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Funny how...
in
Posted on July 14th, 2008 at 6:05pm
...time flies (especially when the little ones are off school). I had intended to blog last week but with one thing and another completely lost track of time. It could also be the initial stages of senility, of course. I think the best course of action is to not plan in future and just let it be (before whispering words of wisdom). As my friend Harlan quotes in a few of his books, "man plans and God laughs;" I feel that I'm starting to grasp the full meaning of that statement. I also still owe a few people personal thank you's for the gifts I received so please don't feel slighted, "it's not you, it's me" (my favorite break up line).
Anyhoo - not much has occurred since my last confession other than a session with Martha Quinn for Sirius radio. The boys and I popped over to her studio in Malibu to play a couple of acoustic live tracks (as you do), which she will add to an interview and album tracks to make a one hour special airing at some point in August. As soon as I know when I'll post it on the site. We'll add a few pics courtesy of Gruno also. I have to say it was an amusing afternoon and yes, Martha is still very small and very cute.
After doing the last couple of acoustic performances I'm now having a problem deciding how to perform on Craig Ferguson. There's something intimate and great about the acoustic versions of the songs even though they're not truly indicative of the album. So while I could certainly do full drums, keyboards and guitar, with some form of backing track to sound more like the album version, I'm leaning towards acoustic. So let's put it to the KOOKs - please leave your preference in a comment below. (Note: you need to login or register to post comments.)
As promised I said I would answer a few of your questions, so here goes:
Nitra asks: I was just curious are you the real Curt Smith?
I always find this an interesting question. Does it mean that all other Curt Smiths are not real? Is it suggesting that I may be candy-coating or lying about my true feelings? How do I know which "real" one you're referring to? Am I the famous baseball writer? Or the annoying person that stole curtsmith.com? Let's just say yes, I am the "official" Curt Smith.
Patricia asks: Do you know if TFF will be going to France with NOTP and do you have an official address to contact you? Also, Are you sometimes touched by e-mails, words and even poems that you received?
This year TFF will only be playing in Germany.
I do get the emails sent to me via the Contacts page on the site, but here's my official postal mailing address:
Curt Smith
KOOK Media LLC
2934½ Beverly Glen Circle #428
Los Angeles, CA 90077
And of course I'm always touched by the e-mails etc. that I receive, who'da thunk music could have that effect?
Katy asks: Do you keep a daily journal? How did you get the scar between your eyes?
The only time I can really do that is when I'm on tour, there are just not enough hours in the day and too many things in my head, it's why I write songs. The scar between my eyes came from speeding downhill on a tricycle when I was three or four and having an argument with a brick wall. The wall won.
Gelbie asks: How does one find out your tour schedule? Also Tears for Fears? Are you married? What part of L.A. do you live in?
All upcoming events (including TFF) will be available on this website. Now before our regular KOOKs start rolling their collective eyes - some people are new and don't know much about me, so please welcome them. Yes I'm married to Frances, we've been together for 20 years this year and have two wonderful daughters Diva (8) and Wilder (6). I currently reside in the Hollywood Hills area of LA.
Yuri asks: Of course I want your new album, but I just want to know if it's going to be released here in Brazil!
I doubt that there will be any physical release but it the CD is available from Amazon.com and from CD Baby, albeit you'd need to have it sent from the States. (For you Euro-KOOKs, we will soon have the CD on Amazon.co.uk as well). You can also buy the MP3 version of the album from CD Baby, iTunes U.S., iTunes Australia/N.Z., iTunes Canada, iTunes UK/European Union, iTunes Japan, Rhapsody, GroupieTunes, Napster, eMusic, Amazon MP3, and Lala. We'll soon be on iMeem/Snocap and as soon as that's set we'll pop the SnoCap store onto the MySpace page as well. Phew.
It bears repeating here that if you bought the MP3 version of the album - and even if you didn't - a PDF of the booklet that comes with the CD is available for free download here on my site. It's on the Halfway, pleased page at the bottom of the "purchase links" box, or if you're the instant gratification type, just click right here for it.
Kimberlycass asks: Here's a question: my husband has found several versions of EWTRTW by many artists, Nas is a hip hop group that comes to mind. They sample the song. Many artists have. A compliment it may be, but do they have permission to do so? How does that work? How do you react when you hear that?
For anyone to use samples of our music on a commercial release they need to ask our permission, give us a writing credit and pay royalties. Some I like more than others :)
OK KOOKs - I'm outta here for now, more soon(ish) - and when I say soonish that should not be taken as an explicit promise to deliver goods, commercial or otherwise, at any particular time in the near or distant future. (is there a Creative Commons license for blogging?)
Papa S.
UPDATE 7/15: The Radiobu Session photos are now up. Click here for pictorial goodness.
Comments
Posted by yara on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 11:52.
Kent,
I hope some other big name shows pick up on Curt's new album. It's well worth airplay too! It was such a special performance especially hearing it live. The backup singer and the band were dead on, so in sync, and perfectly blended. It really was as perfect as it could be!!! Except for the big cameras blocking much of my view during parts of the song..lol. I'm know I'm going on and on but it was just so great!
Yara
Posted by Kent James on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 08:27.
Yara - I have seen numerous tv show performances of not only TFF but many other bands and this one was unbelievable- definitely one of the best vocals from anyone I've ever seen with a great song to accompany it- 2 of my friends who aren't even TFF fans watched it with us and they absolutely loved it just as Rachel and I did-amazing and if Curt can play on Ellen or Oprah we all believe he will have a huge single with this song if he so chooses to pursue it ! Kent
Posted by yara on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 08:10.
I was able to attend the performance, and Kurt I totally agree, it was AMAZING. Curt, your voice was perfection yesterday! Wow, I was completely impressed and happy to be there!!!! Soooo lucky to have gotten a 2nd row spot. Even with having to start over due to their camera lighting issue, you jumped right back into it so greatly!!!! I haven't seen it on tv yet so don't know how it sounded that way but will watch my hopefully recorded version when I get back home to AZ in August.
Posted by Kent James on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 01:49.
Being very picky and not humble just honest to a tee the performance was f*****g amazing and coudn't have been any better in any way shape or form----a homerun ! We all were completely blown away ! "Seven of Sundays" is truly a great song and this version is a classic ! Kent
Posted by aardvark on Sunday, July 20, 2008 - 18:22.
Hi Curt-
I would like to offer up my humble opinion on your acoustic verses amplified quandary. :) First from a musical and technical standpoint; I am a singer that primarily performs acoustically ( I am classically trained and have done very little amplified work) which leaves one kinda at the mercy of the venue. I watched Craig Ferguson Thursday night and listened carefully to get a sense of the acoustic ambiance. When I heard the audience's clapping and cheering boucing back I hear some dead spots and a wooden sound especially in the higher register. You have such warm overtones and you want the venue to compliment your voice. If that is the case, then you would want the band to cover and give you support due to the inadequacies of the venue . Craig Ferguson fans also tend to be younger and wilder ( hence more likely to favor amplification).
From a fan perspective I love your acoustic work and I am hoping to get more involved in a campaign for far less amplification! I went to a Boston/Styx concert two weeks ago and every time Todd Sugarman hit the downbeat it was pegging the system, let alone my ears ( and I was wearing earpugs!) Either way it should be a wonderful experience.
The aardvark
Posted by Kent James on Saturday, July 19, 2008 - 12:31.
It looks like the full band versions are leading now for the show.Either way it will be great especially since the album already has both acoustic and full band versions of Seven of Sundays and Coming Out so the album will be represented if one of those songs get performed.Greatest Divide sounds alot like TFF so maybe it should be played for familiarity.
Posted by Chibitiny on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 17:06.
I listen to the new album almost everyday on headphones, as you suggested, while working out. With that said, I do not think that songs like The Greatest DIvide or Coming Out could be equaled live with the band live on some show where you get a couple minutes. There are so many deep beats there and heavy warm sounds on those tracks. You know best of course. I think that so few people have ever seen you acoustic, that it would make an excellent impression to do it that way and pave the way for a new group of listeners, and a follow up album. People like us Kooks love your music so much that we crave hearing you in any form. I would vote for the acoustic. Part of this decision is based on your presence on stage. Anything else is secondary.
Roger
Posted by Carlos the bassist on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 17:10.
I would also have to lean towards a full band plugged into a live setting with the opportunity to showcase a amplified "Halfway, pleased" . Strap on that beautiful Hofner 500/2 Club Bass!
- - Carlos in Los Angeles - -
Posted by Janaina on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 06:14.
Hi, Curt! I've been away for a while, but now I'm back! I agree with some people who voted for a mix of accoustic and album versions! I think it would be really nice! I like accoustic versions but I love to hear you singing with the full band playing!!!
Janaina
Posted by yara on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 23:14.
After reading all the replies as of yet, now I know why I was wavering & wanting both the acoustic and album(full band) version. Personally, the acoustic is soothing and pleasing to hear. BUT.... Curt this is a great opportunity to showcase your new album. Performing the album version will give new/past listeners a chance to hear how fabulous the new album is. This would surely be reflective of the true quality of the album and best for YOU too. We as fans will be totally thrilled to hear either from you!!!!!
Posted by Kent James on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 21:48.
How many songs will be performed ? That has to be a huge part of what version is played live.For instance if only 2 songs are played I can see Seven of Sundays and Coming out being great choice's with full band recording which are great and don't need the acoustic version and actually maybe playing the full band versions would be better and if a 3rd song is played how about Yellow being covered by Coldplay and making that one acoustic ! That set list would be unbelievable because Curt sings Yellow better than Coldplay and in my opinion it would bring in many new fans ! Kent ---- p.s. Katy is right !
Posted by Sheila on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 21:15.
I do agree with Katy, since we have had the pleasure of hearing the acoustic version, the full band is starting to grow on me. Hey, I am a woman, it's my prerogative to change my mind!!!!
Kook - Sheila from Central CA
Posted by Katy on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 20:17.
I think Chris makes a strong argument for the full band... as have a couple others... and I'm starting to change my mind... and I'm thinking that I've seen the acoustic set, now I want to see the full band thing... cuz of course I'll be watching the show when it airs...
Hmm... yes, yes. Change my vote.
FULL BAND! :-D
Only occasionally fickle, Katy
Posted by Tears For Fears Fan on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 20:09.
Hey Curt, I would go with the full band and here is why: With you being on Craig Ferguson, it will introduce your music to many people not familiar with you or your music. Acoustic is great but it is not as rich as with a full band. I feel you would have an easier time attracting new fans with a taste of what they can expect on the album. Don't give them a stripped down version, let the new fans experience what Halfway Pleased is all about. I think it would be better for you in the long run. Of course the die hards will tell you to go acoustic because they want a variety of your music. But the die hards will be with you through thick and thin. You may get only one chance to really showcase your music to an audience that big. Best Of Luck and as always...Peace, Love & Recycle! - Chris Youngblood
Posted by Sheila on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 19:56.
Nitra I can personally guarantee you that Curt is the real thing!
Curt, as for the scar between your eyes from speeding downhill on a tricycle, is a total different story then what I have seen on other sites...oh my, you wouldn't believe the stories!!!!
Kook - Sheila from Central CA
Posted by jenelle on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 13:40.
I think you should go acoustic. Seems like everyone likes acoustic. =D So, you're the "official" Curt Smith, huh? Nice title. I have a scar on my left thigh. I got it last year. Apparently, there was a nail poking out of the couch....>.> So.... the socks in the "Shout" vid. Did you have socks like those in any other color? Just wondering. x3
Posted by gregquimpo on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 10:14.
Do the raw and let the raw do 'em!
The intimacy you'll project to your viewers on tv doing accoustic will (I can see it now) give them goosebumps, the girls, especially. :-)
Meanwhile, contemplating on a new album? Please do accoustic but insert some personal fave TFF tracks...(on guitar, piano and a sax, maybe?). There.
Lastly, I believe we are the same size, Curt. Wanna trade shirts? :-)
Papa GQ
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 07:50.
Ok, so it looks like I'm a bit of a latecomer on this one - we just moved offices at work and I went from my own little office with a door to a cubicle (no privacy and everyone can see my computer screen - I've never been so productive - lol!!) And time certainly flies. Where the hell did June go?? Can't possibly be senility - you're too young for that! Harlan's statement is true - plus God has a sense of humor, so I'm sure He's laughing quite hysterically at our grand plans :)
Shelving my possibly slighted feelings, and patiently waiting...(ok, maybe not so patiently, just sayin...)
Anyway, I'd say do an acoustic version. We have the album version and your voice lends so well to either.
Hey Katy, can you let Nitra know whether Curt is "real" or not??? ;)
As for the scar on your face, I have to say I love the advent of Neosporin scar strips - my daughter has a small scar below her eye that is quite imperceptible due to them. She lost a battle with the coffee table in the family room around the same age!
I can't believe you're still amazed at the reaction we have to your music. How could we not? Not to go waxing all poetic or anything, but really Curt, DUH!
Ok, so new question (and this may have been asked before, I just can't remember...senility or blondeness, you decide!) which do you write first, music or lyrics?
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by MightyAni on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 07:29.
Your acoustic set at the Motley Bird blew us all away, but of course we had heard the album versions as well.
As much as I hate to agree with Suzanne (kidding!), I think a mix of acoustic and album versions would be more fun and interesting for you and would also give the audience a taste of the variety available on H,P. But as many have said, if you're leaning toward one method over the other, you should probably go with your gut.
Welcome, Nitra. People named Anitra don't really cross paths, so it's very interesting that there should be two of us here!
Ani(tra)
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