| What is a tribute album? |
Back in July the decision was made to write and record yet another Sproutless album in the style of the first two, and although that in its self is "sort of" paying tribute to Prefab Sprout (actually an homage) - it's not quite necessary to pursue this idea further -when in fact it has already been done twice before, and successfully so. Even though, I personally would be delighted to do another original album but, it doesn't quite feel exactly relative now.
No, it made more sense to do something a bit more "traditional" - as far as tributes go, especially if this were to be the last and final Sproutless effort.
A really cool sound emerged from the Sproutless collective, a personality of it's own ...while chasing another. And what better way to explore that sound further than to apply it to a true blue tribute for one of the greatest pop albums ever created. Prefab Sprout's Jordan:The Comeback (released nearly 25 years ago) is an album that will be admired, played and discussed a 100 years from now. And I suspect as the years roll on (as well as the generations), this collection of songs will be considered every bit as good as George Gershwin or Irving Berlin's best work. And of course George, Ira and Irving have had a million tribute albums laid at their feet.
I've heard a few cover versions of various sprout songs over the years, but it was Swedish Band Leader, "Joakim Milder" who really perked my ears with his thoughtful and beautiful jazz interpretations of Paddy's work ("Quoted Out of Context"). Joakim's tribute album truly paved the way for the next Sproutless effort.
I loved the possibilities that were now presented. And I wondered how to best merge them all for a unique listening experience, I mean, how would we go about this? It could be argued that we are a "sound-alike band" and there is little point (if any) to try and sound like Prefab Sprout while paying tribute to their music; kinda silly. But, if 19 different artists were to take a song and run with it any way they wish and then send it back over to Andrea and I for vocals .....well, that might be kinda fun. I doubt that Andrea and I desperately need to try and sound like Wendy and Paddy -as I think the male/female collaboration is probably plenty to do the trick and connect the songs in a uniform way that might also connect the listener to that vague sprouty sound. Although it will be nearly impossible not to embellish when possible. Anyway, I like that idea, I like it allot. However, I think this album will be a bit of two worlds -in that the songs will be more so abstract from the originals, what with a mix of organic, electronic, acoustic, jazzy and God knows what else, then factor in the Sproutless sound plus Andrea and I ....
It should be interesting to say the least.
And I suspect in some ways it could end up sounding like an alternative version of Jordan, one which flew in from a parallel universe. I can't wait to see what everyone (artists) will dream up, but I know one thing for sure ..... I'm going to enjoy it thoroughly.
There will only be a few hundred CD's printed up, and really just enough to cover the CD related costs and of course the mechanical royalties to use Paddy's songs, which will go directly to Paddy's publishing company, and I feel pretty great about that!
This album will not be available for digital download, streaming, iTunes, Bandcamp ...etc. "CD ONLY".
If you have any interest in hearing this album, you may want to keep your eyes peeled for the pre-order link that will be made available soon.
Oh, and keep watch for the list of artists involved and which song they will be working with! I'll post that in a day or two.
Thanks for reading my long winded... ramble on and on blog post.......
Scott
No, it made more sense to do something a bit more "traditional" - as far as tributes go, especially if this were to be the last and final Sproutless effort.
A really cool sound emerged from the Sproutless collective, a personality of it's own ...while chasing another. And what better way to explore that sound further than to apply it to a true blue tribute for one of the greatest pop albums ever created. Prefab Sprout's Jordan:The Comeback (released nearly 25 years ago) is an album that will be admired, played and discussed a 100 years from now. And I suspect as the years roll on (as well as the generations), this collection of songs will be considered every bit as good as George Gershwin or Irving Berlin's best work. And of course George, Ira and Irving have had a million tribute albums laid at their feet.
I've heard a few cover versions of various sprout songs over the years, but it was Swedish Band Leader, "Joakim Milder" who really perked my ears with his thoughtful and beautiful jazz interpretations of Paddy's work ("Quoted Out of Context"). Joakim's tribute album truly paved the way for the next Sproutless effort.
I loved the possibilities that were now presented. And I wondered how to best merge them all for a unique listening experience, I mean, how would we go about this? It could be argued that we are a "sound-alike band" and there is little point (if any) to try and sound like Prefab Sprout while paying tribute to their music; kinda silly. But, if 19 different artists were to take a song and run with it any way they wish and then send it back over to Andrea and I for vocals .....well, that might be kinda fun. I doubt that Andrea and I desperately need to try and sound like Wendy and Paddy -as I think the male/female collaboration is probably plenty to do the trick and connect the songs in a uniform way that might also connect the listener to that vague sprouty sound. Although it will be nearly impossible not to embellish when possible. Anyway, I like that idea, I like it allot. However, I think this album will be a bit of two worlds -in that the songs will be more so abstract from the originals, what with a mix of organic, electronic, acoustic, jazzy and God knows what else, then factor in the Sproutless sound plus Andrea and I ....
It should be interesting to say the least.
And I suspect in some ways it could end up sounding like an alternative version of Jordan, one which flew in from a parallel universe. I can't wait to see what everyone (artists) will dream up, but I know one thing for sure ..... I'm going to enjoy it thoroughly.
There will only be a few hundred CD's printed up, and really just enough to cover the CD related costs and of course the mechanical royalties to use Paddy's songs, which will go directly to Paddy's publishing company, and I feel pretty great about that!
This album will not be available for digital download, streaming, iTunes, Bandcamp ...etc. "CD ONLY".
If you have any interest in hearing this album, you may want to keep your eyes peeled for the pre-order link that will be made available soon.
Oh, and keep watch for the list of artists involved and which song they will be working with! I'll post that in a day or two.
Thanks for reading my long winded... ramble on and on blog post.......
Scott
RSS Feed