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Beth Orton — Central Reservation (original version)
Album: Central Reservation
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 843









Released: 1999
Length: 4:47
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Running down a central reservation in last night's red dress
And I can still smell you on my fingers and taste you on my breath;
Stepping through brilliant shades
All the color you bring
This time, this time, this time
Is whatever I want it to mean

If this is where memories are made
I'm gonna like what I see
And everything that I ever took for granted
I'm gonna let it be

I step through every shade
All the color you bring
This time, this time, this time
Is whatever I want it to mean

And everything and nothing is as sacred as we'd want it to be
When it's really all
Make it really all
Compared to what

It's like living in the middle of the ocean
With no future, no past
And everything that's good about now
Well, might just glide right past

I'm stepping through brilliant shades
All the color you bring
This time, this time, this time
Is fine just as it is

And everything is sacred here
And nothing is as sacred as I want it to be
When it's really all compared to what
Comments (86)add comment
Ah Beth..  
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 paulwenman wrote:

Shades of Minnie Ripperton, Living you.... :)



I was thinking Phoebe Snow but you nailed it!
Posted 2 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Sounds like a squawking crow. 
Posted 3 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
Central Reservation (Minnie Ripperton mix)
Posted 3 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
The mellow mix version of an already very mellow song. Interesting.
Posted 4 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
Shades of Minnie Ripperton, Living you.... :)
Posted 5 years ago by paulwenman    [ Reply ]
 ruthless wrote:
Carol king.......?
 
With that accent??!
Posted 5 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
 TobiMc3 wrote:
I like "Stolen Car" from this album a lot more than this song. Oh well.
 
Yes, but this is excellent too.  No complaints.
Posted 5 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Carol king.......?
Posted 18 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
Thi is OK, but I really prefer the Ben Watt remix.
Posted 18 years ago by FilmSurgeon    [ Reply ]
Pass the razor blades.
Posted 18 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
ok the first coupla lines were friggin hot
Posted 18 years ago by EastSideErin    [ Reply ]
PattonFever wrote:
'make it real compared to what' nice reference. :)
Les McCann and Eddie Harris were there first with that lyric
Posted 18 years ago by yclept    [ Reply ]
I like "Stolen Car" from this album a lot more than this song. Oh well.
Posted 18 years ago by TobiMc3    [ Reply ]
Waybo wrote:
I usually like her voice. This sounds like a screeching blackboard or violin.
While the simile is a bit strong, I agree with the basic sentiment. I also usually like her voice, but it's not working for me on this song.
Posted 18 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
I get the Olivia vibe on this one, too.
Posted 18 years ago by djinnthespazz    [ Reply ]
prairiedogj wrote:
It seems as either you like her or you don't. I don't.
Me neither
Posted 18 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
AHHHHH!!! Why does she feel like she has to sing? It's not that she sings particularly out of tune, or that the tone of her voice is annoying... It's that blasted "H" sound she uses to add extra syllables to her words...crikey.
Lol. "this t-hime, t-hime, t-hime"...
Posted 18 years ago by thatch    [ Reply ]
AHHHHH!!! Why does she feel like she has to sing? It's not that she sings particularly out of tune, or that the tone of her voice is annoying... It's that blasted "H" sound she uses to add extra syllables to her words...crikey.
Posted 18 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
La-La-La-La-La... La-La-La-La-La... La-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-La... Lovin' Youuuuu...
Posted 18 years ago by g-rod    [ Reply ]
meghan89 wrote:
smell you on my breath ? kinda gross image and killed the song for me
Yeah the lyrics are kinda kinky: "I can smell you on my fingers and taste you on my breath."
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
prairiedogj wrote:
It seems as either you like her or you don't. I don't.
Not quite true. I sort of like her. Some of her songs are fantastic and some, like this one, grate on my nerves. I think it's her nasal whining--sometimes it's quite pronounced.
Posted 18 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
Yes, before I make any music purchase I always first check the sexual orientation of the primary performer.
Funny comment, but do I detect a mellowing of the well-known PhysicsGenius edge? Dude, don't change now!
Posted 18 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Feel it, turn it into something good, & let it go, Beth.
Posted 18 years ago by honeygirl    [ Reply ]
Kregg wrote:
i believe the first line is "i can smell you on my fingers". if so, i have a new appreciation for this woman. lesbians rock.
Yes, before I make any music purchase I always first check the sexual orientation of the primary performer.
Posted 18 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
It seems as either you like her or you don't. I don't.
Posted 18 years ago by prairiedogj    [ Reply ]
tiddalick wrote:
belongs on Labia FM
mmmm misogyny at its finest. :)
Posted 18 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
'make it real compared to what' nice reference. :)
Posted 18 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
Judie Tzuke anyone?
Posted 18 years ago by welshboy    [ Reply ]
Whine like fine wine ... Beth rocks too ... almost always
Posted 18 years ago by LadyLovelyLocks    [ Reply ]
i believe the first line is "i can smell you on my fingers". if so, i have a new appreciation for this woman. lesbians rock.
Posted 18 years ago by Kregg    [ Reply ]
I usually like her voice. This sounds like a screeching blackboard or violin.
Posted 18 years ago by Waybo    [ Reply ]
pyxxel wrote:
Way too much of it on RP.
So start your own radio station.
Posted 18 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
Yawnnnnnnnnnn. Move on. Takes the energy out of me faster than sitting around in a beige room. A two.
Posted 18 years ago by Rickster    [ Reply ]
Sllllooooooooooooowwwwwww! A three.
Posted 18 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
This version is pretty boring to me. I do really like the single version of it though. Much more enjoyable with a lot more energy.
Posted 19 years ago by byrd    [ Reply ]
tiddalick wrote:
belongs on Labia FM
I, for one, am secure enough in my masculinity to love this for what it is.
Posted 19 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
Pipes wrote:
Wow, such hate for her voice. It's the uniqueness that appealed to me. Great CD!
My words exactly.
Posted 19 years ago by Karmala    [ Reply ]
I like it...but don't i hear echo's of Minnie Ripperton's Loving You? edited: sorry Masterhead, read your excellent comment only now. Oops even dadofsammy noticed it earlier.
Posted 19 years ago by ronny    [ Reply ]
Wow, such hate for her voice. It's the uniqueness that appealed to me. Great CD!
Posted 19 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
smell you on my breath ? kinda gross image and killed the song for me
Posted 19 years ago by meghan89    [ Reply ]
belongs on Labia FM
Posted 19 years ago by tiddalick    [ Reply ]
I LOVE this song!
Posted 19 years ago by superdan    [ Reply ]
NdrLvr wrote:
Great song.
Can't see that. Boring from beginning to end, and badly sung too IMO. NdrLvr wrote:
There's are also some good remixes with alot more energy
More energy? OMG not sure if I can handle that!!! Seriously, can you detect any tiny bit of energy in this song? If so, raise your hand, cuz I didn't hear it. This is probably my main issue with these songwriter types. This indulgence in over-importance leads them to believe they can skimp on intrumentation and sing and arrange their song in the most boring way possible. What is it with them? Are they afraid good music will detract from their "message"? Sorry, I just don't get it. And quite frankly, I don't think this kinda stuff qualifies as "eclectic rock". Way too much of it on RP.
Posted 19 years ago by pyxxel    [ Reply ]
A lovely song from a talented artist. A boatload of emotion.
Posted 19 years ago by mxdcec    [ Reply ]
No love for Beth? Oh well.
Posted 19 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
Great song. There's are also some good remixes with alot more energy (one by Deep Dish, another by William Orbit)
Posted 19 years ago by NdrLvr    [ Reply ]
I'm wihith youhou ... her breaheath thing makes me nuhuts. daveesh wrote:
she's either got the lung capacity of a mole or she ran a marathon just before heading into the studio
Posted 19 years ago by ursus88    [ Reply ]
she's either got the lung capacity of a mole or she ran a marathon just before heading into the studio
Posted 19 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
This song grew on me, ended up buying the album. I like the emotionality of her voice. And when was the last time you were able to smell someone on your fingers and taste them on your breath. It doesn't get any better than that, you germ freaks. (and I'm an RN!)
Posted 19 years ago by TeddiB    [ Reply ]
Flying_Donut wrote:
I'm betting Bill plays solo Natalie Merchant next so I can just plunge hot needles into my eyes. This is just dreadful, hideous, awful stuff.
Posted 19 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
jovino wrote:
I'm kind of reminded of Edie Brickell, whom I tried to like but just couldn't. Oh yeah, I hear that "Lovin' You" wanting to bust out too. Remember Mariah Carrie's version where she allegedly deafened some dolphins?
Posted 19 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
I'm betting Bill plays solo Natalie Merchant next so I can just plunge hot needles into my eyes. This is just dreadful, hideous, awful stuff.
Posted 19 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
kevbo77 wrote:
Enunciation is so overrated...
Posted 19 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
...Now, don't KNIT pick
Posted 19 years ago by timandjuliet    [ Reply ]
All the negative comments on her voice, Geesh, whatever happened to an appreciation of expressiveness? It's not perfect, but it has feeling.
Posted 19 years ago by 326    [ Reply ]
Enunciation is so overrated...
Posted 19 years ago by kevbo77    [ Reply ]
Leslie wrote:
God this woman's voice sucks.
Posted 19 years ago by abbefaith    [ Reply ]
ugh!
Posted 19 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
billery wrote:
Makes me want to drink some herbal tea while contemplatively fingering my macrame jockstrap and staring off in the distance.
As frightening as this song is, I'm more scared of your macrame jock strap!
Posted 19 years ago by NiceGuy2005    [ Reply ]
God this woman's voice sucks.
Posted 19 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
score! i like the remix better, though.
Posted 19 years ago by abbefaith    [ Reply ]
billery wrote:
Makes me want to drink some herbal tea while contemplatively fingering my macrame jockstrap and staring off in the distance.
LMAO
Posted 19 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
BondsLovesSteroids wrote:
Not digging this, very slow and not uplifting at all
Wake me when its over
Posted 19 years ago by bajafisher    [ Reply ]
Not digging this, very slow and not uplifting at all
Posted 20 years ago by BondsLovesSteroids    [ Reply ]
billery wrote:
Makes me want to drink some herbal tea while contemplatively fingering my macrame jockstrap and staring off in the distance.
...Now, don't KNIT pick
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
This song transport me in a good way to Minnie Ripperton, the rippling sound seems correspondant. And the melancholic/loving emotions. loving you....
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
aimless wrote:
I gotta say, I prefer the alternate version of this track. A little more speedy and lot less syrupy.
I agree as well, & I love Beth Orton
Posted 20 years ago by marci28    [ Reply ]
I did not know Beth Orton until I heard her in RP... unfortunately it is not easy to find her CDs in Mexico. I lover her voice. Marie
Posted 20 years ago by marie_pain    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to drink some herbal tea while contemplatively fingering my macrame jockstrap and staring off in the distance.
Posted 20 years ago by billery    [ Reply ]
contemplative....
Posted 20 years ago by OfficeUseOnly    [ Reply ]
aimless wrote:
I gotta say, I prefer the alternate version of this track. A little more speedy and lot less syrupy.
Yup. I agree... this one makes me feel kinda sleepy.
Posted 20 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
I gotta say, I prefer the alternate version of this track. A little more speedy and lot less syrupy.
Posted 21 years ago by aimless    [ Reply ]
Beth Orton's voice sounds like a woodwind instrument; almost like her tongue is a reed and her pipes made of brass. Remarkable. You don't need a whole lot of range to convey emotion. Her style is unique and unique in all of songdom.
Posted 21 years ago by Algee    [ Reply ]
Beth Orton's voice always has the ability to lull and soothe me!
Posted 21 years ago by tuningin    [ Reply ]
I'm kind of reminded of Edie Brickell, whom I tried to like but just couldn't. Oh yeah, I hear that "Lovin' You" wanting to bust out too. Remember Mariah Carrie's version where she allegedly deafened some dolphins?
Posted 21 years ago by jovino    [ Reply ]
Do you think Minnie Ripperton music best known, like Nick Drake, from a commercial (in her case Burger King!) dadofsammy wrote:
Or Minnie Ripperton's "Loving You"....which oddly enough I heard last night at a poker game, after how many years?....and last Friday someone told me their first concert ever was - yes - a Minnie Ripperton concert. Coincidence? I think not! Perhaps this would be a propitious time to look up Minnie's birthdate and invest in some lottery tickets.
Posted 21 years ago by MattN    [ Reply ]
Queue wrote:
In the end there, I thought surely she was going to slide into Olivia Newton John's "Loving You".... Queue
Or Minnie Ripperton's "Loving You"....which oddly enough I heard last night at a poker game, after how many years?....and last Friday someone told me their first concert ever was - yes - a Minnie Ripperton concert. Coincidence? I think not! Perhaps this would be a propitious time to look up Minnie's birthdate and invest in some lottery tickets.
Posted 21 years ago by dadofsammy    [ Reply ]
I think it is a beautiful song.
Posted 21 years ago by mikezuff    [ Reply ]
blech blech blech
Posted 21 years ago by rumplestiltskin    [ Reply ]
For the love of all that is holy, please tell me how much I have to donate to RP to \"buy\" this song off of the playlist. Is it 2 hours? 3? Please please tell me. I find this song the aural equivalent of a colonoscopy.
Posted 21 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
In the end there, I thought surely she was going to slide into Olivia Newton John\'s \"Loving You\".... Queue
Posted 21 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
beautiful
Posted 21 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
great song, great album, totally unique voice. there\'s hope for the future
Posted 21 years ago by fatport    [ Reply ]
ahhhhh.
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]