1 Topic by Curby (edited by Curby 2023-12-08 14:37:58)

  • Curby
  • Curby
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Topic: The Coral

With this being the 43rd anniversary of John Lennon's passing in NYC, I thought the band The Coral should have their own thread here.  BansheeUK alerted me long ago and posted quite a few mentions of this unique Liverpool band.
There is definitely a Beatles influence going through their music, but not quite plagiarizing openly.  I think John and Paul would really dig this band.
Their Sea of Mirrors deluxe release is..... well fabulous.  The skiffle sessions are unbelievable takes on some of the album's best songs.  The highlight song imho is "Faraway Worlds".  Dreamy is my word to describe something like this masterpiece.

https://youtu.be/s8lYMem3qX4?si=_X6OBSr4gYpM3TgG

  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
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Re: The Coral

Over the last 25 years or so, there have been a number of Liverpool "scouse" bands that seem to have slipped under the "brit-pop" radar dominated by the likes of Manchester's Oasis and London's Blur. Bands that really kicked things off like the short-lived The La's who, when Lee Mathers folded due to disillusionment became Cast.

And then along came the Skelly brothers, Ian & James and just turned things on their heads, and did what they wanted, regardless of any genre boundaries. In 1996, school-friends Ian Skelly and Paul Duffy began jamming together in the basement of Flat Foot Sams pub in Hoylake. Over the following months they were joined by Bill Ryder-Jones on lead guitar, Ian's older brother James Skelly on vocals and main songwriting duties, and then Lee Southall on rhythm guitar. The band were known briefly as Hive before choosing the name "The Coral", and the line-up was completed with the addition of Nick Power, who joined as keyboard player in 1998. All six original members were attending Hilbre High School when the band formed. Power attended Calday Grange Grammar.

Since then, they've recorded: -
The Coral (2002)
Magic and Medicine (2003)
Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker (2004)
The Invisible Invasion (2005)
Roots & Echoes (2007)
Butterfly House (2010)
The Curse of Love (2014)
Distance Inbetween (2016)
Move Through the Dawn (2018)
Coral Island (2021)
Sea of Mirrors (2023)
Holy Joe's Coral Island Medicine Show (2023)

In no sort of order: -
Wild Bird - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_7oKmoq-JI
Bill McCai - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOOgUuNPS9I
Pass It On - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17HzPpyKjfc
Remember When - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk6SQREnuXo
In The Morning - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KErHjXpsfwA
Chasing The Tail of A Dream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJnFFHsbAYI

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • Curby
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Re: The Coral

Believe it or not I've gone on a binge gathering their albums.  I've ordered the companion to Sea of Mirrors.  Btw, the link I posted is the album version of "Faraway Worlds" not the Gaz Coombes remix which is the one I wanted instead.
I also couldn't get The Coral Sea album.  Very rare.
Listened and bought James Skelly's album.  Also listen to his brother Ian's solo release.  Both very good.

Curious which album is your favorite album.  I think mine would be the new one with their first album second.

  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
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Re: The Coral

Curby wrote:

Believe it or not I've gone on a binge gathering their albums.  I've ordered the companion to Sea of Mirrors.  Btw, the link I posted is the album version of "Faraway Worlds" not the Gaz Coombes remix which is the one I wanted instead.
I also couldn't get The Coral Sea album.  Very rare.
Listened and bought James Skelly's album.  Also listen to his brother Ian's solo release.  Both very good.

Curious which album is your favorite album.  I think mine would be the new one with their first album second.

It's actually my partner who the bigger Coral fan. sticking my neck out though, Distance Inbetween is the album that got me hooked, followed by Roots & Echoes but Coral Island & Sea of Mirrors are outstanding.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • gary
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Re: The Coral

Thanks Curbs for posting this and Bandshee.
I checked out a few of the You Tube songs.
Kind of a interesting fun band.
  A little off my normal style I listen  too but its good

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
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Re: The Coral

In the Spring (March/April 2024) there's a touring 12 date "Intimate Evening of music and conversation" with singer James Skelly and keyboardist Nick Power.

The Coral are celebrating the 21st anniversary of their eponymous debut album, described by NME as being the funniest and most refreshing British debut in years. In this intimate evening, singer and songwriter James Skelly will be joined by keyboardist Nick Power for an evening of conversation, audience questions and acoustic songs. The Coral's eponymous debut album remains a totemic release

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...