Music
halfway, pleased
Click here to listen to Curt Smith’s new solo release "Halfway, pleased," a semi-autobiographical album about his relationships with his children, parents and friends. "The title refers to where I find myself at this moment,” he says. “Making the transition from my carefree thirties into the responsibility of being a father; from the need to protest into the desire to protect.” The album offers up 15 reflective tracks, including the sensual single “Seven of Sundays,” the lush harmonies of “Greatest Divide,” the compelling progression of “Two,” and the mesmerizing rhythms of “Addict,” as well as four bonus tracks.
In addition to joining the ranks of major artists releasing their work independently under their own banners, Smith is issuing “Halfway, pleased” under a Creative Commons license, which gives fans the right to copy, distribute and perform the album’s songs, so long as the uses are non-commercial and properly attributed to Smith. “Nothing would make me happier,” he insists, “than for my music to be heard by as many people as possible. If people like the album and its songs enough to put it on their website or share it with their friends, that's fantastic. I only ask that they not exploit my music in any way that generates revenue for them but not for me. Because at the end of the day,” he points out, “artists need to realize an income from their art... or they'll have to stop making art in order to do something else to keep a roof over their heads."
Smith began writing “Halfway, pleased” in 2001, but put the project on hold when after 9 years of silence he reconnected with his Tears for Fears partner Roland Orzabal. That led to an unexpected reunion, the critically acclaimed 2005 Tears for Fears album “Everybody Loves A Happy ending,” and a successful worldwide tour. Finally, in 2006 with that behind him, he resumed work on and finished ”Halfway, pleased.”
This very personal album reflects, obliquely, on his journey and life experiences (so far). “I prefer writing slightly cryptic lyrics,” he confides, “that take some thought, and rely on the things that are left unsaid but hinted at.” Even the title is autobiographical; “I figure I’m about halfway through life, and I’m quite pleased.”
© 2008 KOOK Media, LLC. Some Rights Reserved. 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Comments
Posted by ronzilla3000 on Friday, June 6, 2008 - 21:06.
Im looking forward to purchasing this for my collection.Im one of the fans that have to have everything Curt or Roland makes no matter how many versions they make.I especially like to see the art work and/or photos that set the tone and compliment the album.I remember lookin at TSOL art work and the videos thinking how grown these guys looked and when i see it now they look like kids(lol).So perhaps In 2012 I will be looking at this album remembering what was going on in my life at that time..Perhaps then I'll be revisiting HP while enjoying Curts new album.Now theres a thought, what could be coming next.....
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 12:05.
Any word on the Deluxe Edition yet? Trying to wait patiently ;)
And I still think that the pics in the CD Booklet where you are smiling really do show how happiness (even just being Halfway, Pleased) becomes you...
Just sayin!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by Alissa on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 11:30.
I'VE GOT MY CD !!!! I'VE GOT MY CD !!!!! Oh HOLLA !!! Lemme sing you for Papa C .... Safe as theee oceeaaannnnn ..... can you hear me? Oh this is glorious! I can't sing worth a flip, but you know I'll make an exception if you want some help making another video for it? Okay I shouldn't say that because I'm very married and so are you and it's an extremely sexy song/video, but you know, anything to help the arts Papa C ;). Oh let me keep singing, Seveeennn of Sundaaayysss ....
You know what else? My FAVORITE inside photo is the oval one opposite Two, Addict, and Cover Us. I like it because it's VERY candid, not a particular pose of any sort, and somebody off-camera MUST have said or done something to make you so pleased. It's written all over your face and it shows in that single, solitary second the photo was shot. What was going on?
“Curt would like to thank Frances, Diva & Wilder AKA my life" … That’s just beautiful. I always love the “thank you” parts. They read like a good book with personal insight.
And Roland? How chivalrous Papa C! Anything specific for Roland on the Halfway, Pleased CD you wanted to thank for his contribution? Or maybe thanking him for over 30 years of experience for the two of you? That’s mighty gracious Papa C.
Your still and cooolll below the fraayy …
And have you noticed I’m getting better when typing Halfway - COMMA - Pleased? I loved the radio interview, and how something as simple as a comma can have such specific meaning. I do that a whole lot ~ always looking for those small things in reading, music, and photography that have so, so much more meaning than what we see on the surface. Your photos (like the cover), and lyrics always have this sort of "hidden meaning moxie", and fans like me will always keep looking for their deeper meaning each time you publish them.
I’m going to keep playing my CD over and over today. These 5 deadlines due by the weekend just got easier with your new music, for me. This is absolutely FANTASTIC, and I am so happy for you as a fan! And I’ll tell you one other thing too, to add to your special edition Deluxe CD which will make tea and crabs in the morning, and will slice and dice and make julienne fries … You should know that the look on my face when I opened my/your new CD today made me look and feel YEARS younger. No need for my ritual cleanser, toner, moisturizer and mud-pack as I try to turn back Father Time. I listen to my Halfway, Pleased CD (<--- Notice the COMMA) which has me feeling younger by the song; reminding me of perception and inspiration music and lyrics can be. And yes, even your sad lyrics too. You soooo get what’s going on in peoples head and hearts, seriously man, you REALLY do.
I AM SO PROUD AND HAPPY FOR YOU !!!
Posted by Brian Morla on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 15:16.
Hi Curt im from Peru im a fan of the music of Tears Fears and all your music i have all your cd i have the HP frech version i like very much you new album and want to give my best wishes to you and your family take care
Posted by Arlene on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 23:55.
Shakebb: You can order the Halfway Pleased shirt from Curt's Cafe Press shop. There's a link on the Store page, or you can go to www.cafepress.com/curtsmith.
Posted by Kent James on Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 15:59.
The new album Halfway, Pleased is nothing short of outstanding.I have to admit being a former huge TFF fan I was expecting it to not be as great as his prior work with Roland as a duo.To my surprise the album is extremely consistent , excellant from the 1st to the last track and the songs complement each other extremely well , this is truly an album and not just a bunch of singles thrown together. A lot of time and effort went into this work and I admire Curt even more than before as an artist for accomplishing this on his own.
purchase links
release date: Tue, May 20, 2008
Purchase CD
Download / Digital
Buy the Deluxe Edition
Coming Soon - the "Halfway, pleased" Deluxe Edition. This will be a specially-package version of the album, featuring an expanded version of the booklet. Each one of this limited edition version will be signed and numbered by Curt himself. Sign up for our Mailing List by logging in to be among the first to know when this version is available.
Hmm...about that deluxe edition... waiting...patiently (ok, not really, I am awful at patience. thats why I have three kids - nothing better at teaching you lessons of patience).
Any time estimates though?
Though easy it may seem, may we always dare to dream.