PaulMaul Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I listened to the "Change of Heart" album for the first time this afternoon. As an album, it's really not my cup of tea. However, I was surprised by how moved I was by the "Desperate Fools" bookends.The opening reminds me simultaneously of a spiritual (note the similarity of the opening lines' melody to "Amazing Grace") and of a Celtic Air. If the violin line was replaced by an Uillean pipe, the melody would be right at home on "Thistle and Shamrock."The song itself is utterly sad, way beyond the schmaltzy sadness of so many other songs. It is laden with regret, disillusionment, and disappointment. I've heard it said that this is Eric's least favorite album. These two tracks seem to underscore that.I think these belong amongst the cream of the EC catalog. Very moving.PS: My favorite version of "Hey Deanie" is still bahoodore's. The tempo he used just seems right to me.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raspbernie Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 The disco-ish tracks don't really appeal to my "sweet spot," either. But, hey! I'm sure Arista was just trying to push Eric into something more commercial after the disappointing sales of the Boats LP. Still, as you say, "Desperate Fools" is an amazing tune. As are "Heaven Can Wait," "Hey Deanie" and "Someday."Bernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 "Change of Heart" is my third favorite Eric Carmen album (behind "Boats Against The Current" and the first album. "Tonight You're Mine" (a GREAT album) is fourth for me...though I acknowledge it's probably songwise higher quality than COH. I just love COH.The 4 songs Bernie listed are the Big 4 for me too along with the Overture. They're all great songs to me. I also really like the songs "Change of Heart" and "Haven't We Come A Long Way". This last one works regardless of whether it's classified as disco, pop melodic or whatever. I'd classify it as just a good fun melodic pop song. I always thought the song's chorus sounded like James Taylor's "Smiling Face" chorus. Anyway, "End of The World" is just good, and the cover I usually skip.Ok Paul, we're waiting for the other 2 reviews!..James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkpat Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I think the album was a product of the time period for what was popular in music. I always thought Eric was saying "okay Clive, my masterpiece didn't sell the zillions that it should have, so I'll do it your way, but not before I give the music industry a little slap across the face with the Overture". "Desperate Fools Overture" and "Heaven Can Wait" are my two faves from this record. HCW should have been the theme song for the movie of the same name, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulMaul Posted September 1, 2010 Author Share Posted September 1, 2010 The disco-ish tracks don't really appeal to my "sweet spot," either. But, hey! I'm sure Arista was just trying to push Eric into something more commercial after the disappointing sales of the Boats LP. Still, as you say, "Desperate Fools" is an amazing tune. As are "Heaven Can Wait," "Hey Deanie" and "Someday."I listened to the album again this morning. Someday is definitely fantastic. I actually really liked "Change of Heart" the first time I heard it, which was the solo piano version from the Mike Douglas show. The song is very nice, but the arrangement on the album doesn't do it for me.Does anyone else hear the Celtic feel of the Desperate Fools overture? I used to be a big fan of Celtic Rock (Battlefield Band, Tannahill Weavers, etc.) There's something about the instrumentation on this track that gives me that same feel. EDIT: I just watched the Mike Douglas "Change of Heart" again and I see it's NOT a solo piano version. Is this really just the album track lip-synched, or is it different? Somehow it seems more stripped down than what I remember from the album. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted September 2, 2010 Share Posted September 2, 2010 This was discussed (and answered) a while back, but I don't remember the exact explanation. Bernie knows... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missm Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 Bernie used to have the "demo" of Change of Heart on the site and it is incredible (as are all of Eric's demos). As has already been said you might want to contact Bernie for info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seattlesteve Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 I have a copy of the COH Mike Douglas show somewhere, but haven't pulled it out to be sure. It was not uncommon on shows like that then though where all the music is tracked and only the vocals are live. In fact the Raspberries did that also on the same show years earlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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