carly Senior Member Posts: 508 |
posted August 31, 2002 10:22 AM
Cal, I have no intention of blowing smoke up Duncan's %$* I didn't like Daylight originally, but now that I have heard it ten times in the past two days, I like it a lot. "Half life" is very good, but I love "Magazines" Carly IP: Logged |
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Blackwuzzy Senior Member Posts: 1664 |
posted August 31, 2002 03:54 PM
You really must listen to it alot, to truly get it. (Atleast maybe 20 or less)give or take a few..... then you should get it.Or most of it. Love..... IP: Logged |
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Dkeesis1 Member Posts: 2 |
posted August 31, 2002 11:28 PM
His voice sounds stronger than ever and his lyrics clearly convey he is a true resident of Tribeca, NY. Call it his domain, flawed with all its trappings. ON A HIGH sounds even better than his appearance on Jay Leno. I hope it hits the charts. #9 GOOD MORNING makes me laugh and appreciate Duncan even more. I strongly support anything Duncan produces. Take care everyone. David in Boston, MA IP: Logged |
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sweetsnail Senior Member Posts: 1405 |
posted September 01, 2002 04:16 PM
It's definantly different. I like some of the songs a lot, but other songs I just go, huh? It's not Humming, but it's pretty good. I was a little disappointed too. At least I don't hate it. I do like it, I'll just skip the first song all the time. -steph IP: Logged |
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Rina316 Senior Member Posts: 94 |
posted September 01, 2002 10:26 PM
Hey, I have also been a Duncan fan since '96. I admit that I absolutely love his style. I like the way that he's not afraid to vary it as well. I think what we have seen with Duncan is a rare opportunity to see an artist experiment and let his music grow. I am glad that Daylight doesn't sound like Phantom Moon, or Humming. What would be the fun in getting an album that sounds like the album before?? Everytime I buy an artist's cd I expect to find something different from the last, like a pleasant suprise... I'm very excited to see the growth in Duncan as a artist. ~RENA Also, I agree that everyone doesn't like this change, but it's a hard thing to please everyone, so no artist should try. IP: Logged |
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RicoSuave Member Posts: 2 |
posted September 02, 2002 06:44 PM
What a deal...bought the CD at Virgin for 10.99 Well, there are 3 outstanding songs On a high, On her mind and Shine inside. The rest will take me time to dig them until I see Duncan in concert, cause there you can really experience what the album is all about... Chao ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Calvin924 Senior Member Posts: 67 |
posted September 08, 2002 01:11 PM
All right, I've given the album some time, and many, many, more listenings and I can now revise my initial thoughts. Musically, I enjoy the album very much. It is very relaxing and calming, and filled with unique sounds, both instumentally and vocally that I think only Duncan could bring us. For that I enjoy the album a lot. HOWEVER, I'm still not getting that feeling that Duncan used to provide me with (save Half-Life.) That introspective, powerful insight that I've come to expect from Ducan just isn't there. I know everything doesn't have to have some deeper meaning, but it's been those emotions that have always put Duncan on the top for me. So, while the album is musically Duncan, I just don't find it lyricly Duncan, and while that's okay, it's just not what makes Duncan so special to me. -Calvin IP: Logged |
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JessicaB Senior Member Posts: 44 |
posted September 09, 2002 03:44 PM
I pretty much agree with you Calvin. To me most of the lyrics on this album are uncharacteristically superficial and dripping with the potential for mass appeal. Not that mass appeal in itself is bad, but something about it missing that deeper level. That said, I am thouroughly enjoying my Daylight for it's simple messages. I've still got my other albums to speak to my soul. ------------------ "There is no chance at all. We are all trapped by a singular fate. No one ever finds the one." IP: Logged |
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wolfspirit Senior Member Posts: 1107 |
posted September 09, 2002 10:23 PM
quote: I've been saying the same thing Jessica. I've been really busy and life a bit challenging, so I really enjoy being able to put Daylight on and just feel good! I'm glad Duncan feels he can write within a more positive framework when it comes to subjects like love than perhaps he has in the past. Even at the end of Genius, the lyric "What am I waiting for?" gives an otherwise darker song a breath of fresh optimism. This is what I really appreciate about Duncan Sheik's music. Through four records, NONE can be compared to the other, which I'm sure is intentional. You need to own all FOUR to fully view this artist's range of musical ideals. I'm sure Duncan will head in different direction next time. If I want deeper and more musically complex, I'll give the debut or Phantom Moon a spin. But for right now, Daylight sounds wonderfully uplifting, musically and lyrically, and that is really nice! [This message has been edited by wolfspirit (edited September 09, 2002).] IP: Logged |
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bronwen Senior Member Posts: 108 |
posted September 10, 2002 07:49 AM
Right on, Shari! Bronwen IP: Logged |
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jazzfreak Member Posts: 11 |
posted September 20, 2002 06:37 PM
I bought it the day it came out (by chance, as I had not been to the website in a long time, and wasn';t expecting it). I then looked up the website and saw some of Duncan's comments about it, and based on what he said about it being a 'rock' album, I was thinking about it as mediocre, not rocky enough to 'rock', and not acoustic enough to reach the soul. Needless to say, it grows, and other than 'On a High', I find much to like on this outing. I'm not going to contemplate whether it's the best, worst, second best second worst, etc... it's good, it's Duncan, and I like it enough that it won't end up on eBay like the last RUSH album I bought did. (That was supposed to be their 'rock' album, all basic and growly, but it was a flop in my mind) Keith IP: Logged |
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hotrats Member Posts: 4 |
posted October 06, 2002 04:15 AM
If anyone is bothered by the statement that "this album is just too pop" remember this... Lennon/McCartney wrote pop songs. Granted, they elevated the pop song to high art status, but they're still pop songs. But at this level of skill/talent pop songs can do the most subversive things like... being clever!!! I've maintained that since the first album and through all his subsequent albums, that Duncan is clearly mining the pop-song-as-art vein that was first tapped by Mssrs. Lennon & McCartney. Change is a little hard to swallow so I can understand someone registering disappointement that it doesn't sound familiar, but put yourself in the artist's shoes... If you don't do something different it means artistic death. I also read some comments that maybe "Daylight" isn't lyrically as deep as the the self-titled album or "Humming", but just because the lyrics may not be as grand or cosmic in scope doesn't mean they're not as deep... It's just a different take on things. You can't judge the artist's worth on what he/she did back in '96--the artist has to be judged on the here and now because that's where the artist's head is right now. And based on that, any review (that's basically what we're all doing on this topic, isn't it?) of "Daylight" should be made based ONLY on "Daylight" itself. I hope I haven't made anybody mad. I'm not trying to... I'm just REALLY passionate about this album and would like everyone to get past this "it's too pop" stuff. Besides, I thought "Barely Breathing" was much "poppier" than anything on "Daylight". And even if he is making a bid for radio play, good for him... he should! And at least he's not putting out crap like that damned it's getting hot in here Nelly tune!! If a song as well crafted as "On a High" can break the top 40, then all of us are better off for it because it raises the level of material that radio stations/MTV will be willing to play. And let's face it... A song as lyrically obtuse (unless you know about Jeff Buckley) as "A Body Goes Down" would NEVER make it on the radio. At least Duncan is getting radio play. I'd much rather hear "Magazines" on the radio and MTV, but in the current environment almost nobody would play it. Maybe "On a High" can begin to change that environment... Sorry for carrying on so long. I'm new to the board, but not to Duncan. I'm also a musican (working on my first album) who can't help but analyze music and the current media environment. Duncan is one of my single biggest influences and as I just bought "Daylight" a week ago, I'm analyizing it. Anyway, my name's Dave and I'd like to say "HI!" to everyone on the board and I love seeing so many people as equally passionate as I am about Duncan's music!! IP: Logged |
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