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Beth Orton — Concrete Sky
Album: Daybreaker
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 840









Released: 2002
Length: 4:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Faith has a good side
Still, everyone she ever loved,
They all turned bad
Constance has his own way of breathing
You know you couldn't will him to survive
Couldn't will him if you if you tried

There's a concrete sky
Falling from the trees again
And I know now why
It's not coming round too soon
It's harder than a heartbreak too

I've seen your good side
But I still don't know just what it is that you might want
See, you got your own way of moving
And you know you could save it

Save my soul
Save some for you
Hold my soul
I feel like I'm falling
I feel like I'm falling

And there's a concrete sky
Falling from the trees again
And I know now why
It's not coming 'round too soon
It's harder than a heartbreak too
It's tough enough what love will do

So much time
Got lost in my mind
But I know now what I must rely on
It's a sound, forgetting,
And the worst thing

I've been out walking,
Don't do too much talking
Don't take too much time
Wouldn't take all your time
'Cause it's as precious as mine

Save my soul
Save some for you
Save your soul
I feel like I'm falling
I feel like I'm falling

And there's a concrete sky
Falling from the trees again
And you know now why
It's not coming 'round too soon
It's harder than a heartbreak too
It's tough enough what love will do
And you're as precious as mine
And you're as precious as mine
Comments (103)add comment
 cyesp wrote:

With Ryan Adams.

written with Johnny Marr

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 trekker308 wrote:

Listening to RP, but wanted to hear a CD through new speakers which arrived yesterday.  Went to the collection, pulled out Beth's Central Reservation album, and while I had it in my hand Bill announces " .. and now for some Beth Orton".

The music spirits work in mysterious ways....



That's commonly referred to here as the psychic playlist. It is a known phenomenon. Don't ask me how it works. 
Posted 3 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
 kbs wrote:

Listening blind, I thought it was Natalie Merchant ...



Funny - I'm a big fan of both, but find Natalie Merchant's voice to be more affected than Beth Orton's.  Having heard Beth Orton interviewed, her singing voice is much closer to her native British speaking voice.  Whereas I've never quite figured out the source of Natalie Merchant's singing accent . . . 
Posted 3 years ago by bitterdave    [ Reply ]
Listening blind, I thought it was Natalie Merchant ...
Posted 4 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
"& I ain't even done with the night"!

Like it!
Posted 4 years ago by BSartiste    [ Reply ]
Very nice and ethereal.  
Posted 4 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by boomman8139    [ Reply ]
Listening to RP, but wanted to hear a CD through new speakers which arrived yesterday.  Went to the collection, pulled out Beth's Central Reservation album, and while I had it in my hand Bill announces " .. and now for some Beth Orton".

The music spirits work in mysterious ways....
Posted 5 years ago by trekker308    [ Reply ]
I think this was the first song I heard from Beth Orton.   Beautifully Depressing song  like some of Sarah Mclachlan's  songs.
    (I don't think you can post more than once on any song here  so.......@thewiseking     BARK!!!    for JB
Posted 6 years ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
a little Jackson Browne shout out?
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
its exactly how its supposed to sound...and feel
Posted 10 years ago by Mike_S    [ Reply ]

H's in the middle of most words........of course, why not?

BTW, That's not a Brihitish affectation, purehally allhall hers.


Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Maybe this is undeserved, but Beth Orton strikes me as the poor man's Sarah McLaughlin. Kinda like what Gwen stefani is to pop music - similar to the good stuff, but lacking a little something in class.. 
Posted 10 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
 Sorcha wrote:
Is it just too much trouble for female (in particular) singers to ENUNCIATE their own lyrics?  Don't they want their listeners to appreciate the words they slaved over?  Guess not....
 

Give me a song with feeling over a test of diction any day.


Posted 10 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
Ugh. This album reminds me of when my husband was on a ventilator with West Nile virus. I spent hours listening to this, among others, since it had just come out. 
 
Hope he's well now.  West Nile virus; there's not many in the US who've had that -- just over 37,000 in the 13 years from 1999 to 2012 -- and there's no real medicine to treat it.
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Is it just too much trouble for female (in particular) singers to ENUNCIATE their own lyrics?  Don't they want their listeners to appreciate the words they slaved over?  Guess not....
Posted 12 years ago by Sorcha    [ Reply ]
 Carl wrote:
"During live performances, Hope Sandoval prefers to sing in near-darkness with only a dim backlight, playing the tambourine, harmonica, glockenspiel or shaker.She is reputed to have a shy personality, and rarely interacts with the audience." Hmmm. (From the Wikipedia entry.)
 
  ?
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
"During live performances, Hope Sandoval prefers to sing in near-darkness with only a dim backlight, playing the tambourine, harmonica, glockenspiel or shaker.She is reputed to have a shy personality, and rarely interacts with the audience." Hmmm. (From the Wikipedia entry.)
Posted 12 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
Ugh. This album reminds me of when my husband was on a ventilator with West Nile virus. I spent hours listening to this, among others, since it had just come out. 
Posted 12 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Love her and love this song!
Posted 12 years ago by ratdog55    [ Reply ]
The subtle reflection in her vocals is British for those that find it disconcerting.  She is tops in my musical repertoire.
Posted 13 years ago by Larry_Rosenow    [ Reply ]
Beth of the extra syllables!  Love her voice.
Posted 13 years ago by unclelonghair    [ Reply ]
With Ryan Adams.
Posted 13 years ago by cyesp    [ Reply ]
Her songs feel a little like folk avant guard....keep them coming.
Posted 13 years ago by Larry_Rosenow    [ Reply ]
Is it too much to ask that they sing in time with each other?
Posted 13 years ago by sdn    [ Reply ]
 to_the_eleven wrote:
"and I ain't even done with the night"
 

That's it!  I need to read more comments.
Posted 14 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
The beginning of this song reminds me of a certain John Mellencamp song that I can't remember.  Like 'em both.
Posted 14 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]

Am grinding down my molars from irritation. Ick-ick-ick.
So am turning down the volume for a few minutes.
See you soon...


Posted 14 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
If you like her sound, check out some of the work she has done with the Chemical Brothers, which was where I found her.  It is obviously more "beat heavy," but she adds a very nice touch.
Posted 14 years ago by robbeek    [ Reply ]
I just love this women's voice............
Posted 14 years ago by moon15116    [ Reply ]
Another artist that RP introduced to me. Thanks again. 
Posted 14 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:

I respectfully disagree. I like her voice, it's strong and unique, and soulful. {#Sunny}

 
{#Yes}

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Wonderful! {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}{#Stop}
Posted 15 years ago by Mike_Sneade    [ Reply ]
 Mike_Sneade wrote:
Horrible. She cannot sing.{#Puke}
 

Of course she can sing! She's on tune and on rhythm. But I don't like her style, any more than you do. That catch in her voice irritates me. Oh well, each to his own...
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 Mike_Sneade wrote:
Horrible. She cannot sing.{#Puke}
 


Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. But, I think the majority would disagree with this one.
Posted 15 years ago by mibetter    [ Reply ]
 Mike_Sneade wrote:
Horrible. She cannot sing.
 
I respectfully disagree. I like her voice, it's strong and unique, and soulful. {#Sunny}

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
"and I ain't even done with the night"
Posted 15 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
Interestingly enough, Johnny Marr of The Smiths and (sadly) Modest Mouse has co-credit on this track.

I like Beth. Her singing is beautiful, and her prose is top-notch. What more can you ask for? {#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Horrible. She cannot sing.{#Puke}
Posted 15 years ago by Mike_Sneade    [ Reply ]
is this singing?
{#Puke}
Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
counter wrote:
Concrete Sky follows Wicheta Skyline follows Skyway follows Eye In The Sky... Coincidence? Maaybeee, but then again maybe not :)
Naw, it's just a coincidence. Sheesh, you conspiracy theorists... xoxox, c.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
this bores me even though i like beth. i don't like this tune..
Posted 16 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
The more I hear her stuff, the more it grows on me.
Posted 16 years ago by pallasathene82    [ Reply ]
would be better without the guy in the background not harmonizing.
Posted 16 years ago by Hinkamp    [ Reply ]
BETH is THE REAL DEAL.
Posted 16 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
DigitalJer wrote:
The more of Beth Orton I hear, the more I realize she's the real deal. . . a truly talented artist.
Yeah but she just had a kid. No more songs about stolen cars. Now it'll be muppets and shit.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
I like this very much quite cool IMO
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
I saw her last summer at the Calvin theatre in Northampton, MA. Great concert totally ruined by the guy sitting behind us who screamed out in betwwen every song.... "Concrete Sky, Play Concrete Sky". I cannot here this song with out thinking of him.
Posted 17 years ago by heidig    [ Reply ]
The more of Beth Orton I hear, the more I realize she's the real deal...a truly talented artist.
Posted 17 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
eman wrote:
What...a frickin' voice...
Yes, she sounds like an italian reverend mother demanding for pasta.
Posted 17 years ago by MaryDidit    [ Reply ]
Had to escape from Mrs Brown on LRC, thanx Beth for bein' here just when I needed you Lovely song too!
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
What...a frickin' voice...
Posted 18 years ago by eman    [ Reply ]
Beth's voice is like a full tube of KY on romantic evening...sorry had to get away from the food metephors...was getting hungry!
Posted 18 years ago by Duluoz    [ Reply ]
Love this, and love that Ryan sings back-up. Two of my favorites in one song...yum!
Posted 18 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
Lazy8 wrote:
Beth's voice is like a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate on a cold day. I guess that makes Ryan Adams the little marshmallows floating around in it, except I don't like marshmallows...
More turds, methinks. But Beth's still cocoa. Or butter. Maybe cocoa butter. Dang, your metaphor disease has afflicted me! Still a likeable tune.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Beth's voice is syruppy but it has a sort of edge to it that I quite like. Solid tune.
Posted 18 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
This is an excellent example of a song I don't dis-like, but I wouldn't look up from my work to see what it was if I hadn't been on the cornputer already. I do kinda like it, and I'm glad I listen to RP to hear stuff like this that I wouldn't hear otherwise.
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Beth's voice is like a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate on a cold day. I guess that makes Ryan Adams the little marshmallows floating around in it, except I don't like marshmallows...maybe Ryan's voice is the shot of rum that warms you up inside. Except Beth's voice is the intoxicating one. And I like a little cinnamon in my hot chocolate, but nobody else does. Help, my metaphor is sinking! But this is still very good.
Posted 19 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
love beth.. i prefer central reservation, but everytime i hear beth's voice i feel good..
Posted 19 years ago by ale    [ Reply ]
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
i like this but (another but) the emotion doesn't seem to be there. Trailer Park is my favorite too...just fantastic work!
Agreed. :nodhead: Trailer Park remains her best work. The tracks on Daybreaker, including this one, seem so "by the numbers".
Posted 19 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
love her alone; love her with backup
Posted 19 years ago by RPsavedme    [ Reply ]
rpm wrote:
stop that freak singing back vocal! he ruins the song
Guess you're not a fan of Mr. Adams. I came to post to mention how much I like Beth's singing with Ryan Adams behind her. Very nice...
Posted 19 years ago by bobringer    [ Reply ]
Ever since I saw her smoking on stage and realized her voice was headin' towards what Joni Mitchell did to hers I have always felt sad for her... Seen her 4 times, love her, Trailer Park will always be my favorite...
Posted 19 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
sublime
Posted 19 years ago by Hopedaddy    [ Reply ]
:whip:
Posted 19 years ago by trancefussion    [ Reply ]
:sunny.gif:
Posted 20 years ago by Skeletor    [ Reply ]
DaWiz wrote:
the lyrics are "save my asshole... I think I'm falling in..."?
...I *think* it's " save my-y soul, I think I'm falli-in'" artistic punctuation is a tricky critter!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Concrete Sky follows Wicheta Skyline follows Skyway follows Eye In The Sky... Coincidence? Maaybeee, but then again maybe not :)
Posted 20 years ago by counter    [ Reply ]
the lyrics are "save my asshole... I think I'm falling in..."?
Posted 20 years ago by DaWiz    [ Reply ]
stop that freak singing back vocal! he ruins the song
Posted 20 years ago by rpm    [ Reply ]
The more I hear of Beth Orton the more I like her singing. She has a song on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack that I believe she did with the Chemical Brothers that is terrific. "Coffee Cup" or the title is something like that. Anyway, it is pretty aggressive techno, but her voice mellows out the heavy instrumentals.
Posted 20 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
That's three "8"s in a row. Can we go for four? C'mon Bill!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
llazare wrote:
Actually, that's one of the things I like about Beth, she does make some pop music, but (at least in my opinion) there are three different Beth Ortons: The Ben Watt produced Pop writer The Chemical Bros./William Orbit trance writer and the Sandy Denny-like sad/introspective Beth Orton. I actually tend to like version number 3 the best, and frankly I'm impressed that given all the hype she got since "Central Reservation", that she continued to produce all three aspects of her music. It would have been easy for her to go the pop route.
I realize that this is an old posting, but I'm curious...which of her CDs might reflect the #2 Beth? I am a Chemical Brothers, and especially William Orbit freak. I love Beth's voice and can't wait to see what you recommend.
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
There's a theme going on today. Four songs in a row: Eye In The Sky - Jonatha Brooke, Skyway - The Replacements, Witchita Sky - Shawn Colvin and Concrete Sky - Beth Orton. Wonder what may be next...
Posted 20 years ago by pummisher    [ Reply ]
Today is Beth Orton day? There're had been a lot of Beth Orton's songs... This is a good song anyway...
Posted 20 years ago by qosforever    [ Reply ]
Beth Orton is a hottie!
Posted 20 years ago by JokesandJokesandJokes    [ Reply ]
I find that I either really like or really dislike Beth Orton songs, and I think it depends on how prominently her voice is featured. Her voice is like a spice, I am thinking particularly of the Indian spice asafoetida: very pungent, and the dividing line between a unique, interesting result and a mess catastrophically dominated by an unpleasant sensation is very thin indeed. It's never bland, though.
Posted 20 years ago by collinsr    [ Reply ]
good song from a great album
Posted 20 years ago by BoFiS    [ Reply ]
Makes you want to curl up in a blanket with an open bottle of wine and watch the rain.
That is perfect!
Posted 21 years ago by istanbulbaby    [ Reply ]
Little_Big_Hair wrote:
I like the song, BUT(there's always a but), sounds like she's trying to replicate Natalie Merchant's vocal style on many of her songs.
I must agree. I thought it sounded kinda like her too, only her voice isn't nearly as pretty
Posted 21 years ago by christy    [ Reply ]
so beautiful. cant get enough Beth Orton! supercool.
Posted 21 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
Concrete Song. :roll:
Posted 21 years ago by TheWizardOfUhs    [ Reply ]
I think if I heard her busking with an acoustic guitar in some tube station, I\'d think she was the best thing since sliced bread, but every time I hear her stuff it seems like it\'s stapled together out of bits and bobs. I don\'t think her songs are strong enough to survive the production they undergo.
Posted 21 years ago by missjanuary    [ Reply ]
Lovely.
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]
i finally took this album out of my cd player this morning because i CANNOT get this song out of my head and now it\'s back. dang! :p
Posted 22 years ago by jpalembas    [ Reply ]
I just love the harmony in this song. Unfortunately, none of the other tracks I\'ve heard from her new CD match this one.
Posted 22 years ago by Scott    [ Reply ]
Ryan Adams and Beth Orton, what a great track. Wish the rest of her new album matched up to this one.
Posted 22 years ago by Atrail    [ Reply ]
Yes. I continue to recognize the brilliance in song writing and arrangement in Beth\'s work.
Posted 22 years ago by Mot    [ Reply ]
Lovely, lovely. This song is making me very happy right now, on this rainy Friday in Albany! I\'m so thankful a friend turned me on to Beth Orton about 4 years ago... haven\'t heard anything by her that I haven\'t liked.
Posted 22 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
I think this is my favorite song of 2002. this song always makes me stop whatever i am doing and listen...
Posted 22 years ago by civ_pro    [ Reply ]
Actually, that's one of the things I like about Beth, she does make some pop music, but (at least in my opinion) there are three different Beth Ortons: The Ben Watt produced Pop writer The Chemical Bros./William Orbit trance writer and the Sandy Denny-like sad/introspective Beth Orton. I actually tend to like version number 3 the best, and frankly I'm impressed that given all the hype she got since "Central Reservation", that she continued to produce all three aspects of her music. It would have been easy for her to go the pop route.
Originally Posted by Nikk0: Not bad, though it has a mellower, poppier sound that her previous efforts.
Posted 22 years ago by llazare    [ Reply ]
Excited to hear Beth Orton coming from somewhere besides my own CD changer.
Posted 22 years ago by soulspin    [ Reply ]
Not bad, though it has a mellower, poppier sound that her previous efforts.
Posted 22 years ago by Nikk0    [ Reply ]