Read Between My Lines

Ah it is so late I know, but I promised a post on this incredible song and now I will deliver! 

A little background on the song...

Believe it or not Stevie Nicks was once a married woman.  The day she married her then husband Kim Anderson in 1982, was the day that she wrote Stand Back.  The Prince song Little Red Corvette was playing on the radio when Nicks and Anderson were driving up to Santa Barbara California.  Nicks fell in love with the song and wanted to create a song that had the same synthesizer sound.

Stevie really explains it better in her own words.  Listen to the story behind Stand Back in the video below.  It is from VH1 Storytellers.


Mmmmm, there is nothing hotter than recording a song on your honeymoon night. Kidding.  Come on Stevie, you couldn't take a break from songwriting even on your honeymoon night?  Well I guess that is considered one sexy night for a prolific songwriter.  Thank GOD it is or else we wouldn't have this fabulous song!

 Here is the Prince song, Little Red Corvette.  Can you hear the similarity?  I can...


Man, I seriously dance to that Prince song in my room at least ONCE  a week.  No joke.  You all should really try it.  Its a great ab workout...

Anyways, I mentioned earlier that Stand Back is a great song to play when you are having a frustrating day.    Honestly, the meaning of the song never really hit me until probably a month ago.  It was always a "feel-good" song for me.  Little did I know that the song's actual  meaning is anything but "feel good".

The song is an argument put into song.  Sidetrack: Don't you think life would be more enjoyable is we could solve every problem through song?  I guess they just call those musicals...but hey, it would make solving problems an absolute breeze!
In the song, Nicks sings of a man who let her down.  Its directed to that man who feels as though he can twist a woman's heart in his hands.   Nicks is here to let him know that he can't.  When Nicks wails the ending lyrics, "Take me home,"she is mimicking the voice of a man begging for a second chance. 

"No one knows how I feel

What I say...unless you read between my lines..."

No one can really know what a woman feels when her heart breaks.  Sometimes you feel angry and sometimes you feel sad.  Sometimes you feel such strong emotions that they can't really be explained in simple words...so...we cry.  Its a sad thing, it really is, and sometimes a woman can be seen as "over emotional" because of this fact.   But what about the man?  It is selfish for this particular man to feel as though he can hold her down and once again, twist her heart in his hand at his leisure.  Where was he when she needed him? Its too little too late for this guy...(Nicks mean business!)

"In the middle of my room I did not hear from you...

It's alright, its alright to be standing in a line

I would cry."

Stand Back is always going to be a song that makes a person feel good.   I have been to many Stevie Nicks concerts, and this song is constantly in the set list because it is a crowd pleaser.  It always brings everyone in the audience to their feet.  Do me a favor.  When you hear this song, sit back and listen to the actual meaning behind it.  Listen to the sound of a woman who is begging for a man...to be a man! 

"I need a little sympathy..."

JDSkills



Stand Back

Stand Back.  Besides the 1981 hit  Edge of Seventeen, this single off of Stevie Nicks' 1983 album, The Wild Heart, is probably Stevie Nicks' most recognizable songs. 

My eyes are drifting off which means I must be tired, but more to come in tomorrows post about this FABULOUS 80's hit single.

Listen to the track to get pumped for tomorrow's post!


I swear there is nothing like playing this song full blast when you're slightly...well...pissed.  Sing your heart out to this song and all that frustration will just roll right out of your body.  It works every time...

JDSkills

New "In Your Dreams" Trailer!

Look what I found!  Take a look at this awesome trailer for Stevie Nicks' upcoming album, In Your Dreams.



Wow...speechless!  I don't know what I'm more excited about, the tracks or the video! Once again I got some chills going on throughout my body (but really, when do I not seem to get chills?)

 Some tracks definitely stand out, as far as hearing songs that have been "brought back from the dead."  The second song played, Annabelle Lee, was a demo recorded in the past. The song is basically just a musical form of Edgar Allen Poe's poem Annabelle Lee. Nicks has said several times in the past that Edgar Allen Poe had been an influence for many of her songs.  It is not surprising that she would include this track on her album.

I'm so happy to hear songs that are loud in sound.  When you listen to these songs you can hear layers upon layers of intricate musical arrangements.  They all seem to come together to make one beautiful, big sound.  I mean, the violins on that last previewed song...stunning!  It honestly brought a tear to my eye...

If the rest of the album is anywhere near as good as these four songs that were previewed, we are certainly in for a treat!

JDSkills

Thrown Down

Stevie Nicks' song Thrown Down is by far, my favorite track off of Fleetwood Mac's 2003 album Say You Will.  It is a song that is filled with such great instrumental and vocal work that it could have easily blended right in with the tracks on their 1977 Rumours album. 

Yes, the song sounds great at first listen, but to understand the depths behind the making of this song is a whole different story.  The Say You Will album was the first studio album that Fleetwood Mac made in over 15 years. The last time that the band was in a studio creating an album, was during the making of their Tango In The Night album in 1987. Christine McVie decided to sit this one out.  Her angelic vocals and bluesy sound is sorely missed on this album.  Regardless, this album is still one of my favorites.

When the band reunited for The Dance tour in 1997, there was an obvious chemistry that was still present between ex lovers, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.  Of course, I was only eight years old when Fleetwood Mac embarked on this fabulous tour, but I have seen some live performances on old VHS tapes and can clearly see that there was still a spark between the two musicians.

Take a listen to this beautiful song...
   

The song really speaks for itself.  Listen to the lyrics and you will listen to the story of a relationship that has never really ended.  It can apply to their relationship within the 1970's as well as their relationship in 1997.   It seems as though these two musicians never really got a break as far as their relationship was concerned.  Its as though they sacrificed their love for their musical career.  In 1997, it seemed as though they were in a place where a possible relationship could start again.  They had both grown over the years and were less influenced by the rock and roll lifestyle.  They were able to start on a clean slate.  They were able to recognize the love that was always present within their relationship, both musical and personal.

"Maybe now he could prove to her,

That he could be good for her,

And that they should be together."

Check out the video clip below. It is a snippet from the documentary, Destiny Rules, which taped the making of the 2003 album Say You Will.  Nicks describes the meaning of this song the best.  At mark 3:30, you can see the tension between the two musicians within the studio. "I'm talking to you!"-That has to give you a hint as who this song is directed to right? I guess some things never change...

Check it out!

It is a song that allows you to get an inside peek into the turmoil within their relationship.  The song could have multiple meanings. Even though it has been said that Buckingham and Nicks called it quits in their relationship in 1976, it seemed as though they never really broke up.  I mean think about it..

When you break up with someone, you don't have to see them the next day.  Nicks and Buckingham broke up 1976 and saw each other constantly for the next ten or so years.  How can you really break up when you are always together?  Yes, we got some great music out of that breakup, but at the expense of heartache.  They never really had a chance to get over each other, for they were constantly re-living their relationship through their music.  Nicks went on to write songs influenced by her relationship with Buckingham for years to come.  That has to tell you something right?



Their love story is quite sad if you think about it.  The two musicians never seemed to catch the right timing.  They joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and broke up in 1976.  They were together for about four years prior to joined Fleetwood Mac and Nicks as stated in previous interviews that they were practically married.  

"Lindsey and I were as close to married as I'll probably ever be.  I took care of him, I cooked for him, I ironed his jeans, I embroidered stars and moons on them, I adored him, I took care of him."

-Stevie Nicks, MTV 1515, 1998

...Umm.. hold the phone! She embroidered stars and moons on his jeans?! Aw, how cute is that? I wonder if he actually wore them out? So, go ahead and call me a romantic, but I love these two and their never ending love story breaks my heart.  Come on guys...work it out!

"About just how much he never really told her...

About how difficult it had been to be without her."

Oh P.S.-Stevie Nicks In Her Own Words is an awesome website where you can read direct quotes from Nicks herself.  Its great. 

JDSkills

The Glee Kids Love Stevie!

Wow.  Check out the feedback that was given by the Glee kids regarding Nicks' surprise visit on the  Glee set.  They simply ADORE her! I mean, who wouldn't?



Aw how cute is he? " I lost my mind."   I don't blame you!




So we have some Finn and Quinn feedback happening here.  Its great that Nicks is finally getting some recognition within today's generation.  Its crazy...I feel like a proud Mama!

JDSkills

Wicked Awesome Guitar Cover on Landslide!

Can I play this on repeat all week long?  It seriously relaxes me oh so much...




Thank you Mr. Dan Rogers for making my week a little more peaceful.  I recommend this cover to anyone who is cramming this week for midterms.  It will take your stress level down about five good notches.

JDSkills

Stevie Nicks on Glee!

Stevie Nicks wasn't technically a character on Glee, but her song Landslide was used on this past Tuesday's episode.  She even had time to pay a visit to the Glee cast and express how happy she was about their choice to use her song.  She was thrilled( and a tad smitten for Mr. Shue) to say the least...



"What makes you happy Stevie?"

"To be on my  pink couch

in my 1938 library with a cup of Chai Tea, hot water bottle and...Glee."-Stevie Nicks

Watch this interview where Nicks talks about what went into the making of the song Landslide.  Honestly, I knew that this song was about some aspect of change in a young person's life, but I never really knew exactly what the lyrics meant until now.  Really interesting video...check it out. 

" On my last day on this earth there are a few things I  will think of and I will definitely think of my day at Glee."

Now, I will be the first to chuckle at this statement. Stevie,  on your LAST day on this earth, the thing you will be thinking about is your time on Glee?  Thats a pretty intense statement!  She must really love the show...

One thing I won't chuckle at is the fact that  her statement about how Glee is bringing back songs into the mainstream is so right on.  Yes, some parts of the show may be a bit cheesy, but let me tell you first hand that I know that this show is a guilty pleasure for some men out there.  Don't deny it...

The songs on this show are undeniably creative and they bring a new twist on some songs that otherwise would have been forgotten.  Props Glee and thank you Stevie for recognizing the great talent behind this show.  After all, if Stevie Nicks thinks this show is cool...then its cool.

 

JDSkills

Spinning Wheels

Ah yesss!  I found another beautiful demo that deserves some recognition.  Seriously, I get so amped when I find these-you have no idea.



The amp in my heart has faded a bit after taking a listen to this demo. You can't help but feel the pain that is evident in her voice.  It is no question that Spinning Wheels is a  demo that is inspired by heartbreak.  Nicks' use of the word spinning wheels is a metaphor for the disillusionment that love can sometimes bring. 

"Spinning wheels,

Crystal perfection

Not to be confused with the tears.

Oh Christian, what about your sad, wild dreams?

What kind of feelings do you feel for me?

Do you cherish all those memories?

What kind of feelings do you feel for me?"

Sometimes we want a relationship to be perfect, even though that is absolutely impossible.  We tend to look past the flaws and focus on the times that make us feel good.  Nicks' reference to crystal perfection illustrates this fact.  She then goes on to question herself.   She is guarded and fearful that she will be hurt. Its as though doesn't want to be made into a fool and you can hear the fragility and  in her voice as she sings these lyrics. She doesn't want to have her heart broken, even though she can predict that it will probably break at any moment.  Makes you want to reach out and give her a hug, right?

"With the faith of a child,

Have you given enough?

Have you given too much?"



Now, I have said it once, but I will say it again- I believe that this song is inspired of the breakup between Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. She has said herself that Buckingham was, and still is, an inspiration for her music.  Although she has written numerous songs about various past lovers, it seems to be that some of her most beautiful songs have been written about her experiences with Buckingham.

"Sweet things that we live for,

They say that dreams are made of them."



"No quiet cries...something that was.

No quiet cries for us."

I gotta say...I can't complain.  If heartbreak is what it takes to create a song this beautiful, then I just have to say "BRING ON THE HEARTACHE."  It might sound heartless, but sometimes the harder you hurt, the better the song is.

"Sweet things that we live for,

But it was only love."

JDSkills

Detective JDSkills.

It turns out that flu was bronchitis in disguise.  I was not a pretty sight for the past few days, but now my voice has finally come back from the dead.  Actually I have a little confession...

You know when you are sick and you lose your voice?  Am I the only girl out there who loves to get that raspy after sick voice?  Sometimes, I blast Stevie Nicks songs and pretend I have that same beautiful rasp that she has.-Honestly!

So, that was my little confession. I pretend to sing like Stevie Nicks when I am getting over an illness. I guess it is just my way of putting a positive twist on a bad situation.

 On my way home I was blasting the demo for Gold Dust Woman, which is on the Rumours album.  This version can be found on the Rumours Deluxe Edition CD.  I advise all of you readers to get yourself a copy of this CD.  It gives you an inside listen as to what the recording of the Rumours album was like.  You are able to listen to the magic that went into the making of this legendary album.

Now, listen to the demo at mark 3:50 onward.  Nicks sneaks in a bit of another song that she must have been working on at the time.  If You Ever Did Believe was a song that Nicks wrote in the 1970's.  It was brought back in 1998  when the film Practical Magic was released. 

In this following clip, Nicks gives her view on the power of music within a film.  You can also hear the polished version of the song, If You Ever Did Believe.

Play the clip at 3:32.  Sound familiar?  Thats because you heard the same thing in the Gold Dust Woman demo clip!  Not only is this just a cool tidbit, but it makes me want to speculate the meaning of If You Ever Did Believe.  Nicks has said in the past that Gold Dust Woman is about the use of drugs, cocaine in particular, and she tends to shy away from this song being about anything romantic in nature.

Okay, I beg to differ. Yes, I know that Stevie Nicks of all people would know the meaning to her own songs, but I can't help but think that this song has multiple meanings.  As I take a look at the lyrics to Gold Dust Woman, I see lyrics that refer to both cocaine use as well as the unraveling of a romantic relationship.  Take a look at the lyrics here.


Now, lets play detective...

• The Rumours album is known to be an album inspired by the breakups of the various members within the band.
• The fact that Nicks intertwined the lyrics to If You Ever Did Believe into the end of the demo track of Gold Dust Woman, leads me to believe that IYEDB (yes I abbreviate...) was in the running to be on the Rumours album.  It is clearly another song that is directed at guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham.
• The demo for If You Ever Did Believe was from 1976. The Rumours album was released in 1977. Hmm..

So I leave you with this question.  Is If You Ever Did Believe really an extension of Gold Dust Woman?  My musical investigation leads me to believe that it is.

JDSkills