mermaid

a rough mix from a recent studio session by lucy jane. i'm playing the bass. look out for the sniffing at the end.

this was recorded completely live and was the first time we'd played the song, and though it's another version that'll finish up on the album, i like the sligjtly tentative nature of it (i hadn't really nailed the changes).

lucy jane davies - piano, singing and writing
me - double bass
paul may - drums

feedback welcome of course!

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posted by peterkins (6 comments total)

I don't think I should listen to this at 8:30 am again, because it really makes me want a cocktail and it is far too early. I think it would be tighter at closer to 4 minutes (but I'm not sure that matters if you're not releasing this version.)

The lyrics kept making me think of that kid who was crying because his dad told him he couldn't be a single girl-- I wanted to say "you can be a mermaid if you want to! It's OK!"
posted by InfidelZombie at 8:45 AM on April 18, 2010

Absolutely love this - one of the best things I've heard on here. I ended up with a big smile and just thinking "yeeeesssssssssss". Gorgeous. Love your bass too - I'm a total sucker for that sound. One little word of advice for Lucy - be careful not to stray too far into Lily Allen-esque esturine pronunciation. One or two phrases seemed to do that. Unnecessary. She's great without that. And the piano solo goes on a bit too long - although it's cool, it does tend to just be noodling without clear melodic direction or resolution. I recognise, of course, this was just a run-through.

Oh and if you ever want any guitar on anything (acoustic or electric) give me a shout - I'd be well up for it. And I'm cheap. In fact I'd do it for nowt.
posted by MajorDundee at 9:41 AM on April 18, 2010

thanks both - glad you liked it. yes, agree it goes on a bit - the finished version will also sport a trumpet solo (completing the cocktail vibe)...i must admit i'd never noticed allen-esque rendencies in lucy's performance but i should say in her defence that it was the guide vocal...anyway she's from rochdale so i think the estuary's hopefully a way off!

thanks for the offer, major - i 'll be in touch about hopefully contributing to some of your stuff. and i'm operating on the same payscale too.
posted by peterkins at 4:39 PM on April 18, 2010

Really nice, Peterkins, Lucy and Paul.
posted by Zenabi at 12:30 PM on April 19, 2010

A sleek but sincere sound. You have put us all to shame with this beautiful track. Can't wait for the trumpet solo. This ought to be on the radio.
posted by abc123xyzinfinity at 8:54 PM on April 21, 2010

i'd listen to her sing the phone book. beautiful.
posted by nadawi at 6:55 PM on April 30, 2010 [1 favorite]