| Maximo Park Diary Entries |
| These are diary entries by Maximo Park members from the Official Maximo Park Website. |
The Way Anne Briggs Sings |
 |
| 12 Aug, 2006 |
I am sat indoors listening to the shifting tones of
the singer Anne Briggs. I can’t tell you how moving it is because that
would be embarrassing.
It’s traditional English folk music, about people and times that have
fallen by the wayside, and, yet, I’ve never heard anything to rival the
life within this woman’s voice. She could be here, alongside me, such
is the crisp recording of her single voice.
Recently, I’ve been pondering the use of the word ‘love’ in songs,
because I keep writing songs that deal with this elusive subject. It’s
hard to develop a fresh perspective when there are so many love songs,
but I find it impossible to ignore, and when I hear a singer like Anne
Briggs performing, say, 'Go Your Way', so many feelings come alive.
Just her Nottinghamshire accent when she pronounces the word ‘love’
makes me believe her every word. This potent magnetism even extends to
songs about three young poachers in Thorneymoor Woods, a topic that
initially seemed distant to me, but which I now feel an affinity for.
Every shudder and wobble of her voice is an insight and a gift to the
listener. I feel as if she is immersed in the pure act of singing, and
it provides her with a power that slightly terrifies her as much as it
thrills her...
Making a new record involves a lot of repeated performances of the
songs, so that you can become better at playing them, but when the time
comes to record a vocal, I’ll be thinking of the way I feel right now,
under some sort of spell.
Paul And The Park
|
|
| Partners |
|
|
|
