Aqualung — Strange and Beautiful
Album: Strange and BeautifulAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 513
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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CRAP! :-(
tompoll wrote:
It's a tool (technically a plug-in) used in computer-based audio tools for pitch correction....Auto Tune has been around a long time. It changes the pitch of an audio track based on a set scale or key. It changes the audio to get it to hunt closer to the closest note in the chosen scale or key. If a note is a bit sharp it'll flatten it, and vice-versa....
Auto tune has been used in the music recording industry since the late 1990's. I'm not sure I'd consider that "a long time" in relation to the history of recorded music.
It's a tool (technically a plug-in) used in computer-based audio tools for pitch correction....Auto Tune has been around a long time. It changes the pitch of an audio track based on a set scale or key. It changes the audio to get it to hunt closer to the closest note in the chosen scale or key. If a note is a bit sharp it'll flatten it, and vice-versa....
Auto tune has been used in the music recording industry since the late 1990's. I'm not sure I'd consider that "a long time" in relation to the history of recorded music.
zipper wrote:
Came here to say exactly this.
it's a drag. and it's creepy. it needs to go away.
Came here to say exactly this.
Yikes, first Chicane and now this...two Auto-tuned songs in a row. Make it stop, Bill! I listen to RP to get AWAY from that cheesy, pervasive gimmick!
fredriley wrote:
It's a tool (technically a plug-in) used in computer-based audio tools for pitch correction. Just like one can enhance photos using PhotoShop and similar tools, and a myriad of plug-ins, one can work magic (or perform hack jobs) in the digital audio realm using Pro Tools, Logic, or similar tools, and a corresponding myriad of plug-ins.
Auto Tune has been around a long time. It changes the pitch of an audio track based on a set scale or key. It changes the audio to get it to hunt closer to the closest note in the chosen scale or key. If a note is a bit sharp it'll flatten it, and vice-versa.
Its parameters can all be tweaked, including how aggressive it is in moving the audio. It can be set to make subtle changes, or to literally snap the audio to the nearest note. I personally think it's set too aggressively in this song, as I can hear his sustained notes "step" around, which I find distracting.
Fun, huh?
Ok, I give in. What is auto-tune? I'm not a musician, just an innocent bystander, so all this slagging off of autotune is very confusing.
It's a tool (technically a plug-in) used in computer-based audio tools for pitch correction. Just like one can enhance photos using PhotoShop and similar tools, and a myriad of plug-ins, one can work magic (or perform hack jobs) in the digital audio realm using Pro Tools, Logic, or similar tools, and a corresponding myriad of plug-ins.
Auto Tune has been around a long time. It changes the pitch of an audio track based on a set scale or key. It changes the audio to get it to hunt closer to the closest note in the chosen scale or key. If a note is a bit sharp it'll flatten it, and vice-versa.
Its parameters can all be tweaked, including how aggressive it is in moving the audio. It can be set to make subtle changes, or to literally snap the audio to the nearest note. I personally think it's set too aggressively in this song, as I can hear his sustained notes "step" around, which I find distracting.
Fun, huh?
zipper wrote:
It's blowy and sucky, at the same time.
Hahahahaha!!!!Shouldn't they have a tune titled Jethro Tull?
tompoll wrote:
Sure. I use AutoTune frequently in mixes to smooth out vocals. Like almost anything, it's a great tool, but it can easily be overused. Using the hard correction as a style was cute at first, but now I find it cliche and simply annoying.
A little AutoTune (very little!) is great for getting 5% more out of a strong vocal track. AutoTune or similar pitch correction is likely on most vocals you hear, it's just used judiciously and doesn't leave irritating artifacts.
Ok, I give in. What is auto-tune? I'm not a musician, just an innocent bystander, so all this slagging off of autotune is very confusing.
Nice creepy song, perfectly expressing an unrequited teen crush, of which I had a few, so I can understand what yer man's singing about. Started as a 3, moving up the scale as I listen to it more closely.
Sure. I use AutoTune frequently in mixes to smooth out vocals. Like almost anything, it's a great tool, but it can easily be overused. Using the hard correction as a style was cute at first, but now I find it cliche and simply annoying.
A little AutoTune (very little!) is great for getting 5% more out of a strong vocal track. AutoTune or similar pitch correction is likely on most vocals you hear, it's just used judiciously and doesn't leave irritating artifacts.
Ok, I give in. What is auto-tune? I'm not a musician, just an innocent bystander, so all this slagging off of autotune is very confusing.
Nice creepy song, perfectly expressing an unrequited teen crush, of which I had a few, so I can understand what yer man's singing about. Started as a 3, moving up the scale as I listen to it more closely.
tompoll wrote:
Sure. I use AutoTune frequently in mixes to smooth out vocals. Like almost anything, it's a great tool, but it can easily be overused. Using the hard correction as a style was cute at first, but now I find it cliche and simply annoying.
A little AutoTune (very little!) is great for getting 5% more out of a strong vocal track. AutoTune or similar pitch correction is likely on most vocals you hear, it's just used judiciously and doesn't leave irritating artifacts.
It's not too much for me in this tune. It seems more for effect (like using a Leslie amp or a phase-shifter) than it is to "polish the vocals" to sound more professional.
Sure. I use AutoTune frequently in mixes to smooth out vocals. Like almost anything, it's a great tool, but it can easily be overused. Using the hard correction as a style was cute at first, but now I find it cliche and simply annoying.
A little AutoTune (very little!) is great for getting 5% more out of a strong vocal track. AutoTune or similar pitch correction is likely on most vocals you hear, it's just used judiciously and doesn't leave irritating artifacts.
It's not too much for me in this tune. It seems more for effect (like using a Leslie amp or a phase-shifter) than it is to "polish the vocals" to sound more professional.
I was very groggy when this played, but not too out of it to hear horrendous autotune. WTF rp?
it's a drag. and it's creepy. it needs to go away.
Well.....
I love it!
9
I love it!
9
Aqualung - Strange and Beautiful
Chicane - Autumn Tactics
As good as this segue is, both songs could be actually one!
Chicane - Autumn Tactics
As good as this segue is, both songs could be actually one!
Bill should really play more Aqualung, this is a good song and all but most people here are correct in suggesting it's over-produced and starting to sound a bit dated. Sucks to be on a major label is all I can say to that.
I prefer Still Life and Memory Man albums, which are hugely under-rated imho, I find it a bit strange Aqualung are represented on RP with Strange and Beautiful, their most "commercial" and mainstream song. It's a bit like representing the Beatles through "I wanna hold your hand".....their best (selling) song. ;)
I prefer Still Life and Memory Man albums, which are hugely under-rated imho, I find it a bit strange Aqualung are represented on RP with Strange and Beautiful, their most "commercial" and mainstream song. It's a bit like representing the Beatles through "I wanna hold your hand".....their best (selling) song. ;)
His auto-tuned warbling is distracting!
pitch control please !Very nice transition from Chicane to Aqualung! 
lewie221 wrote:
Hear hear.
Can anyone point out a song not rendered awful by auto-tune? My hypothesis is that there isn't one.
Sure. I use AutoTune frequently in mixes to smooth out vocals. Like almost anything, it's a great tool, but it can easily be overused. Using the hard correction as a style was cute at first, but now I find it cliche and simply annoying.
A little AutoTune (very little!) is great for getting 5% more out of a strong vocal track. AutoTune or similar pitch correction is likely on most vocals you hear, it's just used judiciously and doesn't leave irritating artifacts.
Hear hear.
Can anyone point out a song not rendered awful by auto-tune? My hypothesis is that there isn't one.
Sure. I use AutoTune frequently in mixes to smooth out vocals. Like almost anything, it's a great tool, but it can easily be overused. Using the hard correction as a style was cute at first, but now I find it cliche and simply annoying.
A little AutoTune (very little!) is great for getting 5% more out of a strong vocal track. AutoTune or similar pitch correction is likely on most vocals you hear, it's just used judiciously and doesn't leave irritating artifacts.
spaceman wrote:
Hear hear.
Can anyone point out a song not rendered awful by auto-tune? My hypothesis is that there isn't one.
I can not unterstand why people have to go and ruin their songs with this stupid pitch correction effect. This isn't a Cher song!
He doesn't even need it - I've listened to a live set by Aqualung, and he has a good voice. Makes me angry... grrrr!
He doesn't even need it - I've listened to a live set by Aqualung, and he has a good voice. Makes me angry... grrrr!
Hear hear.
Can anyone point out a song not rendered awful by auto-tune? My hypothesis is that there isn't one.
it sounds like elevator music slowed down...and some guy signing karaoke in that same elevator....
I have no strong feelings one way or the other...just meh.
I have no strong feelings one way or the other...just meh.
Maybe it's because this is the first time I've heard this song while listening to the 192kbps channel, but I never noticed someone rocking out on the triangle toward the end. Kinda weak.
Quick question: are you really "secretly falling apart" if you're singing about it?
It's blowy and sucky, at the same time.
Creepy stalker song - it could be used as background on CSI.
Whew, for a moment I thought this might be Jethro Tull.
old_shep wrote:
Not that I would blame you, but you must have never heard any of N Sync's music, if you confuse it with this.
N Sync ?
Not that I would blame you, but you must have never heard any of N Sync's music, if you confuse it with this.
N Sync ?
rcurrier wrote:
Ah, Aqualung my friend, don't ya run away uneasy.........................
Instead of the scuba tank, how about a photo of some frilly panties running?
Ah, Aqualung my friend, don't ya run away uneasy.........................
Looove this. Especially the piano!
*Edit, oops apparently I love it so much I double posted. /ducks*
*Edit, oops apparently I love it so much I double posted. /ducks*
My wife and I have fallen in love with this song. Had it played at our wedding coming up on three years ago. Just a simply beautiful piece.
I love this song. What genre does this fall into though? 
Instead of the scuba tank, how about a photo of some frilly panties running?
the 'spell' from this song is to not buy aqualung music.
ZZZzzzzzzzz
THIS IS JUST SIMPLY CORNY AND DULL. 
I can not unterstand why people have to go and ruin their songs with this stupid pitch correction effect. This isn't a Cher song!
He doesn't even need it - I've listened to a live set by Aqualung, and he has a good voice.
Makes me angry... grrrr!
MTlady wrote:
Yes, this is strange but beautiful, but why the tank? Maybe I need more java.
Aqualung is one of the largest makers of SCUBA equipment, as premiered by Jacques Cosuteau:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqua-lung
tiresome
dull
uninspired
yawn
zzzzzzzzzzz
MTlady wrote:
Yes, this is strange but beautiful, but why the tank? Maybe I need more java.
aqualung me thinks
bupanishad2012 wrote:
This has nothing to do with this song (which is quite excellent), but I finished reading a book by Kierkegaard today---the whole thing! It's like climbing Everest or something! Wow! I just had to say this to someone!
Well, then, congrats, uh, I think....Or should that be condolences?
This has nothing to do with this song (which is quite excellent), but I finished reading a book by Kierkegaard today---the whole thing! It's like climbing Everest or something! Wow! I just had to say this to someone!
MTlady wrote:
Yes, this is strange but beautiful, but why the tank? Maybe I need more java.
Oxygen...... need some?
Kinda like Eels for the dead.
horstman wrote:
Kinda like the Eels for the timid.
thewaxtadpole wrote:
The sentiment in this song is disturbing to me.
Yah almost as if some stalker or SK wrote this about his next victim... Kinda spooky.
I\'m going to sleep - without the creepy spell
slartibart_O wrote: 
Yes, this is strange but beautiful, but why the tank? Maybe I need more java.
ploafmaster wrote:
man...I haven't heard this much Vocoder since my wife was listening to the Top 40 station in her car...
I never noticed until you mentioned it. But am I really hearing it now, or just imagining it because i want to hear it, and want not to like it?
RP rocks! Thanks Bill! Goodmorning!
Good song, but I'm finding overplayed even by RP standards. Wouldn't mind seeing this a couple months out the next time. But that's just me.
Great song by JT!
weevilkinevil wrote:
Very nice song. Don't particularly like the name "Aqualung" however, as it demands memories of that horrible song by Jethro Tull.
Don't like the name "Aqualung" however, as it demands memories of that GREAT CLASSIC song by Jethro Tull.
wally42 wrote:
If it's GWAR you need, I don't think RP is for you.
;)
I'm not an Aquayawn fan if you can't tell.
youngj wrote:
I could really use some GWAR after this song. Yawn.
If it's GWAR you need, I don't think RP is for you.
I'd like to hear Cat Power now.. but really, Bill -- anything will delight me. This has been a beautiful day of music.
youngj wrote:
I could really use some GWAR
I'm not sure that sentence had ever been said before.
I could really use some GWAR after this song. Yawn.
The sentiment in this song is disturbing to me.
man...I haven't heard this much Vocoder since my wife was listening to the Top 40 station in her car...
I hope it didn't take more than a minute to make the cover art on this album....
Kinda like the Eels for the timid.
I discovered aqualung reading an enthusiastic rewiew on a musical magazine; a really enthusiastic rewiew...at the point that I decided to buy the cd without hearing nothing at all before....well it was one of my best business ever! the whole album have an unique kind grace and sound like velvet.... very very nice
OK, decent song, but if anyone comes near my daughter spouting that stuff I'll show him my shotgun collection.
First heard him on the soundtrack for some Aston Kutcher flick. Liked him ever since. The wife, then fiancee also ended up liking him, and one of his songs was played at our wedding.
Creepy 'our song'. Nice quiet vibe, though.too much pro tools effects on the vocal
Whiney
Nice tune, but I would NOT want this guy singing it to MY daughter. Keep yer hands off her, buddy, or I'll give you a guided tour of my shotgun collection.
I thought someone was knocking on my door, twice, during this. Someone tapping on a table?
It kinda gets a little boring and repetitive after a while, but still not too bad of a tune.
The saddest song...this is the song for my ex, for breaking up with me in the beginning of this year. I hope it is painful as this song to that person...but overall this is oh so beautiful song.
I'm not normally a fan of men getting dramatic when they sing, but I like this. I gave it an 8.
Brighter Than Sunshine has been getting local airplay here in Wisconsin. Astounding. Lovely.
aqualung...lol all i remember is anchorman and all that jazz flute.
very nice song though
Very nice song. Don't particularly like the name "Aqualung" however, as it demands memories of that horrible song by Jethro Tull.
this whole album is quite good...not an upbeat song on it, really, but if you're in a certain mood it's a great soundtrack
Saw them play last summer. The front man, (don't know his name) was very good and had nice interaction with the audience. Really love this song, but hate to admit it. May only do so amongst my fellow open-minded RP listeners. 
This is a perfect candidate for an "our song." Very romantic.
Hypnotic yet jarring
I love the sound -- the words I could do with out.
Steven_G wrote:
You seem to be the minority in that feeling Meloman... mellow out and soak in the beauty of this tune.
Thanks, I'll try next time I hear it. Very often first impressions can be misleading. However it's been my experience that with songs the initial emotional response tends to be accurate. As far as being in the minority is concerned, that hardly worries me. In fact, differences of opinion make music, and the arts in general, more interesting. What a bore if we were all of one mind. Think sheep!
meloman wrote:
How dreary and deadpan.
You seem to be the minority in that feeling Meloman... mellow out and soak in the beauty of this tune.
Only you can stop the emo.
How dreary and deadpan.
Very nice tune!Mari wrote:
Strange and Beautiful.................... 
...
...
Wow.
RP does it again!
A 10 (PG), followed by a BUNCH of 8's.
Enjoy!
Love this song.... Virgin Radio, London, was playing this before it was released, along with KCRW, Santa Monica.
They liked it... I do to! 8 for me
Beautiful song. Well produced. Bores me to tears!! I think I'm sufficiently chilled:
Aqualung - Strange and Beautiful
Chicane - Autumn Tactics
Yello - The Rhythm Divine
Its Monday! I need to get the blood ciculating! Call me a dinosour but I think I'm ready to see "Aqualung" on the right side of the hyphen.
I can't believe I hadn't rated this yet, very familiar as if heard it for a while.
Nice set with Ashcroft too.
8.
Ruby_Scheme wrote:
He has a beautiful voice. It makes me want him to do something with it. He could do better. And the lyrics remind me of that John Mayer crap that sounds suspiciously like they're just trying to pick up chicks with it.
Yeup. You nailed it. I knew something was buggin' me about this and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
coldatlantic wrote:
Oh yeah, you're hearing it. I like this track, but the key correction turns up the cheese-o-meter a notch.
I will never understand why a singer with a decent voice will let audio engineers do that to him. Pitch correction has a place as an effect (which I don't like either, but that's just me), and maybe for songs where some untalented sports star is doing the vocals and they want to get the song recorded anyway, and maybe in karaoke-like settings. But this is just embarrassing. Most of the time it's just a lazy audio engineer who thinks that 3 takes is enough, the rest can be corrected later. Anyway if they *have* to do it, it should be subliminal; if it's as obvious as in this song, it really grates on my nerves.
Pretty!
Ruby_Scheme wrote:
He has a beautiful voice. It makes me want him to do something with it. He could do better. And the lyrics remind me of that John Mayer crap that sounds suspiciously like they're just trying to pick up chicks with it.
My thoughts exactly. Well, maybe a little better than John Mayer. Actually, this would have been a great song in the hands of Elliott Smith... 5.
"Long, Long, Long" off the White Album.
He has a beautiful voice. It makes me want him to do something with it. He could do better. And the lyrics remind me of that John Mayer crap that sounds suspiciously like they're just trying to pick up chicks with it.
Beautiful song but slightly disturbing lyrics.
Bumping my rating up to 8...very lovely.
roger wrote:
Haunting and beautiful
good stuf...kind of Starsailorish...
GreenJello wrote:
Name really bothers me, can't get over the Jethro Tull reference. Band names should be a little more neutral IMHO.
Yeah because an aqualung wasn't a real piece of equipment, it was dreamed up by JT members and is a totally made up name.
Name really bothers me, can't get over the Jethro Tull reference. Band names should be a little more neutral IMHO.
saw him in concert several months ago in milwaukee - it was quite entertaining. he & the backing musicians kept joking that the Pabst Theater looked like the theater in the Muppet Show. they soon improvised and broke into the Muppet Show Theme Song.
Exactly what is the point ?!
Sitting on a park bench...eyeing little girls with bad intent.
That's strange. And kinda beautiful. A 6 anyway.
Oh, no no no.
I had rated this a generous 3 before, but the moment it started this time, I had to do it. The voices told me to.
Now it's a solid 1 and that's where it's gonna stay 
this one feels like it drags. no offense to fans..
I always know a good song when it makes me despirately want to play it. luckily i found some tabs and have already conquored it :D
rah wrote:
is it the recording, or is he (they) using a vo-coder?
Oh yeah, you're hearing it. I like this track, but the key correction turns up the cheese-o-meter a notch.
Awwwww, YEAH...
I've been waiting to hear this on RP. I think it was the BBC that them in-studio and had the stream up for a while... Find that if you can, it's fantastic. Stripped-down piano and electric guitar version of this song. Haunting.
Kick this up to double speed and it could really rule. As it, it's kind of a yawner.
I'm loving RP this morning...
7:09 am - Aqualung - Strange and Beautiful
7:03 am - Richard Ashcroft - Brave New World
7:00 am - Nirvana - All Apologies
6:54 am - Joan Osborne - St. Teresa
------------------------------
6:50 am - Witchcraft - Ultraviolet
6:46 am - Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
is it the recording, or is he (they) using a vo-coder?
Cagey wrote:
It's not a "he" it's a "them" ;) Matt and Ben Hales, they're brothers. Yes you should most definately upload some more tracks, I would myself but fear rejection....lol :D
As for the delay with the US releases, what can I say? Sucks to be American! (Cagey ducks anticipating tea-related projectiles and hostilities)
Yeah, for some reason America sucks ass when it comes to UK music releases. Or at least ones I really want. I paid an arm and a leg for that album and Rob Dougan's album. And sorry for the confusion, it's just that he's the only one that sings, and he's the only one in the music videos, I simply forgot.
Edit: Oh, and I uploaded Good Times Gonna Come
DMay wrote:
Yeah, he's been around a while. I was dissapointed to see that it took three years for his first album to just now be released in the U.S. Maybe I should upload some more of his songs...
It's not a "he" it's a "them" ;) Matt and Ben Hales, they're brothers. Yes you should most definately upload some more tracks, I would myself but fear rejection....lol :D
As for the delay with the US releases, what can I say? Sucks to be American! (Cagey ducks anticipating tea-related projectiles and hostilities)
Cagey wrote:
This was a big hit here in the UK two or three years ago, they now have a 2nd album here "aqualung" being their first and "still life" their 2nd.
Bill should play more of their stuff, particularly from the 2nd album which features "Brighter than Sunshine", "Easier to lie" and "Breaking my Heart" ....all awesome tracks.
They're really great, go see them live if you get the chance.
https://www.aqualung.net/
Yeah, he's been around a while. I was dissapointed to see that it took three years for his first album to just now be released in the U.S. Maybe I should upload some more of his songs...
Guess you better head for the bathroom soon. Eat more cheese.