Foy Vance: "STOP!"...

"STOP!"...

Friday, 08 August 2008

...that was the first word I said to Steve Jones a few weeks ago when I called him having just heard 'Stars and Satellites', the closing song on his new album.

Every song he'd sent me up to then either broke my heart or annoyed me that I didn't write it before him.

I don't know why these songs make me ache, but they do (in a good way). It's of course testament to his soul and songwriting ability, but I think there's something else. This record didn't go the way anyone thought it would, including Steve as far as I can tell... Steve asked Jules Maxwell to help produce it, and anything involving Jules always sends a project to uncharted territories...sometimes you get irrevocable (but always wonderfully) lost and other times you find flowers on Mars.

Jules helped Steve find flowers on Mars!

You're probably wondering why I'm talking about this so much... I'm sure you don't come here for my album reviews, but this album has done a lot to inspire me over the last couple of months and it's now available to you (for free if you choose!) ... and I wanted to share that with you.

Me and Ella are heading to his place tonight to open a bottle of Champagne in celebration... but first we're making pasta. We've never made it before so it'll probably come out tasting like playdoe but you've got to start somewhere right!?

Here's a link to Sayonara Deadweight

Comments

Steven

Lovely guitar in stars and satelites!!! Reminds me a bit of coldplay when it gets going.. S

Rory

I think it's great that he's releasing music for free, and the quality is amazing but does this not lose Steve some serious bucks? The man should charge for music this inspiring. Just my opinion

Steve Jones

First up - thanks to Foy, not only for such a blush-worthy post, but for the funky-ass BVs he did on Time Once a Friend!! @Rory - its hard to explain the reasons behind why I decided to release this album for free... but already today people have been clicking the "donate" button and paying for it by choice, which is actually ten times better than getting a "sale" because you know they have actively chosen to pay for it, reflecting something of their spirit. I just think the days where artists produce work and people pay for it and that's just how it goes are dying. I'm not saying that creative work doesn't have a commercial value... but for me, getting people listening to this music is more important than anything. I just want to celebrate the friendship and joy that led to it being created in the first place, and if money is supposed to come as a result, it will find a way.

Rory

Steve - thanks for the reply, it was a geunine pleasure donating (a small amount admittedly) to what is a truly phenomenal piece of work. As much as I hate to say it, 'grower' is the word here - it grows better the more I listen to it. And 'Summerlight' could be up there as one of the best opening tracks I've ever heard (that list includes Foy's 'Be With Me' too). To all who are on this site - buy Steve's album and keep the music alive. Now for Foy's new stuff....

mark

look out for an upcoming triple album by that new group, Cafe Vony, indeed.....

Gaz

I heard about them... aren't they touring with Fancy Evo and Evan F Coy??

Mark

Oh man...I love Fancy Evo....they're one of my all time favs, be great to see them live!!

Paul

Hi Steve, havent listened to the tracks yet. I downloaded the mp3 versions and they were all m4a tracks so you might want to look at the files you have in your ziup files unless I am doing something wrong. Just downloading the AAC versions now. One other thing, I'll donate if I like them which I am sure to if you are a friend of Foy, but I would definitely pay more for 16 bit 44.1KHz wav files.

anon

Paul, Im sure your a real hoot to head out for a pint with......

Mark

Man, with jokes like that, it's such a shame you choose not to reveal your identity (hmmm)

Trey

this is really beautiful material--i think foy's words are true--there's an ache to it--I kept struggling with a word to put with it--it's not a dull ache--maybe a bit wistful, but that seemed redundant...it's a bit awkward, but i really feel as though it's a hopeful ache--like a longing for what could/should be...really beautiful. steve, if your reading this I pledge a donation by friday! (that's payday here in the states!) keep making really beautiful art, all of you!

Steve Jones

(Foy, sorry for using this post like a forum - love ya wee man xx) @Paul... I realised the mistake with the mp3s, and that has now been corrected. I'm happy to upload 44.1KHz files (WAV or AIFF) or just send you a CD - we can work something out ... you can email me steve@sayonaradeadweight.com.... @Trey - thanks a lot... glad you got them working in the end! ALL POWER TO THE VANCE xSJ

Paul

Hi Anon, I'm great for a pint, especially if you are into creating or recording music...it may bore you, but some people have to know about the technology of this stuff to enable you and me, the listeners, to enjoy the finished result. I'm sure the guy who invented mp3's is a good laugh too!

Jamie

Paul, I have to agree with ANON.. Chill out man and enjoy it! and mark, your hardly Billy Connelly!

Mark

Jamie, I'm certainly Billy Connelly but at least if I comment on something at least I say who I am rather than do it to their face rather n a snidey way. I don't know Paul from Adam but t appears all he was doing was trying to be helpful, not least to Steve Jones and, judging by what Steve replied, helpful he was! Geez! On a more positive note, I don't know about Flowers On Mars but, for lovers of atmospheric music, might want to check out Flowers Of Hell www.myspace.com/flowersofhell

mark.ede@gmail.com

The post above makes no sense, not least because I tried to write it without my glasses on!! What I meant to say was, of course, I'm NO Billy Connelly and if one is going to critique something (and this is the purpose of having a comment facility?) then the rules (in my world, if not Foy's or Rod the Mod's) is maybe is have the courage of one's convictions to identify yourself (anyone can make a snide comment as Anon) and look the person in the eye as it were! I've still not got my glasses on but hopefully, I've got the main drift across..... The other part of me says save your fingers and never engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man but.... there you go......

Nancy Flores

Is Flowers on Mars a song or a album. I'd love to hear it. That is a name of our company.

dave

steve amazing wow!

mark

That Foy cover I talked about is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzQtDEdNH-A

doc johnson

This is a lovely record which i just downloaded after reading Foy's post. I heard Foy's voice poking out in one of the tracks for a tiny moment tantalising us. More of that would've been good! But anyway, I can't believe hes giving this album away... go get it! The Doc

Foy

...phew...it's turning into a right wee chat room in here what! I'm just back from Ireland doing a gig at the Bushmills distillery... I've done a few gigs for them now and every time the furnish me with fresh Whiskey: can't be wrong to that! speak shortly cubs...don't stay out let and always ride the nightbus with a friend....or a pleasant stranger at the very least...f

steven

AGGHHHH.... lol. Playing back home and you didnt let us know. Would have loved a wee black bush and some great music. I take it it was a private function thingy...?

Rory

Foy - no updates? What's shaking fella? Any new toons yet? And how does one go about getting signed by wurdamouth records?

muze

totally loving stars and satellites, absolutely brilliant track !

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