A mixed review for a mixed single
04/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Easter Theatre the title track of this CD single deserves 5 stars. The original demo is...less blessed. It sounds identical to the final version in terms of arrangement, etc. Perhaps I was expecting something a little different. I would much rather have heard an acoustic demo.The last track is terrific and funny as hell. Partridge explains the origin of the song, Easter and the tounge in cheek Christian references that pop up throughout the song. It would have been a little more fun if Colin could have given his opinion (since they usually are good at poking fun at one another) and, yes, even the "evil" Dave former guitar player, arranger extrordinare would have been fun to hear from. Not that that was likely to happen in this lifetime.Altogether 5 stars but, again, guys if the demos sound so much like the final version give us something different--like an acoustic version, or, better yet, some of the live recordings from your last radio tour.Oh, and Andy, don't put all your chocolate eggs in one basket. Only Yoking!"
Peer into the creative process of Andy Partridge
Cubro | New York, NY | 10/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stunning really. Andy records to tape his musings in his garden shed and explains how two completely independent thought processes come together to make the song Easter Theater. Essentially he weds a melody that he noodled in his brain a dozen years ago with a piece that he's currently crafting. As he struggles, blocked over where to bring his work of that day, he spontaneously recalls this earlier phrasing and the two come together in a song that climbs, soars and now transforms into a wonderfully complete piece. Really a spectacular feat.Humorous, self-deprecating, all-to-human, brilliant. He walks us through his associations to sounds, rhythms, feelings, the elements of seasons and simple but deeply rooted Enlish rites and cultural icons that somehow come together in this beautiful song.Invite me in that shed any day Andy. Marvelous."
Track Listings (3) - Disc #1