Bat for Lashes — Glass
Album: Two SunsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2087
Length: 4:30
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I will rise now,
and go about the city
in the streets, and in broad ways
I will seek him
whom my soul loveth
Went over the sea,
What did I find?
A thousand crystal towers
A hundred emerald cities
And the hand of the watchman
In the night sky
Points to my beloved
A knight in crystal armour
And I tried to hold him
I tried for the cream
I'll make a suit of colours
To stop the blinding mirrors
Sew a cape of rainbow
Stifle up the beam
With the perfect armour
With the perfect dream
To be made of glass!
When two suns are shining
The battle becomes blinding
To be made of glass!
But we're light and light and light
and light and light!
And from two suns spinning
At two different speeds
Was born a hot white diamond
Burning through the rainbow
Flames fell into orbit
To hold eternally
Two heavenly spirits
That just wouldn't see
To be made of glass!
When two suns are shining
The battle becomes blinding
To be made of glass!
But we're light and light and light
and light and light!
Hey, oh
Hey, oh oh oh
Hey, oh
Hey, oh oh oh
Hey, oh
Hey oh oh oh
and go about the city
in the streets, and in broad ways
I will seek him
whom my soul loveth
Went over the sea,
What did I find?
A thousand crystal towers
A hundred emerald cities
And the hand of the watchman
In the night sky
Points to my beloved
A knight in crystal armour
And I tried to hold him
I tried for the cream
I'll make a suit of colours
To stop the blinding mirrors
Sew a cape of rainbow
Stifle up the beam
With the perfect armour
With the perfect dream
To be made of glass!
When two suns are shining
The battle becomes blinding
To be made of glass!
But we're light and light and light
and light and light!
And from two suns spinning
At two different speeds
Was born a hot white diamond
Burning through the rainbow
Flames fell into orbit
To hold eternally
Two heavenly spirits
That just wouldn't see
To be made of glass!
When two suns are shining
The battle becomes blinding
To be made of glass!
But we're light and light and light
and light and light!
Hey, oh
Hey, oh oh oh
Hey, oh
Hey, oh oh oh
Hey, oh
Hey oh oh oh
Comments (320)add comment
It often happens, here at RP, a song kidnaps you, searching in the depths of your memory and nothing is so similar-----------------------
jpfueler wrote:
The girl I saw drumming this for a live in studio kcrw(?) vid was very, very good.
The GIRL?? Fuck off with that misogynist bullshit...
The girl I saw drumming this for a live in studio kcrw(?) vid was very, very good.
The GIRL?? Fuck off with that misogynist bullshit...
It's too bad this song is almost 15 years old and Bat For Lashes has kind of faded out. I kind of think her career might have done better using a stage name instead of what sounds like a garage band name.
Eric_Denison wrote:
Sarah Jones on Tiny Desk (oh, and Harry Styles too...)
Sarah Jones is one hell of a drummer.
Sarah Jones on Tiny Desk (oh, and Harry Styles too...)
scrubbrush wrote:
The female vocalist and heavy drumming brings memories of Kate Bush song
I like the drumming! That's a helluva beat.
The female vocalist and heavy drumming brings memories of Kate Bush song
Love it
rkread wrote:
I like Radio Paradise, and I like that it is largely a positive (virtual) place and try to affirm that when commenting, but I've got to speak up here.
The constant implication that there is such limited room for woman artists is so exhausting and demoralizing. To dismiss her so nonchalantly and then turn the topic to her looks and imply that's the reason for her success is so dismissive, casually dehumanizing, and evidence we still have a long way to go. People are so blind to their unconscious biases.
Fortunately 12 years after this inane and casually misogynistic comment, Natasha Khan is still hard at work, has had a great career, and this particular album really holds up.
Be better, people.
Thank you. What does she offer that Sara McLaughlin and Kate Bush have not already given us? Maybe it's the looks-like-she-stepped-out-of-a-Mark-Ryden-painting thing.
zipper wrote:
I like Radio Paradise, and I like that it is largely a positive (virtual) place and try to affirm that when commenting, but I've got to speak up here.
The constant implication that there is such limited room for woman artists is so exhausting and demoralizing. To dismiss her so nonchalantly and then turn the topic to her looks and imply that's the reason for her success is so dismissive, casually dehumanizing, and evidence we still have a long way to go. People are so blind to their unconscious biases.
Fortunately 12 years after this inane and casually misogynistic comment, Natasha Khan is still hard at work, has had a great career, and this particular album really holds up.
Be better, people.
snowcone wrote:
The girl I saw drumming this for a live in studio kcrw(?) vid was very, very good.
Captivating track this, percussion is on point.
The girl I saw drumming this for a live in studio kcrw(?) vid was very, very good.
Any suggestions what or whom the 'two suns' and 'a hot white diamond' are? Can there be greatness without suffering?
Captivating track this, percussion is on point.
Great! Nice voice! I never heard of he before. Thank You RP!
This album cover is pure art
Eric_Denison wrote:
Actually I was wrong. I know, it's possible. The studio drummer on this was Alex Thomas. Sarah Jones was the touring drummer. Both of them are brilliant!
Sarah Jones is one hell of a drummer.
Actually I was wrong. I know, it's possible. The studio drummer on this was Alex Thomas. Sarah Jones was the touring drummer. Both of them are brilliant!
lattalo wrote:
...and a touch of Bjork!
I was trying to think who this artist reminds me of, then it occurred to me, Annie Lennox.
Especially in the early years.
...and a touch of Bjork!
Proclivities wrote:
To me, this song sounds very little like either of those artists at all - not her voice, and certainly not the musical arrangement. Although to some people who post in these threads, all female singers sound alike.
Indeed. There seems to be a cohort of (most certainly) males whose ability to hear somehow cannot distinguish one female voice from another, and they really don't like any of them. What this means is unclear, but the comments over the years seem pretty clear on this.
To me, this song sounds very little like either of those artists at all - not her voice, and certainly not the musical arrangement. Although to some people who post in these threads, all female singers sound alike.
Indeed. There seems to be a cohort of (most certainly) males whose ability to hear somehow cannot distinguish one female voice from another, and they really don't like any of them. What this means is unclear, but the comments over the years seem pretty clear on this.
Blat for Ashes. She's done better. A lot better
scrubbrush wrote:
Showed a coworker a vid of her doing this "live" (KCRW?).
"Oh, a girl drummer!"
"Wow, she's good!"
I like the drumming! That's a helluva beat.
Showed a coworker a vid of her doing this "live" (KCRW?).
"Oh, a girl drummer!"
"Wow, she's good!"
Moev Zimmerkampf?
rkread wrote:
To me, this song sounds very little like either of those artists at all - not her voice, and certainly not the musical arrangement. Although to some people who post in these threads, all female singers sound alike.
Thank you. What does she offer that Sara McLaughlin and Kate Bush have not already given us? Maybe it's the looks-like-she-stepped-out-of-a-Mark-Ryden-painting thing.
To me, this song sounds very little like either of those artists at all - not her voice, and certainly not the musical arrangement. Although to some people who post in these threads, all female singers sound alike.
Sarah Jones is one hell of a drummer.
The drums remind me of Danny Carey (my favorite drummer).
Interesting bio, inspired by Squash
Don’t know exactly why, but this cover immediately made me think of this cover.
I like the drumming! That's a helluva beat.
WOW, fantastic range and control, what a voice!
Very nice
..or maybe Pat Benatar, We Live For Love ThePoose wrote:
She listens to Kate Bush + Bjork
ThePoose wrote:
...and hopefully a couple of others?
She listens to Kate Bush + Bjork
...and hopefully a couple of others?
She listens to Kate Bush + Bjork
Raphael303 wrote:
Agree completely! Is she fro the North?
Sounds so much like björk.
Agree completely! Is she fro the North?
Sounds so much like björk.
rdo wrote:
The same sensor resides in my head, iykwimaityd
When I look at her and I listen to Natasha sing it brings back memories of (rest of comment deleted by censor)
The same sensor resides in my head, iykwimaityd
pixel-pusher wrote:
To quote a former coworker, "hey! A real drummer! And it's a girl!"
The drumming is what makes it for me.
Oh, her voice is fantastic, but there are many fantastic singers out there. But it's the drumming that makes this song incredible.
Oh, her voice is fantastic, but there are many fantastic singers out there. But it's the drumming that makes this song incredible.
To quote a former coworker, "hey! A real drummer! And it's a girl!"
The drumming is what makes it for me.
Oh, her voice is fantastic, but there are many fantastic singers out there. But it's the drumming that makes this song incredible.
Oh, her voice is fantastic, but there are many fantastic singers out there. But it's the drumming that makes this song incredible.
She has better tunes. This was dull.
Can't get to this. Art school band, to my ear. Not good.
She does smile occaisionally:
Interesting sound & feel to this.
Anyone know how they came by the name 'Bat For Lashes'?
Are they related to 'Bowling For Soup' me wonders . . ?
Anyone know how they came by the name 'Bat For Lashes'?
Are they related to 'Bowling For Soup' me wonders . . ?
Strong 9 for this tune. Love the voice, the mood, especially the drums, the lyrics... one of my favorite songs of 2009 (discovered in 2011 here in RP). And above this, the singer looks pretty.
I think this was a better sound for them
BillG wrote:
Hmmm. The censor in your mind? Must be...
correct, it was X-rated
sorry
Hmmm. The censor in your mind? Must be...
correct, it was X-rated
sorryCan't stand ANYTHING by them.... just terrible
rdo wrote:
Hmmm. The censor in your mind? Must be...
When I look at her and I listen to Natasha sing it brings back memories of (rest of comment deleted by censor)
Hmmm. The censor in your mind? Must be...
When I look at her and I listen to Natasha sing it brings back memories of (rest of comment deleted by censor)
Very femme fatale...love it!
Clearly with you being a Neil Young person, my music tastes could never match your definition of "stylish sounds".
Stingray wrote:
Smiling!
You made clear that "stylish sounds" are no headline in your book.
Stingray wrote:
Smiling!
You made clear that "stylish sounds" are no headline in your book.
fredriley wrote:
Many thanks Mr. fred, this article was neat and worthwhile!
An interesting article was published in yesterday's Guardian about the 'rise of the wild she-wolves', grouping BfL, Florence and the Machine, Kate Bush and others. Worth a read IMO.
Many thanks Mr. fred, this article was neat and worthwhile!
TJS wrote:
I live in a church now... everybody in my church loves this song... we be a bunch of holy people...
Just out of curiousity, who is in your hotel room?
I live in a church now... everybody in my church loves this song... we be a bunch of holy people...
stevendejong wrote:
hear hear
I see that I still agree with myself 6 months ago: this is absolutely awful.
hear hear
I see that I still agree with myself 6 months ago: this is absolutely awful.
Really like the drumming on this...
Cynaera wrote:
Miss you, Cynaera...
love this song...
The more I hear this, the more I like it. It's one of those songs that dances through my dreams like a spirit. Come to think of it, there are a LOT of songs I'm hearing on RP that have that effect on me.
I must be getting senile.
I must be getting senile.
Miss you, Cynaera...
love this song...
Ew. All that sighing, squeaking, incomprehensible pronounciation.
Kate Bush influence....
jpfueler wrote:
showed a co-worker the video of this and his fisrt words were " Wow, A real drummer, not a drum machine.....and a girl too"
Again this song comes on and I am pounding away on my desk. WHAT A DRUM BEAT! Cool it is a female drumer.
showed a co-worker the video of this and his fisrt words were " Wow, A real drummer, not a drum machine.....and a girl too"
Again this song comes on and I am pounding away on my desk. WHAT A DRUM BEAT! Cool it is a female drumer.
valeriogonzalez wrote:
Sounds nothing like the Cranberries . . Both female vocalists, thats about it. Dolores is a lot rougher and less melodic
Sounds like The Cranberries 
Sounds nothing like the Cranberries . . Both female vocalists, thats about it. Dolores is a lot rougher and less melodic
Sounds like The Cranberries
Interesting percussion. Got my attention.
renegade_X wrote:
showed a co-worker the video of this and his fisrt words were " Wow, A real drummer, not a drum machine.....and a girl too"
I love her voice, but the awesome drum beats in this song overpowers everything. Great stuff
showed a co-worker the video of this and his fisrt words were " Wow, A real drummer, not a drum machine.....and a girl too"
Maybe it is the fact that it was 3;35 on a Friday, and now it's 3;49 on a Monday,,,,,,but I'm not really feeling the bjorky thing right now.
romeotuma wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
Just out of curiousity, who is in your hotel room?
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
Just out of curiousity, who is in your hotel room?
hmmmmm it's bjorky,,,,but nicer
Nice to hear voice synchronization with drumps' rhythms, take a break...
Love this song. Great mood to it.
I love her voice, but the awesome drum beats in this song overpowers everything. Great stuff
This song is not only loved by those who inhabit hotel rooms............ :>
A really solid album overall - worth getting.
Unusual composition. Seems to work.
meinthecorner wrote:
Not a problem, keep it tuned here and sit for a couple of hours, you will hear it guaranteed.
Gets a WOW! Must hear more, please!
Not a problem, keep it tuned here and sit for a couple of hours, you will hear it guaranteed.
nice! especially love the drums and the bass.
Gets a WOW! Must hear more, please!
Off the charts!
She showed some good stuff on Fur and Gold, but THIS record has some absolute STUNNERS, to be sure — and this is one of them. Exquisite, ethereal voice, coupled with impeccable and unique musical arrangement, and appropriate spookiness for desired effect. She's a master! Thanks, RP for turning me onto her!
Love it, amazing voice, love the drums too
Makes me think of Björk
Good
lovely segue from Beethoven.
An interesting article was published in yesterday's Guardian about the 'rise of the wild she-wolves', grouping BfL, Florence and the Machine, Kate Bush and others. Worth a read IMO.
fredriley wrote:
....the stupendous drumming and the singer's hair-raising voice. 8 from the goose-pimpled Nottingham jury.
Good call! I also love the way the song dies out at the end with just the drum and voice, and then the voice alone.
....the stupendous drumming and the singer's hair-raising voice. 8 from the goose-pimpled Nottingham jury.
Good call! I also love the way the song dies out at the end with just the drum and voice, and then the voice alone.
gigikent wrote:
You gotta be kidding, this is a great song, and a great group! Probably just not your style.....
everytime i hear this i give it a +1, so Bill would better put in an 11 in there soon :)
You gotta be kidding, this is a great song, and a great group! Probably just not your style.....
I love the certainlty and conviction of the way she sings.
joe-1 wrote:
Sarah Jones is HER name and she's awesome.
By the way, HBO has to include this song in the next season of Game Of Thrones! They just have to.
I'd go for Holly Madge's awesomeness (see the drummers on the Lexus CT200h promo - if it's UK only, shame).
Game of Thrones - the production was working a location from a base behind my home again this week. Must try to catch it on the box.
Sarah Jones is HER name and she's awesome.
By the way, HBO has to include this song in the next season of Game Of Thrones! They just have to.
I'd go for Holly Madge's awesomeness (see the drummers on the Lexus CT200h promo - if it's UK only, shame).
Game of Thrones - the production was working a location from a base behind my home again this week. Must try to catch it on the box.
gigikent wrote:
Smiling!
You made clear that "stylish sounds" are no headline in your book.
everytime i hear this i give it a +1, so Bill would better put in an 11 in there soon :)
Smiling!
You made clear that "stylish sounds" are no headline in your book.
OUTSTANDING IN ANY REGARD!
The very beginning of this song never fails to remind me of the beginning of King Crimson's "In The Wake of Poseidon"
Does anyone else hear this, or is it just me?
Does anyone else hear this, or is it just me?
pixel-pusher wrote:
I listened to this album in its entirety a few days back on a long car journey, and it was clear to me that it's what used to be known as a 'concept album' and is telling a tale about someone, but I couldn't figure out who. The songs seem to be from the viewpoint of a particular figure and move from youthful enthusiasm and idealism (hence the "girl-fantasy" lyrics) to old age and maturity, implying a life journey, but the lyrics were pretty obscure so I couldn't quite figure out what/who the album is about. Any BfL fans on here know?
This is far and away the best track on the album, IMO, and is made by the stupendous drumming and the singer's hair-raising voice. 8 from the goose-pimpled Nottingham jury.
The lyrics are typical girl-fantasy "crystal towers, emerald cities, crystal armor" fantasy-novel fare, but her voice is incredible.
I listened to this album in its entirety a few days back on a long car journey, and it was clear to me that it's what used to be known as a 'concept album' and is telling a tale about someone, but I couldn't figure out who. The songs seem to be from the viewpoint of a particular figure and move from youthful enthusiasm and idealism (hence the "girl-fantasy" lyrics) to old age and maturity, implying a life journey, but the lyrics were pretty obscure so I couldn't quite figure out what/who the album is about. Any BfL fans on here know?
This is far and away the best track on the album, IMO, and is made by the stupendous drumming and the singer's hair-raising voice. 8 from the goose-pimpled Nottingham jury.
everytime i hear this i give it a +1, so Bill would better put in an 11 in there soon :)
joe-1 wrote:
Sarah Jones is HER name and she's awesome.
I'm not gonna say this to be sexist, but this is by far the best female drummer I've ever heard and as good or better than some of the best guys. The style is unusual, beat is complex, and timing impeccable.
Yep, she's awesome.
Edit: Not that it matters, but she's hot too.
Sarah Jones is HER name and she's awesome.
I'm not gonna say this to be sexist, but this is by far the best female drummer I've ever heard and as good or better than some of the best guys. The style is unusual, beat is complex, and timing impeccable.
Yep, she's awesome.
Edit: Not that it matters, but she's hot too.
Words cannot express the fingernail on chalkboard pain this woman's voice sends through my head....must run to mute button....can I make it??
pixel-pusher wrote:
Sarah Jones is HER name and she's awesome.
By the way, HBO has to include this song in the next season of Game Of Thrones! They just have to.
The lyrics are typical girl-fantasy "crystal towers, emerald cities, crystal armor" fantasy-novel fare, but her voice is incredible. The music is quite dramatic (the hauntingly-out-of-tune autoharp adds a nice spooky touch), but the drummer is phenomenal! I've spent many listenings air-drumming to this to get this unique drumming style into my hands. Anybody know his name?
Sarah Jones is HER name and she's awesome.
By the way, HBO has to include this song in the next season of Game Of Thrones! They just have to.
The lyrics are typical girl-fantasy "crystal towers, emerald cities, crystal armor" fantasy-novel fare, but her voice is incredible. The music is quite dramatic (the hauntingly-out-of-tune autoharp adds a nice spooky touch), but the drummer is phenomenal! I've spent many listenings air-drumming to this to get this unique drumming style into my hands. Anybody know his name?
I love the combination of the tribal, raw drums and the whole medieval tone of this song. Very very emotional. Gives me the shivers every time I hear it. Great song!
greid wrote:
I do too. Of course this not an example of that, but I get what you are saying.
I love alternate music - something creative and whimsical. This does it for me.
I do too. Of course this not an example of that, but I get what you are saying.
I loved this when I first heard it
Now I'm not so sure.. There's something dead/dull about it
Now I'm not so sure.. There's something dead/dull about it
I love alternate music - something creative and whimsical. This does it for me.
7 for the CD cover, 5 for the song.
run4more wrote:
Granted the drums are superb, but how about that voice? Great range, great pipes!
I was going to say to kick out everything except the drums. But then it would just be a drum solo wouldn't it? I honestly don't know which way to go on this after repeated listens—like the drums, don't like the vocals, listen intently each time but wouldn't buy it, etc., etc... This song may become my biggest enigma.
Granted the drums are superb, but how about that voice? Great range, great pipes!
Makes me want to grab my cape and padded sword
What a fantastic song! I have not heard it for a long time now. And yea... I am also a friend of the drums. Great Idea.
run4more wrote:
the drums make the song, agreed.
I was going to say to kick out everything except the drums. But then it would just be a drum solo wouldn't it? I honestly don't know which way to go on this after repeated listens—like the drums, don't like the vocals, listen intently each time but wouldn't buy it, etc., etc... This song may become my biggest enigma.
the drums make the song, agreed.
I was going to say to kick out everything except the drums. But then it would just be a drum solo wouldn't it? I honestly don't know which way to go on this after repeated listens—like the drums, don't like the vocals, listen intently each time but wouldn't buy it, etc., etc... This song may become my biggest enigma.
Great segue from Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" to this — love them both!
jlind wrote:
I liked it for a long time but I'm tired of hearing it. 7's about right.
I'm really suprised this isn't rated higher, it's a pretty unique style and something I'd expect this listener base to appriceate more.
I liked it for a long time but I'm tired of hearing it. 7's about right.
petesoper wrote:
Eh? I would regard this as among some of the most creative and excellent drumming I have heard. Not sure what is going on in your head.
The drummer is playing to the beat of a different drummer.
Eh? I would regard this as among some of the most creative and excellent drumming I have heard. Not sure what is going on in your head.
I'm really suprised this isn't rated higher, it's a pretty unique style and something I'd expect this listener base to appriceate more.
Time for the ol' Muterooni!
Saw this live on KCRW's "MBE" show. The drum licks are so tight. Bravo.
Very "La Femme Nikita"-ish.
I've been consistently impressed with the voices of Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes) and Florence (& the Machine) Welch. Two of a kind. 
Will be interesting to see how BFL progresses - right now . . . liking this
nerakdon wrote:
I'd say he marches to the beat of his own drummer. He keeps time with his companions though, so kudos to him, and to BillG for playing it.
Actually the drummer is a she. Sarah Jones drums for Bat For Lashes.
I'd say he marches to the beat of his own drummer. He keeps time with his companions though, so kudos to him, and to BillG for playing it.
Actually the drummer is a she. Sarah Jones drums for Bat For Lashes.
petesoper wrote:
I'd say he marches to the beat of his own drummer. He keeps time with his companions though, so kudos to him, and to BillG for playing it.
The drummer is playing to the beat of a different drummer.
I'd say he marches to the beat of his own drummer. He keeps time with his companions though, so kudos to him, and to BillG for playing it.
Mi piace Radio Paradise, e mi piace che sia in gran parte un luogo positivo (virtuale) e cerco di affermarlo quando commento, ma devo parlare qui.
La costante implicazione che ci sia uno spazio così limitato per le artiste è così estenuante e demoralizzante. Congedarla con tanta nonchalance e poi spostare l'argomento sul suo aspetto e implicare che questa sia la ragione del suo successo è così sprezzante, casualmente disumanizzante e prova che abbiamo ancora molta strada da fare. Le persone sono così cieche nei confronti dei loro pregiudizi inconsci.
Fortunatamente, 12 anni dopo questo commento insensato e casualmente misogino, Natasha Khan è ancora al lavoro, ha avuto una grande carriera e questo particolare album regge davvero.
Siate migliori, gente.
pensi che emozionarsi sia una cosa così comune? L'emozione è così rara... concentrati sui benefici dell'emozione se è così