Easy Come, Easy Go is the 22nd album from Marianne Faithfull and was recorded in December 2007 in NYC at the famous Sear Sound recording studio. Easy Come, Easy Go is the third album of Marianne s to be produced by Hal Wil... more »lner (the others being Strange Weather and Blazing away). Marianne and Hal have been close friends since they've met, back in 1982, and have worked together on many many different projects over the years, (most recently on three songs from Marianne s acclaimed last album "Before the Poison") but Easy Come, Easy Go is their first complete studio album since Strange Weather, more than 20 years ago. Like that earlier album, Easy Come Easy Go is a collection of songs written by others and interpreted by Marianne. When Strange Weather was released in 1987, it was quickly hailed as one of Marianne s finest recordings, so this time around the challenge was really high: Marianne and Hal had to make an album that was at least as good. Both artists have risen to the challenge beautifully: they achieve a timeless recording, a masterpiece. All the songs have been chosen by Marianne and Hal, and range from Billie Holiday s "Solitude" to The Crane Wife"
by current band The Decemberists. Other tracks are "Sing Me Back Home" by Merle Haggard, "Children of Stone" by Espers, the title track " Easy Come, Easy Go Blues" by Bessie Smith, Morrissey s "Dear God Please Help Me", Dolly Parton s "Down from Dover " and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club s "Salvation". Easy Come, Easy Go also includes some interesting guest vocalists; Keith Richards appears on the aforementioned "Sing Me Back Home" Antony Hegarty on "Ooh Baby Baby" and Jarvis Cocker on Sondheim s "Somewhere". Other guest appearances on the album come from Rufus Wainwright who contributes vocals to the powerful "Children of stone ' while his aunt and mother Kate and Anna McGarrigle enchant on the "The Flandycke shore". Warren Ellis plays his magic violin on 3 songs, and Nick Cave lends some vocals to "The Crane Wife". Sean Lennon and Teddy Thompson play guitar on a couple of the tracks, and Cat Power harmonizes on "Hold On, Hold On". The album was recorded live ithe oldest recording studio in Manhattan the famous Sear Sound. The arrangements are by Cohen Bernstein and Weinberg Goldstein and were done specifically for Marianne. The String and Horn sections were led by L. Picket, and the band includes Marc Ribot, Greg Cohen, Rob Burger, Barry Reynolds and Jim White. Very few takes were needed in fact some of the songs were done in a single take (London sound engineers in the 60s use to call her Marianne one take Faithfull ). Infact there are very few overdubs on this recording.« less
Easy Come, Easy Go is the 22nd album from Marianne Faithfull and was recorded in December 2007 in NYC at the famous Sear Sound recording studio. Easy Come, Easy Go is the third album of Marianne s to be produced by Hal Willner (the others being Strange Weather and Blazing away). Marianne and Hal have been close friends since they've met, back in 1982, and have worked together on many many different projects over the years, (most recently on three songs from Marianne s acclaimed last album "Before the Poison") but Easy Come, Easy Go is their first complete studio album since Strange Weather, more than 20 years ago. Like that earlier album, Easy Come Easy Go is a collection of songs written by others and interpreted by Marianne. When Strange Weather was released in 1987, it was quickly hailed as one of Marianne s finest recordings, so this time around the challenge was really high: Marianne and Hal had to make an album that was at least as good. Both artists have risen to the challenge beautifully: they achieve a timeless recording, a masterpiece. All the songs have been chosen by Marianne and Hal, and range from Billie Holiday s "Solitude" to The Crane Wife"
by current band The Decemberists. Other tracks are "Sing Me Back Home" by Merle Haggard, "Children of Stone" by Espers, the title track " Easy Come, Easy Go Blues" by Bessie Smith, Morrissey s "Dear God Please Help Me", Dolly Parton s "Down from Dover " and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club s "Salvation". Easy Come, Easy Go also includes some interesting guest vocalists; Keith Richards appears on the aforementioned "Sing Me Back Home" Antony Hegarty on "Ooh Baby Baby" and Jarvis Cocker on Sondheim s "Somewhere". Other guest appearances on the album come from Rufus Wainwright who contributes vocals to the powerful "Children of stone ' while his aunt and mother Kate and Anna McGarrigle enchant on the "The Flandycke shore". Warren Ellis plays his magic violin on 3 songs, and Nick Cave lends some vocals to "The Crane Wife". Sean Lennon and Teddy Thompson play guitar on a couple of the tracks, and Cat Power harmonizes on "Hold On, Hold On". The album was recorded live ithe oldest recording studio in Manhattan the famous Sear Sound. The arrangements are by Cohen Bernstein and Weinberg Goldstein and were done specifically for Marianne. The String and Horn sections were led by L. Picket, and the band includes Marc Ribot, Greg Cohen, Rob Burger, Barry Reynolds and Jim White. Very few takes were needed in fact some of the songs were done in a single take (London sound engineers in the 60s use to call her Marianne one take Faithfull ). Infact there are very few overdubs on this recording.
"Marianne Faithfull's new CD "Easy Come Easy Go" is a winning combination of her two most-praised albums. It offers some rock that could belong on her 1979 classic "Broken English" (though it's less synthy and more organic) - but more often sounds like her slower, low-key 1987 release "Strange Weather".
"Strange Weather" was produced by Hal Willner, and he does the same here. He plays the same role as Rick Rubin did with later-period Johnny Cash. Willner pitches hundreds of songs to her, then together they narrow it down. He hires master musicians and arrangers and does all the prep work up front, then they enter the studio and knock it out (this was recorded in 10 days). Willner gets the best out of Marianne, and I'd say this is her best album ever. Yep, it's a masterpiece. They chose great songs, and she nails every track.
The record features numerous guest stars, but they are all very much in a background capacity. If you're considering buying this because you're a fan of, say, Keith Richards or Nick Cave - be advised that they are functioning strictly as supporting players, and are very subtle and subdued. Same goes for the other guest vocalists. All are careful not to overshadow Marianne.
The only guest that's spotlighted front and center is Antony Hegarty of the band Antony and The Johnsons. My first reaction to their duet on Smokey Robinson's "Ooh Baby Baby" was "What have they done"? By the third listen it became my favorite track. They radically re-invent the song, and Hegarty sings more of it than Faithfull. He's quite in demand these days - check out his "Candy Says" on Lou Reed's "live" DVD "Berlin".
"Easy Come Easy Go" has been issued worldwide on different labels in different configurations. Some versions feature an additional six tracks. Personally, I think Decca made a mistake by not releasing this in the U.S. as a 2-disc set. My import copy on the Naive label is 2 discs, with a roughly 30 minute bonus DVD that shows some of the recording process. This American release is one disc, and contains only 12 of the 18 tracks. The 6 missing tracks are "Salvation", "Black Coffee", "Kimbie", "Many A Mile", "Somewhere", and "Flandyke Shore".
Look for the subtitle on the CD cover. My import says "18 Songs For Music Lovers". This American version is subtitled "12 Songs For Music Lovers", and at least one import says "10 Songs For Music Lovers" (and is additionally missing "The Phoenix" and "Dear God Please Help Me"). It's a mess, and should've been uniformly released around the world. The extra tracks are excellent and well worth having.
To further confuse matters, there's an import that's just the 2 discs of 18 songs, and another import that's 2 discs and comes with the bonus DVD. The DVD isn't that good (by the way, it plays just fine on my standard-issue DVD player). It's all close-ups of Marianne's face as she briefly talks about how half a dozen of the songs came together. Then more close-ups as she sings a verse or two of the song being discussed. There's no footage of her famous guests. Mostly you're looking at a series of still photographs of the sessions without knowing who or what you're seeing, while she and Willner describe songs and techniques in voiceover.
My feeling is this: if you want to save some money and still hear a great record - then buy this Decca release. If you're feeling flush, or are a dedicated fan - you'll want to seek out a 2-disc copy.
From lilting-voiced Swinging London "it girl" in the 60's, to whiskey-voiced diva from the late 70's up till today - Marianne Faithfull has become an international treasure. She comports herself like a Queen, and her many fans (and fellow singers) are happy to be her "subjects". As Willner says: "She's our Dietrich - our Piaf". I couldn't agree more."
Ten vintage gems for music lovers.
Hal Charles | 01/17/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Marianne Faithfull has been a recording artist for four decades, since being discovered by Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
"Easy come easy go is her 22nd album, a collection of covers and songs written by others.
If you know M.F.' s work you are in for a treat not because you are about to hear another "Broken English", "Strange Weather" or "Before The Poison" (her three most acclaimed albums) but because you are about to be set on a sonic adventure that still carries Marianne's brand.
There are hooks, there are twists and they are grounded by her voice which is like a haunting, raspy wail that sustains the record.
The production is simple, unadorned, perfect for the songs. The arrangements are sparse, but extremely subtle and well conceived. Hardly ever do you hear an album where you feel like every note and drum beat has been placed exactly where it needs to go, with nothing extra and nothing left out.
All the songs have been chosen by Marianne and her long time friend and producer Hal Willner, according to her sensibilities and affinities, both musically and emotionally, and range from Billie Holiday's "Solitude" to "The Crane Wife 3" by current band The Decemberists.
Other tracks are "Sing Me Back Home" by Merle Haggard, "Children of Stone" by Espers, the title track "Easy Come, Easy Go Blues" by Bessie Smith, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles "Ooh Baby Baby" and Dolly Parton's "Down from Dover".
They all hint at an evolution of an artist who is looking outside the comfort zone and pushes beyond the boundaries.
As usual, Marianne's interpretations are darkly poetic, her singing just cutting to the marrow of the stories she tells. The theme running through most of these songs is loneliness and isolation, and folk instrumentation gives the songs a jazzy/folksy feel.
She is supported by a bunch of superb guest stars: Keith Richards appears on the aforementioned "Sing Me Back Home" and Antony Hegarty on "Ooh Baby Baby". Another guest appearance on the album comes from Rufus Wainwright who contributes vocals to the powerful "Children of Stone".
There's plenty of great guitar playng by free jazz virtuoso Marc Ribot, Warren Ellis plays his magic violin on three songs, and Nick Cave lends some vocals to "The Crane Wife 3". Sean Lennon and Teddy Thompson play guitar on a couple of the tracks, and Chan Marshall of Cat Power harmonizes on "Hold On, Hold On".
Those who seek a more pop-y, light-hearted, immediately consumable affair should pass on this album, for that is not its aim. However those who enjoy a little puzzle, a little intimacy, a little allegory and critical listen will find that this album reveals itself beautifully.
It hints at the joy of evolution and, like Marianne herself suggests, it's not a somber, gloomy record, but a record that revels in the dark. And invites you to enjoy the dark with it.
For those who are willing to work with the album and give it a critical listening, the album offers rewards especially on songs like "Solitude", "In Germany, Before the War", " Easy Come, Easy Go", "Oh Oh Baby" and "Sing Me Back Home"
It's clear, especially on repeated listenings, that this is a great album: original,emotional and full of gravity,
It is one of the most sensitive and spontaneous-sounding of Faithfull's recordings, with a disciplined but freewheeling sense of adventurous interaction that is sometimes missing on her more carefully structured earlier projects.
Warmly recommended.
Broken English
Strange Weather
20th Century Blues
Before the Poison
Release the Stars
Jukebox
A Piece of What You Need
The Crying Light"
May be her best
Gaylen Halbert | Weimar, California United States | 04/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The March 17 review by Mike B. says it better than I can. This is a great album! I am enjoying "12 Songs For Music Lovers" so much that I am seriously considering purchasing the expensive 18 track import. The cover of the Smokey Robinson song with Antony is absolutely sublime and the last track with the barely audible Keith Richards is a wonderful closer. Today this CD is $12 on Amazon. Get it."
Faithfull Fulfilled
J. E. Barnes | Bayridge, Brooklyn, New York | 07/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For almost three decades, it has seemed safe to assume that Marianne Faithfull has, consciously or otherwise, been attempting to recreate the artistic and critical success she acheived with 1979's precedent-setting Broken English.
The less abrasive Dangerous Acquaintances (1981) almost succeeded artistically, and the Hal Wilner-produced collection of standards, Strange Weather, was wildly hailed by critics everywhere upon its release in 1987.
Since then, Faithfull, who began her career as a pop star in the 1960s, has often floundered creatively in her capacity as a recording artist.
Projects have been announced and then mysteriously scuttled (Sex At The Top and Blazing Away, which was originally planned as an album of newly-composed material); releases such as A Secret Life (1995) and Kiss'in Time (2002), like the earlier A Child's Adventure (1983), have been largely tepid and insubstantial; and her audience has been buried under a turgid barrage of unfocused, exploitive compilations which have endlessly recycled material from various stages of her remarkable career.
Faithfull has spoken publicly about her unhappiness with her recording history, and especially with what she sees as critical neglect.
One truth, rarely acknowledged anywhere, is that Faithfull's first period of fame in the 1960s bore some of her greatest contributions to Western culture. Today, and ever since their release, beautifully produced songs like 'Sally Free & Easy,' 'With You In Mind,' 'Young Girl Blues,' 'Sunny Goodge Street,' 'The Sha La La Song,' 'In The Night Time,' and 'Tomorrow's Calling' hold up amazingly well, completely and almost magically transporting the listener to a lost era.
However, Easy Come, Easy Go, a daring collection of covers once again produced by Hal Wilner, should bring Faithfull the kind of critical and artistic recognition she deserves---and on a grand scale. It is certainly the strongest and deftest album Faithfull has recorded since 1979.
Besides the immaculate instrumentation throughout, the most remarkable thing about the project is that Faithfull's rendition of many of the songs is superior to the originals.
Neko Case's abrasive 'Hold On, Hold On' is so blistering a cut that it might have been an outtake from Broken English. Espers's extended melancholy ode to addiction, 'Children of Stone,' is painted in somber goth tones, while the Decemberists's folkloric 'The Crane Wife 3' is a poignant elegy to a complex and conflicted relationship.
Duke Ellington's wistful 'Solitude' includes some of the album's nimblest phrasing, while Morrissey's 'Dear God Please Help Me,' one of the most powerful songs ever composed on the theme of sexual repression and release, is one of the crowning achievements of Faithfull's career.
Elsewhere, on Randy Newman's 'On Germany Before the War,' Faithfull revists the arch, twilit landscape of 'The Soldier's Wife' and 'The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' while Dolly Parton's 'Down From Dover' and Merle Haggard's 'Sing Me Back Home' allow Faithfull, who attempted American roots music in the 1970s, another opportunity to prove herself a viable country singer.
Perhaps the most important aspect of Easy Come, Easy Go is that, though addressing themes of addiction, isolation, murder, the ending of pivotal relationships and even infant mortality, Faithfull never adopts the persona of the willful, self-destructive personality who, almost simultaneously, then begins to self-identify as a victim, as she often has since A Child's Adventure.
Easy Come, Easy Go skillfully presents listeners with a more mature, poised, disciplined, and wiser Faithfull than has yet been seen.
Paradoxically, those songs with a strong emotional content--'Hold On, Hold On,' 'Children of Stone,' 'The Crane Wife 3,' and 'Dear God Please Help Me'--are the most genuinely moving compostions Faithfull has ever recorded.
The packaging includes lovely photography of Faithful by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, who also created the striking cover for 2005's 'Before the Poison.' Though the cover art may seem incidental, it is important in this case, as for 15 years, Faithfull has released album after album containing images of herself which are either purposefully blurred, or ostensibly designed, for some unfathomable reason, to make her appear as unattractive as possible.
Featuring longtime collaborator Barry Renolds in addition to Marc Ribot, the project is also informed by the talents of Cat Power, Nick Cave, Keith Richards, Rufus Wainwright, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle.
While not all the song choices and arrangements may be equally palitable to all tastes, the least that can be said about Easy Come, Easy Go is that it will be the world's loss if Faithfull, Wilner, and friends don't schedule time in the studio together again shortly.
This project should be the beginning, not the end, of a powerful and influential new period in Faithfull's career.
"
Not impressed
Greg Kinne | midwest | 07/09/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Marianne Faithfull returns with her 22nd release, `Easy Come, Easy Go' produced by collaborator Hal Willner and featuring a who's who of guest appearances from friends Nick Cave, Chan Marshall, Anthony Hegarty, Sean Lennon, Keith Richards, Teddy Thompson and Rufus Wainwright. The iconic singer performs 12 songs from various artists and gives them the Faithfull makeover.
The song selection and performance ranges from the sublime, "Solitude" by Duke Ellington to the spooked reading of "Hold On Hold On" written by Neko Case. Nick Cave lends his vocals to duet with Faithfull on The Decemberists "The Crane Wife #3." Marianne Faithfull is not always an easy listen, as her vocals might be hard to take for some. Consider her an acquired taste, similar to one of her collaborators, Antony Hegarty who performs with her on Smokey Robinson's "Ooh Baby Baby." `Easy Come, Easy Go' veers from cabaret to nightclub styles of arrangements with ease and class as most of these songs were recorded in one take. That's almost unheard of in today's music scene. `Easy Come, Easy Go' offers listeners another side of Faithfull allowing them to get a musical roadmap of where she's been and where she's going."