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| Reviews | ||||
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| Mary F | ||||
| How does it feel
to kick back in your favorite comfy chair at the end of the day,
headphones on - listening favorite artist's new music – pretty good, huh?
(For some of us, relaxing in that comfy chair while cracking open a cold
one – or two - and listening…even better!) Now close your eyes while your
chair, magically transports itself to the middle of that artist's home
studio while you listen. Now, THAT is the BEST! And that's what we get
when listening to Duncan Faure's “Letter From Britain – Home Studio
Recordings” In this collection of over 20 tunes, listeners get the
opportunity to hear it all – an extra tap on the drum, Duncan's every last
tinkering on the piano. What more could any true fan ask for? By now, most know that Duncan not only wrote all the music himself (no surprise there), but also played each instrument, recorded & mixed the entire CD on his own as well. You musical experts out there might be able to tell the rest of us how many other artists have done the same, but my hunch is that there aren't too many and your list would be a short one. The result is a great mix of music from the heart. Some songs on the CD are neatly packaged, while others have a more “yet to be developed” flavor. Fact is - in past recordings, Duncan 's not been shy about sharing his music in a more raw form. (i.e. a Fan Club Demos Tape from the 90's, and various early demo type versions of some of his more classic tunes have been included on other CD's). This is a musical approach he should be applauded for. Many artists wouldn't be caught dead without over producing the daylights out of their music - my guess, to hide the lack of talent that lies beneath. But at Duncan 's invitation, we hear the music as he does – a rare glimpse into the mind of a great songwriter – musician. There is no greater gift he could give to his fans. Instrumentals have been a huge part of Duncan 's career from his early days. His work in RABBITT helped him create a number of instrumentals with The Rollers – a band who with the exception of Derek's End Piece, never recorded an instrumental in its 8 albums prior to his arrival On Letter From Britain, Faure's knack for melodic imagery doesn't disappoint. A total of 7 instrumentals help balance out a remaining mix of love songs and rockers. So let's start w/ a few instrumentals, shall we? The CD opens w/ Zebra 1 – short – right to the point – a hearty mix of guitar, synth-like keyboard. A great mood setter for what's to come. Another stand out instrumental is Kings Anthem. Now, before listening to this one, it's recommended that the listener…dig thru the old vinyl (if you're like me – there's not much digging to do – this one's right on top) Get your copy of Rabbitt's Croak and Grunt in the Night (yes it'll be the one w/ the naked band members on it). Listen to a few of those tunes… NOW listen to King's Anthem – WOW! Is the Rabbitt influence felt loud and strong on this or what? FANTASTIC song! A New Age-like Timilu is also a keeper when it comes to the instrumentals. Duncan 's going to have to tell us exactly what “Timilu” is – but for now let's just call it an awesome number. So, what about the “other stuff” you ask? After all, we fell in love with “the voice ” way back when (for me, it was 1979). From ballads to rockers – this CD runs short on neither. THE VOICE sounds as great as ever…as evidenced in a dreamy, mid tempo ballad Innocent Girl immediately followed by Duncan's rockin' quest to find long lost friend, Eric Faulkner in a funky and fun, Where's Eric? And if after 30- some years, there's any question as to how to spell the name - that's E.R.I.C. Haven't heard a musical chant that good since “S.A.T.U.R...” ;-) Here's a Fortney Favorite for anyone who cares: If it Hurts You, Girl. Now THIS one is classic Duncan – great chorus….”If it hurts you girl, Take hold of your world “Don't cry in the Night…Take Care – It's Alright…” “ THE VOICE ” gets multi – tracked in this and yes ladies, that means more than one Duncan – oh yes! – who could ask for anything more? (sorry, that was my “inner 14 year old” talking!!) All kidding aside, a beautiful song J How many other favorites can I point out? Well, in the interest of brevity, which I've already blown out the window, it's a difficult task because each time I put the headphones on to write this I discover something new. There's Gangs and Dancers – which, to me, has the feel of a late-period Beatles influence. Does anyone else hear it? And Forever – which many of us heard and fell in love with prior the CD's release. Yet, it's Tomorrow Morning that brings to light the real appeal of this home produced CD – the last minute and a half is Duncan's “ad- lib” tinkering on the piano. (I'm not a musical genius by any stretch of the imagination, so I'm not even sure if ‘ad lib' is truly a term you can use in music, but I'm sure you know what I mean). Getting to hear the music in this form – getting to hear this side of Duncan 's creativity – is what this CD is all about! A side of him, I'm sure, that had this been taken to someone to “professionally mix” – we would have never heard. I, for one, am grateful it was kept. The final “gem” I want to point out in this mix is Take These Dreams . A song that Duncan states, made its way on the CD “by accident” (our son is a bit of an ‘accident' too, but I'm glad we kept him!) What a mistake it would've been to NOT include this song! Just Duncan and his piano – the way many of us have seen him time and time again. An absolutely beautiful song and I could not imagine this CD without it. So, without hesitation, this writer strongly recommends “ Letter from Britain – Home Studio Recordings” for any Faure fan. What a wonderful and rare opportunity to peek into his world! Hopefully, there will be a time in the not too distant future that we get to hear a few of these gems live!! |
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| -- Peter Chapman Tunbridge Wells England | ||||
| The CD Album is
great. Great rock music as only Duncan can write.Favorite tracks are Turn
Me Back On Your Radio, Rocket To Mars and Dont Run Away With Your Heart.
Keep up the great Music and keep Rocking. |
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| CherylIL | ||||
| Just got my copy of Take The Good in the mail, I couldn't wait to get it in the player, AND I LOVE IT!!! Have only made it to track #6 so far before I had to start over again, just love the songs so much! Duncan you did a FANTASTIC job on this one! I hope it gets all the airplay it deserves and will do great things for you! Just remember one thing, when you do the world tour: ST. LOUIS!!! :-D THIS IS THE MOMENT, ALL AT ONCE, to TAKE THE GOOD, SHINE THE LIGHT, and TURN DUNCAN BACK ON YOUR RADIO | ||||
| --Shawn | ||||
| Just received my copy of Take The Good. It is, in my humble opinion, Duncan's best work to date. Most of the tracks have very catchy melodies. I particularly liked This Is The Moment, Rocket to Mars and Turn Me Back On Your Radio. I also liked how Duncan re-worked All At Once. Just a great CD all around! Keep on Rockin' and Rollin' Duncan! | ||||
| --Alli | ||||
| Just got the CD today from oneworld. Delivery is fast and safe; it arrived as a REGISTER LETTER so please everyone order it from there if you still don't have Duncan's new CD. I live in the Pacific Northwest, experiencing Duncan Live is out of the question. I envy people from New York and LA that were able to see him. I love the CD, wish he'd come to Seattle once...and another reminder Please Everyone, order his new CD....thanks:) | ||||
| --Debbie | ||||
| "Love The CD!"......" It's absolutely fantastic" | ||||
| --Steve | ||||
| ... in my opinion the best track is Not Enough Hours. That is just about as perfect as a song can be... | ||||
| --Thomas | ||||
| Duncan
Faure left his electric guitar at home Saturday night, but there was
nothing missing in his high-energy, intimate “unplugged” concert with
Craig Wood at The Bitter End in New York City. On acoustic guitar and
piano, Duncan performed highlights from his extraordinary new release,
“Take the Good”, and from his impressive career of worldwide musical
success. From the ultra-catchy title track to the get-up-and-dance “I’ve
Got the Rhythm”, Duncan proved that – even acoustic – his new music was
better than ever. The hopeful “I Want You to Know”, with Duncan layering
arpeggios all over the keyboard, was a personal highlight for
me.
The new songs were radio-ready and unforgettable. But there were surprises from Duncan’s amazing career, too: his gorgeous ballad “Lovelight” featured a strong lead vocal by Craig, and the duo offered a spirited “Bye Bye Baby”. After evoking memories of Lennon on “Norwegian Wood,” Duncan said, “Now we’ve got to do one for George” and the guitarists began a show-stopping rendition of “Here Comes the Sun”. With the music stripped down, the elements of Duncan’s talent were especially clear: his expressive voice; the intricate guitar work (complete with incredible snippet solos between songs); his absolute command of the keyboard; the songs that you neither can nor want to get out of your head. Duncan writes extremely well-crafted pop music. But it’s more than that. Listening to acoustic versions of his songs ranging from personal loss (“Brother”) to a well-timed call for world peace (“Let It Be Right”) offered a reminder that each of Duncan’s songs is unique, meaningful and from the heart – three qualities that are missing in most of the pop-radio genre today. Duncan has been performing on the international stage for close to three decades now (he was eleven, you know), but with the new music and the warm performance by Duncan and Craig, everyone at The Bitter End seemed to know he’s headed back to the top again. It felt like magic. Now let’s e-mail those radio stations.... | ||||
| --Loraine | ||||
|
My husband and I drove from Virginia to New York City last weekend to catch a show that would have been worth twice the drive! Duncan Faure, EMI Recording artist, has a new cd out and has been doing shows around the NYC area to help promote it. Having only 45 minutes (much too short!), Duncan did an "unplugged set" - all acoustic. My first comment -> he needs to do more acoustic. The
combination of powerful, soul-rendered lyrics, totally his own style of
music, and the beautiful strong voice makes electronics totally
unnecessary for the solo artist from South Africa. Friend and fellow
singer/musician Craig Wood was a very nice addition; their voices
harmonize well. | ||||
| --Cee | ||||
| Duncan (& Craig!) - as usual, BRILLIANT set! There was such great vibes in that club last night not to mention much support for you! You rock, my friends! I loved that you added "Lovelight" to the set! | ||||
| --Jean | ||||
| I
just wanted to say it was another excellent show at the Bitter End. Duncan
and Craig you both out did yourselves again! The unplugged session was
very cool! Duncan - I hope you come back to the states very soon! | ||||
| --Karen | ||||
| I just couldn't wait any longer to let everybody know what a great
show Duncan and the boys put on at "JOXER DALY'S" in Culver City, CA. It
was great to see him onstage doing what he does better than anyone else ~
perform!!!! It was so nice to see old friends and new ones too! From the
moment that Duncan hit the stage the whole place went nuts ~ from start to
finish ~ he was flawless and after the last song, Duncan jumped right back
onstage and started rockin' the house and working the crowd into a frenzy
~ myself included!!!!!!!!! That voice ~ That guitar ~ OOOOOOOOOOOO BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF DUNCAN. | ||||
| --Colleen | ||||
| The gig last night was AWSOME! Lots of old friends, lots of good friends. Duncan was definitely in his element! It was great to see him so happy! Trevor showed up, as well as a couple of fans I haven't seen in about 20 years! The music was great! The atmosphere was cozy (they even had Blackthorn Cider on tap). And the crowd went wild (even the 'non- BCR' fans!) We couldn't get enough! | ||||
| --Dorothy M | ||||
| I really enjoyed Duncan's truly great show. What a talent! I wish you great success. The world should hear more of Duncan's music. :) | ||||
| --KathyF | ||||
| Duncan and Craig
were wonderful. They sang lots of oldies for us, but the highlight of the
set for me was Duncan's new songs, which are really good. What is that "I
got the rhythm.." song called? (That's probably IS the name of it, lol.)
Man, I haven't been able to get that one out of my head. | ||||
| --Becky | ||||
 |
How is it that
Duncan just gets better and better through the years? I have the "Come and
Get It" cd, "For the Rights of All Man," and "Pronounced Four-uh", which
have all had their spot as my favorites, but "Take the Good" takes the
cake. :-) Everything just came together so perfectly on this cd. Every song is catchy, from the ballads to the rockers...not a dud in the bunch. | |||
| Get your hands on this one!!! You won't be able to get these songs out of your head, and you won't want to!! Thanks for the great music, Duncan. And keep it coming!!! | ||||
| --Laura | ||||
| After seeing Duncan in person and hearing his newest music at the show in VIrgina, I couldn't wait to buy"Take The Good". What an awesome cd!! I love listening to over and over because every song sounds fresh and new to me. Some stand-outs are Take The Good, Not Enough Hours and Turn Me Back On The Radio because they're written straight from the heart. I've Got The Rythm is an uplifting tune! And the new twists and turns that Duncan has added to All At Once are wonderful! | ||||
| --Jan Z | ||||
| This is a CD that should be in every collection. It rocks, makes you feel good, can't help but make you smile and is hard to turn off. BRAVO! BRAVO | ||||
| --CherylN | ||||
| Duncan, Craig, and Dedication...AWESOME SHOW, YOU GUYS ROCK!! THANK YOU!! | ||||
| --Sabaca | ||||
| Just received "Take the Good" today - already have a favorite: "Feels like This, Feels like That" - and of course "Take the Good". The CD is very upbeat - urge everyone who reads this board to order it now!! | ||||
|
--Jill Duncan | ||||
| I went to Duncan
Faure's show at The Bitter End in New York City on 7/24. It was a fantastic concert, very energetic with great, uplifting music. He's got a pleasant voice, fun stage-presence, and good-time music that everyone seemed to enjoy!! I also bought his new CD while I was at the show. It was very worthwhile purchase indeed. Duncan was friendly, funny and he autographed my CD. We chatted a bit about my past holiday in South Africa and about my upcoming visit to SA early next year. I also met several very friendly South Africans who were able to make it to the show. We all had a great time -- so if you haven't caught Duncan's performance or bought his new CD, do it now!! |
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| --KSP | ||||
| I've just heard Duncan's latest CD "TAKE THE GOOD" and I LOVE it! At the moment, my favorite song is NOT ENOUGH HOURS but the whole CD is amazing!!!!!! His talents are UNLIMITED!!!!! Keep 'em coming, Duncan ~ 24/7!!!! | ||||
| --Thomas | ||||
|
Duncan gave an outstanding performance July 23 at The Bitter End in New York City. He was simply amazing throughout, singing 10 songs from his new CD, "Take The Good", during a 17-song powerhouse set. The title track is an extremely catchy tune, and the new ballads Duncan performed at the piano were beautiful and creatively arranged. Craig Wood performed with Duncan on most songs. The crowd was very enthusiastic and sang and danced in the aisles during the last numberr, "Let It be Right (In the World Tonight)". Perhaps the best news is that the new CD was available for sale after the show and was selling like hotcakes! | ||||
| --Tommy McGuire, PA | ||||
| I've started to write this post three
times, each time trying not to make it sound like a pointless kiss-up.
I've no idea if Duncan Faure reads this message board but in any case,
it's my intention to state my appreciation for the wonderful music he's
recorded. I'm not familiar with everything you've recorded Mr. Faure, all I've really heard is a tape that a friend gave me of material you've recorded in recent years. I am perplexed that you have not received more notoriety in relation to your incredible gifts as both a songwriter and a vocalist. Your compositions somehow manage to be Beatlesque and yet entirely original. Your lyrics and the lush musical framework with which you marry them create without a doubt some of the most sophisticated and beautiful pop songs ever written. I don't mean to take anything away from them by simply calling them "pop songs"...I don't compare your work to the sorry state of contemporary pop music. I think your material is every bit as strong as the pop music created back in the days when people wrote their own music and playing an instrument was necessary in order to be considered a musician. Your songs, much like Lennon and McCartney's, always seem to take the listener on a journey. You never seem to allow yourself to create songs riddled with musical clichés or pointless prose. You are a first class musician with one of the most distinct voices in the genre. I'm writing this to thank you for the music Mr. Faure. You are one of the best. | ||||
| --Karl Anderson, Producer, Global Recording Artist, CA | ||||
| ||||
| --Leila Dalton, Chandler, AZ | ||||
|
Seeing
Duncan Faure perform at C'est in Toronto,Canada, just confirmed what I had
learned the summer before. You cannot see this man and this band
perform without becoming a fan for life. | |||
| Duncan's talent simply amazes me. He is a talented songwriter, an awe inspiring musician, and has a magical connection with his audience. He is DEFINITELY better than ever! The CD sits in my CD player and is listened to constantly in my house. |
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| --*Kerry*" (Massachusetts) | ||||
| Seeing the DuncMeister, himself. hhhhhaaa.....what can I say????have been swept away. The man is pure magic." | ||||
| --Weezy (aka Lisa Donaldson from Ottawa, CANADA) | ||||
| Let's get this album on the charts... he deserves it. | ||||
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| --The Bard (aka Deb C) | ||||
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| --wendee (Philadelphia) | ||||
| "THE MUSIC ROCKED....WE love you DUNCAN... | ||||
| --Robin" (Nashville, TN) | ||||
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| --Laura (PowerPop) (Washington DC) | ||||
| "Duncan was
absolutely the best. Erica, I know now why you love him so
much! I have always been enamored of his singing, but I got to see firsthand what a cool, friendly guy he is, how much he truly cares for and appreciates his fans, and how talented a musician he still is. I bought his new CD and it's amazing. You all must go out and get it! I got TONS of pics that are being developed as we speak, and I shall commence scanning and posting tomorrow. |
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| --LKHunsaker (Illinois) | ||||
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| --Ginger | ||||
| "I'm sitting here
playing Duncan's "Four-uh" cd and I love it!! It was so great to see and meet Duncan and The Blue Bottles at SAL, as well as all you fans who were there!! It was a blast and I hope we can all get together and do it again. Hopefully Duncan and the band will come to Seattle or Victoria or both for next years Fests, don't you agree? Take care." | ||||
| --Terri | ||||
| Just received
Duncan's new cd and was very impressed with it. It's great! I know he just finished a tour but will he ever come near Grand Rapids, Michigan? Thanks!} | ||||
| --Barbara | ||||
| Had never heard
of the band until 8/28/99. was staying at four points Sheraton in Pocono's
and stopped in the bar to see who was playing. What a silly, fun , great bunch of guys ! They really relate to their audience and talk to everybody. Mali was like a big teddy bear and whoever thinks Gavin is quiet, hasn't spent 3 hours talking to him. He has a lot to say!! I loved the show and loved the guys! They seemed like regular guys. Not snobby band people!! | ||||
| --Lisa K (Massachusetts) | ||||
| What do you get when you put four of South Africa's
greatest musicians in one room? You get the amazingly talented Duncan Faure and the BlueBottles! These guys certainly know how to rock. Seeing them live was an incredible experience - Mark on guitar and vocals, Gavin on bass, Mali on drums and Duncan on guitar and piano. They are able to get the audience up and on their feet dancing. I was lucky enough to see them perform three times this past August and as far as I'm concerned they can't return soon enough! I look forward to seeing them real soon.............. | ||||
| --Laura B (Massachusetts) | ||||
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| --Michelle (Pennsylvania) | ||||
| I saw Duncan and
the Blue Bottles play at the Sheraton Four Points and the guys were
GREAT!! Had a blast and so did my parents as they came with me and the rest of our "gang"! What a great time had by all. Duncan, can't wait to have you back on this side of the world again. Come back and play for us again and we'll be sure to sing for you as well! GOD SAVE ROCK'N'ROLL. | ||||
| --Pammy (Dublin, CA) | ||||
|
I ordered my CD...looking forward to hearing it! Seeing you guys perform at SAL was enough to convince me this is something I need to have! Thanks for being such a nice bunch of guys. | ||||
| --Joyce (New York) | ||||
| "I am far from being a music critic but I like what I hear. Duncan Faure (and the BlueBottles) are indeed 'Better than Ever'. A wonderful person and an amazingly talented musician, Duncan deserves the long overdue recognition & success. All of us fans are looking forward to tour2000!" | ||||
| --Sharon (Ajax, Ontario) | ||||
| I distinctly
remember when Duncan started singing in New Orleans in '98... my first thought was, "Oh my god, I can't believe I'm finally hearing him sing live." The next night I distinctly remember watching him sing at Tipitina's in the French Quarter: he hit a note in some song and all the hair on the back of my neck stood up; I was overwhelmed with the realization that I had been waiting so many years for that precise moment, to be in a room with him somewhere and hear him sing THAT note. It was completely worth the wait. This year's appearance at Shang-A-Lang '99 in Toronto simply reaffirmed for me what an amazing talent Duncan is, not to mention simply one of THE nicest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. His voice is STILL there, still strong and pure...and to see him with a full band around him that knew the music and had played together a few times before coming to Toronto - that was something of a dream come true for me. The new songs off of "Pronounced Four-uh" fared exceptionally well live, as did the older material. Of course, this particular fan was specifically thrilled to hear and see Mark Townsend singing and performing again, as well as Chico on percussion, but the powerhouse talent of drummer Mali Sewell and the understated yet precise delivery of bassist Gavin Muller added an element of excitement to the songs that just couldn't be denied. Unfortunately for me, I was only able to see the Bottles once on their recent visit to North America, but I can tell you this: I enjoyed every note played, every syllable sung, every onstage movement made, and every bad joke and corny one-liner spoken (this band has an exceptional sense of humor, something I personally hold in very high regard). I am hoping against hope that my schedule allows me a little more flexibility the next time they cross the pond, because I absolutely will be there to see them again. And I know that once again it will have been worth the wait. | ||||
| --Helen (British Columbia) | ||||
| Just got my CD in
the mail today :-) Sounds great...on my second time listening
now!
I love "This is love, this is real" and "Seen the way you look at me" Having a GREAT afternoon enjoying the music...GREAT job Duncan...and the rest of the BlueBottles too! It's a picture disc too!! All I can say is...if you haven't ordered it...get yours NOW!!! | ||||
| --Cat (Seattle, WA) | ||||
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| --Brent (Belleville, Illinois) | ||||
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