45 45s AT 45 : NUMBER 12
Another entry where few words are really needed.
I’ve loads of Tracey Thorn records, dating back to her time with The Marine Girls, as a solo artist and of course with Everything But The Girl.
But she has never sounded better than on this:-
mp3 : Massive Attack – Protection (LP version)
No point in me repeating what I’ve said previously about dance acts/dance music and how I’m not well-enough qualified to comment with much conviction.
But somehow I’ve never really regarded Massive Attack as a dance-band – particularly when thinking about their best singles. If the one song per artist rule in this chart didn’t exist, then Teardrop would be in here. Both songs are equally gorgeous, haunting, unique and unforgettable. But in my mind, Tracey shades it over Elizabeth Fraser.
Why?
I think its because Protection is one of the best lyrics ever recorded by a female artist - its full of conviction, passion, love and strength without ever falling into the trap of being soppy or maudlin.
There was also a brilliant and imaginative video made for Protection. It’s right here, just where you would expect it to be.
5 comments:
Interesting choice. Would probably have gone for Unfinished Sympathy or Hymn of the Big Wheel over Protection.
Firstly, a little nudge in the direction of this for anybody interested in hearing what Tracey Thorn used to sound like way way back:
http://fruitierthanthou.blogspot.com/2008/04/marine-girls-lyceum-london-31st-march.html
I hate Teardrop with a passion. For a while it was used absolutely everywhere as the soundtrack to tragic scenes on tv. Overkill....
But Protection on the other hand is an absolutely gorgeous song and one of Tracey's best vocals ever.
Everything But The Girl's electronic albums are great. I prefer the sound of Tracey's voice over electronics, it just works for me. Massive Attack put just the right amount of backing on this; and the main riff is simple and wonderful all at the same time.
I think you get the picture; I love this one....
*applause*
You may remember how much I love this song but it's always always great to hear it and read about it.
For Simon being sick of Teardop, see me with Angel, which seemed to turn up in every film I watched for a while.
Ain't it awful when that happens? I can hear it's a great song, Elizabeth Fraser...well...goddess of the voice. But the programmes I've heard it used in...urrgghh...forever coloured by the association....damn those tv people using songs from the cd in the office instead of paying for proper soundtracks....
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