posted December 02, 2002 02:24 AM            

"I want to decide 'cause it's worth deciding"

"She's wearing the T-shirt of my favorite band"

"How can you hold a soul ... that shines like gold?"

"I will, I won't, I would
I've said more than I should"

"Clearly I'm a Genius
if she only knew it
but somewhere in her radius
I really blew it"

"I'm awake in the afternoon
I fell asleep in the living room"

Were you just rushed? Was this part of the "proscriptive" lyric writing plan? I guess I expected a bit more, but I'm sure there are reasons behind this latest foray that I am not privy to. It's just that you are capable of much more! Good luck finishing up the tour, I hope it goes well.
And feel free to disregard this little review, but if your fans won't be honest with you, then who will? Sometimes being outside a project gives a clearer view.
All best,
Dar

p.s. You might want to take out Joni Mitchell's "For the Roses" and put it on loop and repeat. Listen to the lyrics carefully... Pause ... and then reflect.

posted December 02, 2002 10:15 PM               

I'm not offended easily. And I'm certainly not someone who is close-minded in my opinions, or in any way vengeful. But Daria, just who do you think you are? If you are a professional music critic, your magazine might be an appropriate place
for your editorial. But even in the less-than-glamorous reviews I've seen for any Duncan record over the years, I've NEVER come across such a lack of respect for him as an artist, or, quite frankly, such arrogance on the part of the reviewer.

And on his personal website? Please Daria, what is your motive here? Do you really believe Duncan will take anything you suggested seriously, writing in the tone you chose? I've seen a few people with constructive criticisms of Daylight, and I'm sure Duncan expects a degree of that. You can't please all the fans with every song on every record. But NOWHERE on this board have I read any criticism that wasn't done with tact, respect, and in a humble manner. Differing viewpoints and debates surrounding personal tastes and opinions are what make message boards interesting.
But what I read above, to me, was basically a Duncan Sheik slam-fest, and I take issue with that.

So you have a problem with the lyrics on Daylight, it appears. They don't measure up to your standards of what Duncan should be writing? There is a simple solution to your troubles - simply don't listen to Daylight! Maybe it's just not your thing - which is fine! But GEEZ!

Your words:
"Were you just rushed?...I guess I expected a bit more, but I'm sure there are reasons behind this latest foray that I am not privy to."
Are you saying he should have gotten your personal approval stamp before releasing his product?
"It's just that you are capable of much more!"??? Sheesh!!

What's important to me as a fan, Daria, is that Duncan is the one pleased with what he's produced. And I'm sure he's hoping his fans will like and appreciate much of what he's offered. It feels to me that Duncan is really happy and that has come across well on the lyrics throughout Daylight. I enjoy "hearing" him smile. I have never met ANY artist who has such respect and admiration for his fanbase as Duncan. I believe he genuinely wants to know how we feel about his music, the good and the not-so-good. And with that thought Daria, this last bit bothers me:

"And feel free to disregard this little review, but if your fans won't be honest with you, then who will?"

Please don't assume that Duncan's "fans" would portray honesty toward his work in the fashion you did. I don't believe any true "fan" would say such demeaning things to an artist they truly admire, even if a current work didn't exactly impress them. Put Daylight away and listen to other music that you have loved. I would hope you would be grateful for the joy his music has brought to your life thus far. I humbly apologize up front if anything I've said is out of line because of "reasons I'm not privy to" - but I had to say something. And I certainly apologize to any other fan on this board if I've offended anyone. Otherwise Daria, I wish you and every other Duncan Sheik fan the very best for now and always.

posted December 03, 2002 07:57 AM               

Tina

------------------
"and will you struggle to realize this earthly paradise is so far above us to put away the poisonous ideas...you know it's just ideas."DSS

posted December 03, 2002 01:41 PM               

These words are an insult to Duncan the artist - NOT constructive criticism of Duncan's album "Daylight."

posted December 04, 2002 01:07 PM               

There is a tradition in Judaism which I think is very profound. If a stranger, in a debate, were to ask a question to someone else, than that person has a right to ask a question to the stranger and get an answer before answering the first question put to him or her. The reason is is that any fool can ask a question and "catch" someone, but a wiseman wouldn't respond unless he knows if the stranger really knew his or her stuff and proved it by answering a return question. If the stranger answered well and demonstrated their education, than the man or woman can then answer the stranger's question. We see this in the New Testament when the scribes and Pharisees would question Jesus. Sometimes Jesus answered but for the most part Jesus responded with a question to the scribes and then they would think of an answer to give him, but Jesus was always five steps ahead of everyone else and they wouldn't answer him, so Jesus wouldn't give an answer to them and this was UNDERSTOOD by all the bystanders. Jesus wasn't trying to get out of answering a question and no ever accused him of it, but instead this was a ancient tradition.

posted December 12, 2002 02:20 PM            

I admit that I was disappointed in your review of Duncan's artistry, but it's your opinion what can I say...

but....
I believe that he is one of the most clever songwriters in the business, and even though Daylight's lyrics (as some say) are not complicated enough, I believe that there is beauty in their simplicity. And if you were to look underneath you might find some complexity under the guise of simplicity. If you see no complexity, why not just enjoy Daylight for it's light-heartedness, and DS's beautiful voice.

~Rina

posted December 14, 2002 06:53 AM               

Daria, it's ironic and intriguing that you are a fan of Duncan Sheik yet told him it was an "interesting experiment gone terribly awry." Personally, I think the lyrics that you posted out of negative criticism are simply "not for you." I think that they, among many of his lyrics, are beautiful in their simplicity. A song, in my opinion, should not be riddled and jam-packed with SAT words. After all, songs are like poems put to music. Repetition, deep imagery, and rhyme are staples of the genre.

I don't think that you are "evil" or anything Daria, but I think that your so-called "review" was a little caustic. A simple phrase like "not as good as his previous work" I think would have sufficed. I think that the problem people and I have is that what you wrote seemed more like your opinion being stated as fact. But after all, "it is only a message board..."

I'll agree with you, Daria, that I didn't care for the song "For You" lyrically; I thought the song was too short and too simple for Duncan.

Nevetheless, what is so ironic is that I actually think that "Daylight" is Duncan's best next to "Phantom Moon." I guess I would say that it is his best lyrically, and sadly you, Daria, feel the opposite. Perhaps if you listen to "Daylight" more, it will grow on you.

I have some advice for everyone though...I don't think that it is necessary to apologize for opinions unless it is known that the person the opinion is directed to is offended.

Let's all be open-minded AND not be afraid to voice our opinons BUT be courteous when and how we give our opinions AND enjoy "Daylight" for what it is worth in its style. This especially means you, Daria.