Civilized Man and Coventry

[caliente_uk]

If I were to review Civilized Man what would I say about it? As a fan of James' would I be able to give an unbiased opinion? I think so. But I'm not going to even try. The thing is, I genuinely do like the album. So anyone reading the review would just say "Oh, she's only saying that because she's a fan of James!" So not true. If I didn't like it, I wouldn't listen to it. Simple as that. There have been many singers and bands that I've loved seeing live, but could I listen to their CD over and over again? No, I couldn't.

You know what else annoys me? People who criticise even though they've never even listened to the album, or seen James sing live. I have no problem with people who don't like James' voice. I have the greatest respect for people who go to a concert and think it sucked. They're entitled to their opinion, just like I'm entitled to mine. But what I don't like is people who offer opinions when they've never even heard him sing. Or they didn't like GotR, so obviously Civilized Man must suck, even though they've never heard it.

We all like different things. What I think of as good, other people might not. I'm getting a lot of enjoyment out of listening to Civilized Man and that's good enough for me.

James sounded wonderful at Coventry. I've heard varying reports on his performance at Islington. I can see how such a big venue might not work as well as Coventry did. To me, St Mary's Guildhall was the perfect place to showcase his voice. I had an amazing time at Coventry and I told him so. I make no apologies for that. :)

Comments

[calove.livejournal.com]

I wish I'd been at Coventry. Islington was just not the right venue for him :(

Re the CD - on my copy, the backing music is so dominant, you can barely hear James. Makes it kind of hard to judge. Is that just mine, then?

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

I've uploaded mine onto my ipod and it sounds great. :)

Islington would have been a nightmare for me. I hate being in places that are too crowded, especially when I'm on my own. Coventry was perfect. ;)

[calove.livejournal.com]

I'll try the ipod trick, then. It would be nice to hear him.

[bogwitch.livejournal.com]

Here's a tip, never ever go to anything at the London Astoria. It's a horrible venue for crush, and very, very hot.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll make sure I remember that. :)

[elsaf]

Could you only be getting one channel of the sound? Mine doesn't sound anything like that. I love it.

[calove.livejournal.com]

Maybe I should have a play with the balance and the like. The final track where it's just James and his guitar sounds fine, though. But if yours is OK, it sounds like my system is off somewhere. Thanks!

[elsaf]

I'm with you. I love the album.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

I haven't stopped listening to it since I bought it. :)

[jerusha]

I've never had a chance to hear James in concert, but I'll bet it'd be a lot of fun. I like Civilized Man even if one of the songs makes me laugh hysterically. I do agree though. I don't have a problem with people expressing an opinion about stuff like that as long as they frame it as their opinion and they have actually tried it.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Which song? It wouldn't be "For What I Need" by any chance, would it? :D

[jerusha]

You guessed it. :)

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

Hi, forgive me to jump into your journal like this! I enjoyed reading your report on Coventry , and I liked what you just said in here. I don't understand people criticizing when they even didn't listen to him.
I just wrote my review on the two concerts in London , and I had a blast..

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Hi, forgive me to jump into your journal like this!

It's good to see you here. Welcome! :)

It seems to me that there is quite a negative attitude towards James at the moment. Which is fine if you've actually listened to him, but if you haven't...

I had a wonderful time at Coventry. The added bonus of meeting James made what was already an amazing night even more special. :D I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the London gigs. The one in St James Church sounds like it was wonderful! :)

[marsterslady.livejournal.com]

I love James, and I support him. His new CD isn't my favorite, but I do love his voice. I'm so glad you got to go to Coventry. :)

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Alley. *hugs*

The new CD is my favourite of anything James has done. I just see it as a bit of fun. He's just a guy, after all. People take things too seriously - including me - at times. :) I was feeling down about all the JM bashing when I wrote this post. I think my head was still up in the clouds after the Coventry concert. ;)

[spikereader.livejournal.com]

I'm loving listening to my copy of the CD - it's on constant repeat on the stereo and in the car at the moment. The songs are catchy, they suit James' voice, and I much prefer it to the GoTR CD.

And I'm right with you on opinionated people - if you haven't heard it, don't knock it. Glad you had a good time at the Coventry concert - wish I'd made more of an effort to try and attend. Maybe next time. :)

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

I love my CD. I liked GotR, but as you say, the new songs suit James' voice much better. :}

I think I chose the perfect venue for my first JM experience. I certainly wasn't expecting to get so up close and personal! ;)