I then went on to buy all of Hearts albums, until they got really into the power ballads of the mid/late-80s. Then my interest waned a little.
I still count those two women, Anne and Nancy Wilson, as huge inspirations to me.
So today, while I was doing some work at home, I pulled out my beloved copy of "Dog and Butterfly". I hadn't listened to it in years and years. I still remember every word, every guitar solo, every EVERYTHING of that album.
For the first time, I noticed it only has 8 songs on it! And two of those are live recordings. I'm not complaining about that. In fact, I'm happy! I've been feeling nervous that my upcoming CD only has 10 songs on it. I keep worrying, "Is that enough? Will people feel like I'm not giving them their money's worth?"
But now, knowing that the album that brought me countless hours of enjoyment only had 8 songs I feel some peace. I never once felt ripped off by the small number of songs on "Dog and Butterfly". In fact, like I said, I didn't even think about it until just today- over 30 years after the album was released! The album was just so completely satisfying. It's not the number of songs an album has, but the quality of the songs that are on it.
23 comments:
Kerri, of course, this is one of my all time favorite bands...and album!!! Heart rocks big time! Just like you do!!
And you are so right, Ms. Talented-SongWriter-Musician: it's the quality that counts, not the quantity. Some of my fav albums had fewer songs than the overly produced ones that had too many songs. Follow your heart always.
Thanks for entering my give-a-way! You always have the sweetest things to say (ahhhh...). Good luck!
I knew the words to all the songs on that album too---I should play it again, it's been years! Thanks for visiting my blog!
I don't really know Heart, But i listened to the dog and butterfly song.. I liked it. As for your CD, Don't worry about only 10 songs, or some people ( like me) they sometimes only listen to their 3 or 4 fave songs anyway. Over and Over.
Love the Wilson sisters! They have great style and wonderful songs.
Don't you just love listening to music you grew up on?! It totally takes you back! Good luck with your album, I bet you it will be wonderful:)
I totally agree. It's about quality, not quantity!
Ironically, they had a new CD release TODAY! I wonder what that's like?!!
I love that song and I too had many hours in my teen years listening to Heart. I still listen to them often. When are we doing lunch again? Soon, I hope....like next week???
I definitely value quality over quantity. I don't know much about "Heart" but I like this song! And the guitar part is really beautiful.
thanks for bringing me back to my "dog and butterfly" days.
i am so excited for you to launch your CD.
thank you also for visiting my blog...i am just learning to play the guitar, so i REALLY admire those who can do it WELL.
happy day
c
One of my favorite songs is "Alone" by Heart!
Awww, I love to listen to music that reminds me of childhood! All I know about Heart is they came to Six Flags every year, they still might! XX!
Kerri- that's so great. Thank you for reminding me about Heart, which I forgot about. And I am so glad you had a realization about your own album. I am so thrilled for you about your up coming CD. I can't wait to hear it :)
Dear Kerri-First...thank you so much for your encouragement and support over at my blog. I just read your last post on criticism and ...I guess I should be writing this there but...here goes. I agree with much of what you said...when we are first testing something out, I think there needs to be a space of freedom (free from criticism...constructive or otherwise)...because creativity comes from everywhere and anywhere and those first steps are vulnerable. When someone does cricise though...I tend to look at their intent, their heart first. Then I look at their level of expertise. If someone knows nothing about art, they don't paint etc...well I am not going to value their criticism as much as another artist. For example...if I critique your singing...I know nothing about singing and can't even carry a tune in the shower. I think you would give a lot more credence to say..Quincy Jones than to me:) Just my 2 cents!
YES!!!! What a great post - such memories for me! I have purchased a few cds of my old favorites and am also struck by the fact they have fewer songs than albums of today ... but never noticed that because I left my to replay the album over and over and over again! I was a total geek: I would spend hours in my room either copying the art or photographs from the album covers into my drawing pad (I didn't know what an Art Director for an album did, but I wanted to do it!) or I did jigsaw puzzles! I recently found that notebook ... oh my gosh! A lot of the Beatles in here :)
'twas bewitching, between listening...i'll be waiting for that dat "ing"...for that cd to PREVIEW!!! xo
i LOVE that album! thank you for the reminder :) i'm loving your beautiful blog and just can't stop reading! thank you for all of the inspiration :)
best wishes to you!
juliette
Kerri, I have to comment because there have been some Heart concerts on TV lately. We taped one of them and have gone back to listen a few times - the girls have aged a bit, but not in the "pipes" department - great, great singing, still! Dreamboat Annie - love it and, yes, I still have my Dog & Butterful album (and I still have a turntable to play it on!)
Oh, and I think 10 songs is perfect for an album - how exciting!!
Did you notice I referenced your blog and your "criticism" post? Unfortunately, my "linking" feature is not working and eliminates all of my text when I try to use it! Anyway, your post kind of spurred me to ask for some feedback. A little scary, but worth it!!
TEN is perfect...it is the number of songs that are exactly right for your album! I am SO looking forward for the big release!
So happy that you were able to find comfort and self-acceptance in your favorite album of all time.
You GO girl...Your wings are about ready for take off! xo
what awesome comments, sweet people!
a couple of things i wanted to say:
1. i'm so glad so many of you were/are heart fans too, and i thought shari's comment about just knowing they often played at 6 flags was super funny!
2. thank u so much for the support of my choice to just go with 10 songs for my CD! :)
and lastly... to chrissy- i am so glad you're learning to play the guitar! have fun, and find those that inspire you like i did- that's what kept me at it and still does!
It is so true that the music that we play over and over holds so many of the emotions of the time we listen to it and transports us back to that the moment we put it back on!
Good luck with your CD Kerri! I agree that 10 songs seems like a great number and I'm sure it will be absolutely beautiful and inspiring!
I've loved Heart from the first time I heard them, and "Dog and Butterfly" is one of my favorites. Thanks for reminding me of a great song I haven't heard in way too long. :-)
I loved that album so much! And Dog and Butterfly became my favorite song from it! Though, like you, I bought it for "Straight On". Thanks for the trip down memory lane. *sigh* I still listen to Heart when I create. ;)
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