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Vanessa Carlton => General Vanessa Carlton Discussion => Topic started by: beautydivine on November 08, 2011, 07:08:16 pm

Title: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: beautydivine on November 08, 2011, 07:08:16 pm
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hear-the-bells-ep/id479330900

Here is the official tracklist:  

1.       Do You Hear What I Hear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GpMfhbmmLM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
2.       Hear the Bells http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz26NzwUgR0 (thanks, Elinton, for uploading)
3.       Happy Xmas (War Is Over) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRhD5IlqD-A
4.       A Thousand Miles (Acoustic) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKMNNGfdFB0

What are you thoughts? Share!

** I notice that some people are deciding not to buy the EP, for whatever reason. So, I hope everyone gives it a chance and listens to the songs. I am hoping everyone eventually buys a copy. It only costs $3.99. That's dirt cheap. And V could use all the support she can get. If you're unable to buy on iTunes & Amazon, there will be links where you can download the entire EP. **
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: HearMyBells on November 08, 2011, 07:21:19 pm
1) Do you hear what I hear (PERFECT FOR HER & THE CHOIR : ) )
2) Silver Bells (Always loved the song and would fit her voice)
3) Winter Song (won't happen because its new from sara barielles & ingrid michaelson but would be SO FRESH)
4) Hope is born again (won't happen, but can hope : ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dXbubKSAo
5) A cool version of all i want for christmas is you
6-20) original songs haha
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: Manny on November 08, 2011, 08:24:42 pm

6-20) original songs haha

YES!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: AlexanderLaska on November 08, 2011, 09:01:19 pm
White Christmas, Chestnuts roasting... (I can't remember the actual name of that song, I think it's just "The Christmas Song"), Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, O Come All Ye Faithful

Oooh it would be cool if she did what Jewel has done with a few of her songs - she made Christmas versions of them, basically added bells and other christmasy things to make them sound more like the holidays.  That would be awesomeee.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: joey on November 08, 2011, 09:04:53 pm
This is so weird talking about Christmas songs and V. It reminds me of that introduction Stevie gave to Vanessa when they dueted Carousel. Stevie was talking about how V spent the holidays with her and when she asked her to play a holiday song, she said she didn't know any.

Well, now she has an entire EP to answer to that. ;-)

Is anyone thinking that the War is Over cover will have the children's choir again?
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: [sobriquet] on November 09, 2011, 02:03:02 am
1) Do You Hear What I Hear?
2) Carousel, this time with more sleigh bells and a different arrangement.
3) Silent Night
4) Carol of the Bells (Seriously, something haunting won't hurt, right?)
5) Little Drummer Boy


6-20) original songs haha

YES!

Of course!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: sarab on November 09, 2011, 02:16:49 am
I actually wouldn't want to hear any songs that are too traditional except maybe silent night.  I think her voice and style would really suite that song. Umm, what about dradle dradle dradle ? LOL
I think an original tune would be awesome.
I definitely thinkt he John Lennon song should be with a choir! I don't see why she wouldn't do it with one since the song has one in it.
I love White Christmas, that would be nice too.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: Arwen on November 09, 2011, 05:46:42 am
Someone mentioned it in another topic but I would really love it if she did of a cover of "Santa Baby." I think her voice would suit that song perfectly. I also love all of your suggestions! Especially the one about her a Christmassy version of Carousel! I'm not that really gung-ho about Christmas anymore, but I do still love Christmas music. I really hope that this album has a Vince Guaraldi "Charlie Brown's Christmas" feel to it!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: Onyx on November 09, 2011, 02:44:49 pm
Happy Xmas(the war is over) sounds soo pretty!!!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: initially_yours on November 09, 2011, 11:25:04 pm
I really hope that this album has a Vince Guaraldi "Charlie Brown's Christmas" feel to it!

Now that you mention it, it reminds me of how Vanessa's said she loves "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the music to it-- "Christmas Time is Here" would be a fantastic song for her, especially since I can see her having a lot of fun playing the piano for the song.  Also, it's a damn awesome song in it's own right too.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: lavender skies on November 10, 2011, 12:44:17 pm
I really hope Do You Hear What I Hear makes the cut and this EP for sure will come out this season.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: KULPDOGG on November 10, 2011, 01:23:33 pm
confirmed tracklist:

Hear The Bells EP set for release on November 21st, 2011

Hear The Bells Tracklisting:
1.) Do You Hear What I Hear?
2.) Hear The Bells
3.) Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
4.) A Thousand Miles (Acoustic)


happy xmas (war is over) .mp3 download here: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?1wntzj6gjbav683
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: beautydivine on November 10, 2011, 01:30:11 pm
confirmed tracklist:

Hear The Bells EP set for release on November 21st, 2011

Hear The Bells Tracklisting:
1.) Do You Hear What I Hear?
2.) Hear The Bells
3.) Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
4.) A Thousand Miles (Acoustic)

Thanks, KULPDOGG. That looks about right. Here's a site that confirms it: http://www.muenmagazine.net/2011/11/vanessa-carlton-to-release-new-digital-ep-hear-the-bells-on-november-21st/
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: Martin. on November 10, 2011, 01:59:29 pm
So what do we think of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"?!

LOVE IT!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP
Post by: Manny on November 10, 2011, 02:34:13 pm
I dont think "Hear the Bells" is the next single.  Its just the name of the "album"
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: HearMyBells on November 10, 2011, 02:51:36 pm
I'm thrilled! I just wish they weren't all "acoustic" I prefer studio recordings personally : )
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Nessaholic4Ever on November 10, 2011, 03:14:05 pm
This is cool. Any kind of new music from V, I'm happy with. And including Hear the Bells on it and naming the EP after the song is just another way of promoting Rabbits.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: cassiemoy on November 10, 2011, 03:29:21 pm
happy xmas is an AMAZING cover.

i am fucking shivering.

the choir is perfect.

and vanessa inflicts such a ... gentle melancholy to the cover, and it's beautiful.

also, really excited to have "a thousand miles." i know we have a thousand lot of recordings, but i want a perfect recording of the gentle, melancholy version.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: LauraH on November 10, 2011, 03:32:49 pm
Really? ATM? Again? Really? Ughhhh.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: HearMyBells on November 10, 2011, 03:34:39 pm
Really? ATM? Again? Really? Ughhhh.

I would love part of it to be rewritten : )
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: _all_is_well_ on November 10, 2011, 03:37:31 pm
LOVELY <3
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: beatriz on November 10, 2011, 03:38:12 pm
I really like that they named it "Hear the Bells", it makes sense haha.  
I just didn't like to see ATM in the list, I think we already have enough versions of this one and I'd prefer another cover (or a new song, of course).

Do we know what format it's going to be released?
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Manny on November 10, 2011, 04:00:12 pm
 ::) Its only a digital release and it sucks!!!


The way she sings ATM now its Amazing and better than the original song. so having it as an acoustic version wont hurt!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: fizzybubblespop on November 10, 2011, 04:00:17 pm
At first I was pretty "ugh" about more ATM, but I'm sure she wouldn't include it if she didn't have something special in mind. ;) I'm actually pretty excited about it now.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: VaderDawsn on November 10, 2011, 04:08:50 pm
I am glad VC is releasing a holiday ep. I wish she did a cover of Carol of the Bells.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: sarab on November 10, 2011, 04:29:51 pm
I like the cover too. I can't quite make out all the details but it looks cool
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: DriftingOverMe on November 10, 2011, 05:14:07 pm
I'm super stoked about this EP, Am I the only one that thinks she would do an amazing job at covering "Oh Holy night" With a children's choir? I dunno just a lovely thought. :)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Onyx on November 10, 2011, 05:47:41 pm
I'm super stoked about this EP, Am I the only one that thinks she would do an amazing job at covering "Oh Holy night" With a children's choir? I dunno just a lovely thought. :)
I was thinking the exact same thing!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Ghisy on November 11, 2011, 02:56:14 am
::) Its only a digital release and it sucks!!!

Agreed 10000%! I wish they'd make some kind of limited physical release. Digital EPs are just meh.

I'm still excited though, new music!!  ;D
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Pushglow on November 11, 2011, 03:43:01 am
Samples on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064Y4Y08/
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: maag on November 11, 2011, 05:14:31 am
I like the cover too. I can't quite make out all the details but it looks cool

I think the cover is how the sound of a bell would be pictured if you were under one.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Martin. on November 11, 2011, 07:09:16 am
Samples on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064Y4Y08/

Thanks for this!

"Hear the Bells" sounds amazing, "Do You Hear What I Hear" sounds like it's going to be lovely, and "A Thousand Miles" sounds...different. Good different, though. No piano? Interesting!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: fizzybubblespop on November 11, 2011, 07:09:31 am
Samples on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064Y4Y08/

Oh my goodness, I love these. The next ten days are going to be years for me.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: AisforAdrn on November 11, 2011, 09:55:54 am
A Thousand Miles....needs to go somewhere. Definitely not on her 2011 EP.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: cassiemoy on November 11, 2011, 10:57:12 am
love the samples!

i've learned to love "a thousand miles" in a new way as the performance of that song has evolved over the years. a little disappointed to lose that iconic piano line on the ep though.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: sarab on November 11, 2011, 03:19:59 pm
love the samples!

i've learned to love "a thousand miles" in a new way as the performance of that song has evolved over the years. a little disappointed to lose that iconic piano line on the ep though.

I think that's what I like best about it.  Give those "fans" of Vanessa who only know that song, a taste of what she is about now, not nine years ago.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: cassiemoy on November 12, 2011, 12:28:35 am
one of v's brightest talents is that melodic sensibility that delivered the iconic "a thousand miles" line, though.

unlike a lot of popular music, the majority of her songs have a special little melody to them that make them instantly recognizable. i'm thinking how one knows immediately "more than this" and "carousel" and almost all of her songs, really. most of her songs have a unique piano line, and i feel that "a thousand miles" without that riff becomes a much less remarkable song.

it's still lovely of course, and i still think that the chorus is a little lyrically unorthodox (just the way she articulates things, even then!), but it's just not the same and i'm not quite sure it better represents v as the artist she is now, because she still has the sensibility that produced the legendary duh-na-na-na-na-na-na. she still delivers gorgeous piano melodies. guess i just don't want to lose sense of that in the name of reinvention.

in v i trust, though!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Fred_Saboya on November 12, 2011, 04:46:46 am
I like the cover too. I can't quite make out all the details but it looks cool

I think the cover is how the sound of a bell would be pictured if you were under one.

it's a snowflake
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: VaderDawsn on November 12, 2011, 07:34:16 am
Samples on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064Y4Y08/

Thank you! I am going to share this with my friends :-)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Weisz on November 12, 2011, 11:08:24 am
I'm not that crazy about a christmas EP to be honest, im not very fond of christmas songs... but its still new stuff even tho they are covers. The new version of Hear The Bells sounds fucking awesome!!

I remember when she said that stevie wanter her to play a christmas song and she didn't knew any cause she was jew? lol. Whatevs :)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: sarab on November 12, 2011, 12:11:11 pm
I'm not that crazy about a christmas EP to be honest, im not very fond of christmas songs... but its still new stuff even tho they are covers. The new version of Hear The Bells sounds fucking awesome!!

I remember when she said that stevie wanter her to play a christmas song and she didn't knew any cause she was jew? lol. Whatevs :)

that's why she needed sheet music!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Lyris on November 12, 2011, 12:17:53 pm
::) Its only a digital release and it sucks!!!

Damn... there's not even a CD?

Nice to hear more from her... but this is the first Vanessa Carlton release that I won't even be able to put on my shelf  :( Hopefully it's just since it's an EP and we won't have to put up with "virtual" releases of her next albums, whenever they come.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: sarab on November 12, 2011, 05:08:29 pm
::) Its only a digital release and it sucks!!!

Damn... there's not even a CD?

Nice to hear more from her... but this is the first Vanessa Carlton release that I won't even be able to put on my shelf  :( Hopefully it's just since it's an EP and we won't have to put up with "virtual" releases of her next albums, whenever they come.

you could always burn it and print out the cover and create your own! I knot it's not official but at least it would be physical!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: fizzybubblespop on November 12, 2011, 07:55:19 pm
::) Its only a digital release and it sucks!!!

Damn... there's not even a CD?

Nice to hear more from her... but this is the first Vanessa Carlton release that I won't even be able to put on my shelf  :( Hopefully it's just since it's an EP and we won't have to put up with "virtual" releases of her next albums, whenever they come.

I'm pretty sad about the lack of a CD as well; however, I feel quite certain that her future albums will have physical releases. :) Based on interviews and the ROTR packaging itself, V values them as well. I think this EP is only digital because it's something quite small, and not a large, complete project, like an album. If the EP were longer and an entity of its own, I feel there would be a physical copy.

On another note, this EP is getting my hopes up that V will release material more regularly. Though I've given up hope on some of her older songs being recorded (which I can understand--looking back at a piece of work you did years ago can be...unpleasant :D) , newer songs that don't make it onto albums might get studio recordings.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: HearMyBells on November 13, 2011, 07:48:38 am
I was thinking the same thing! Bring on Moneymaker!..please? haha
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: pswik91 on November 13, 2011, 11:34:27 am
Vanessa never ceases to amaze me!  I'm so excited to hear this holiday EP, even though it's short and has two songs we've heard before.  It's always nice hearing things changed up though, despite the number of times we've heard them =)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Lyris on November 13, 2011, 03:44:40 pm
::) Its only a digital release and it sucks!!!

Damn... there's not even a CD?

Nice to hear more from her... but this is the first Vanessa Carlton release that I won't even be able to put on my shelf  :( Hopefully it's just since it's an EP and we won't have to put up with "virtual" releases of her next albums, whenever they come.
All true. I guess we should look at this as a DIY project then :D

I'm pretty sad about the lack of a CD as well; however, I feel quite certain that her future albums will have physical releases. :) Based on interviews and the ROTR packaging itself, V values them as well. I think this EP is only digital because it's something quite small, and not a large, complete project, like an album. If the EP were longer and an entity of its own, I feel there would be a physical copy.

On another note, this EP is getting my hopes up that V will release material more regularly. Though I've given up hope on some of her older songs being recorded (which I can understand--looking back at a piece of work you did years ago can be...unpleasant :D) , newer songs that don't make it onto albums might get studio recordings.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: AlexanderLaska on November 13, 2011, 05:59:29 pm
I'm not sure I'll buy this.  I really don't like "Hear the Bells" - the pizzicato just doesn't agree with my ears.  I could see myself buying War is Over, but the other two just don't do it for me, either.  They just sound like she got together with some friends who can kinda play instruments and recorded a few songs in like an hour.  They're just not refined.  Some people love that kinda sound and that's totally cool, but it's not my thaaang.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: beautydivine on November 13, 2011, 08:43:04 pm
After some of us have listened to the samples on Amazon, it seems like this EP is already disappointing. But let's consider the fact that this may be the last we'll see of Vanessa before she returns to her rabbit hole (aka her hibernation).
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: joey on November 14, 2011, 11:21:38 am
I dunno... Do You hear what I hear sounds different... I mean its something else all together. Something that I LIKE. I'm curious to know what is sounds like now...

Funny how a holiday song is about worshiping grave stones and witch doctors eh? :P It's only now that I think about it, its a holiday EP. It doesn't have to be Christmasey or any other festival-ey... Its supposed to be about the season... I LOVE how she isn't cliched (like singing about kissing someone under the mistletoe)

Also, I LOVE how everyone is already judging the entire EP from the few seconds that they've heard from it.

And I don't think this is the end for Rabbits. There's the bride video to look forward to.
(And I'm secretly hoping that she get's a Grammy nod)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: sarab on November 14, 2011, 01:02:49 pm
I think the fact that she is even doing a holiday Ep to begin with is a departure from her norm.  Has she ever done a Holiday ep before? in 9 years? I think it's a brave step into territory that she has never been in.  That's huge.  I also things it means that she's not going anywhere.  She has already started working on new music as stated in an interview somewhere, she's making a video this december for Bride and will release that and do promotions for it as well.  She already has 2 winter shows lined up and I'm sure they will add more after the new year.  While Hear the Bells is not my favorite song to sing in the car, it is a feast for the ears.  Every time I listen to it I hear something new and different.  While it may not be a "holiday" song it does fit HER vibe and what she's about.  So I'm excited!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: beautydivine on November 14, 2011, 01:10:20 pm
I think the fact that she is even doing a holiday Ep to begin with is a departure from her norm.  Has she ever done a Holiday ep before? in 9 years? I think it's a brave step into territory that she has never been in.  That's huge.  I also things it means that she's not going anywhere.  She has already started working on new music as stated in an interview somewhere, she's making a video this december for Bride and will release that and do promotions for it as well.  She already has 2 winter shows lined up and I'm sure they will add more after the new year.  While Hear the Bells is not my favorite song to sing in the car, it is a feast for the ears.  Every time I listen to it I hear something new and different.  While it may not be a "holiday" song it does fit HER vibe and what she's about.  So I'm excited!

Yeah.. you make a good point. I'm just used to V fleeing after releasing a new record, and breezing through a tour. We couldn't be any happier for her. And the longer she sticks around, the better! Really looking forward to the Bride music vid, especially now that we learned Marc is directing!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: KULPDOGG on November 16, 2011, 12:39:57 pm
here's a review:

http://audiopinions.net/reviews/featured-artist-vanessa-carlton/



Quote
By Ryan Williford
Monday November 14, 2011
 
Vanessa Carlton – Hear The Bells
[Razor & Tie]
9.5/10

After her smash hit “A Thousand Miles” back in 2002, Vanessa Carlton has been relatively quiet until this year. With a new label home in Razor & Tie, a new full length, and now a holiday EP, Vanessa Carlton is set to make 2011 her comeback year. Her new holiday EP, Hear The Bells, includes two Christmas tracks, a new version of “Hear The Bells” off her new album, and a live acoustic version of “A Thousand Miles”. The major factor of holiday releases is how much they standout and stick. Vanessa’s versions has amazing, almost haunting composition and instrumentals. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” features her amazing singing in front of this haunting composition that features a drum, piano, acoustic guitar, and string orchestral instruments. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” overtakes the crown as the best Christmas song on this EP with the album highlights of the backing choir and violin sections. The new version of “Hear The Bells” fits the mood extremely well while being a great song by itself. Hear The Bells ends perfectly with a live acoustic version of the song that placed her on the map. “A Thousand Miles” still has the magic it had before and even more now with it being acoustic. This version allows Vanessa to pour out more emotion into the track. Hear The Bells is a holiday release that rightfully deserves to be in your Christmas playlist every year.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Martin. on November 19, 2011, 04:21:20 am
(http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2522/vchtbm300dpi.jpg)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: sarab on November 19, 2011, 05:28:30 am
thanks martin!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Martin. on November 19, 2011, 08:38:43 am
You're welcome. :)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: remixx on November 19, 2011, 11:11:29 am
everything sounds so haunting and beautiful.  she definetly put her own twist on these classics.... can't wait for this
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Harmonium on November 20, 2011, 06:52:10 pm
The Ep is amazing! Just downloaded it on itunes. It's already midnight here in Sweden. Gonna play it on repeat until xmas:)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: nutnlp on November 20, 2011, 07:09:16 pm
cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: WhiteRabbit on November 20, 2011, 07:16:26 pm
Its not even showing up on itunes for me yet...  :(
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: beautydivine on November 20, 2011, 08:02:29 pm
The Ep is amazing! Just downloaded it on itunes. It's already midnight here in Sweden. Gonna play it on repeat until xmas:)

You're making all of us more antsy  :D The next four hours for us on the Pacific coast will feel like eternity..
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: fizzybubblespop on November 20, 2011, 08:05:19 pm
The Ep is amazing! Just downloaded it on itunes. It's already midnight here in Sweden. Gonna play it on repeat until xmas:)

You're making all of us more antsy  :D The next four hours for us on the Pacific coast will feel like eternity..

I know! :D I'm just staring at iTunes, even though I know it'll release in like 3 hours.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Martin. on November 20, 2011, 08:25:11 pm
Purchasing my copy now!!!

Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: Martin. on November 20, 2011, 08:39:57 pm
It's lovely.

"Hear the Bells" is better than the album version, IMO. Definitely the stand out track for me. "A Thousand Miles" is cute; it has a holiday feel to it...a bit more cheery, too. I can picture her sitting their on Christmas Day with 'the gang', by a warm fire, playing this to a bunch of family & friends after unwrapping gifts. She's adilibing more with "ooh's" and stuff. "Do You Hear What I Hear" is stunning.

Overall, it's a nice lil EP. :) Nothing to be disappointed about. Hopefully this is the first of many.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: lavender skies on November 20, 2011, 09:06:51 pm
yay just downloaded it. i'm so stoked she did my fave holiday song "do you hear what i hear"
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' (Nov. 21st)
Post by: beautydivine on November 20, 2011, 09:52:53 pm
It's out on iTunes! Go check for yourself, West Coasters. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hear-the-bells-ep/id479330900

Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: fizzybubblespop on November 20, 2011, 10:33:30 pm
Got it!
On 'Happy Xmas' even though I've already heard it (I want to listen to them in order). I want to review it here, but I've already stayed up later than I should've. ::) Stuff to do tomorrow.

I'll edit this post with an opinion when I'm not risking my grades. :D
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: [sobriquet] on November 21, 2011, 01:06:54 am
ATM without the riff? Still beautiful.

Do You Hear What I Hear? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GpMfhbmmLM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GpMfhbmmLM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL)

A Thousand Miles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKMNNGfdFB0&feature=channel_video_title (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKMNNGfdFB0&feature=channel_video_title)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: beautydivine on November 21, 2011, 02:36:34 am
I find it interesting that she posted Nicole Atkin's version of 'The Little Drummer Boy', too. It's a shame that she didn't cover it herself for the EP  :D
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Pushglow on November 21, 2011, 04:21:00 am
Full EP streaming:
http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/5
http://www.deezer.com/music/vanessa-carlton/hear-the-bells-1341477
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Fred_Saboya on November 21, 2011, 07:11:22 am
I LOVE IT!

feel kind of guilty for not being able to buy it :(
but amazon, itunes and everything... they don't accept brazilian cards.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Martin. on November 21, 2011, 08:44:39 am
Don't feel guilty. :)

Here's a review from Beatweek (they LOVE her):

Quote
Vanessa Carlton is back with a vengeance. This summer she released Rabbits On The Run, her first full length album in years and her best ever, and now she’s following up with a Christmas EP due out November 21st. It’s not quite the traditional collection of holiday standards, however.

Things start off straightforwardly enough, as Vanessa takes her instantly recognizable vocals to “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Hear The Bells.” But by track three she gets more ambitious, tackling John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and delivering a rendition that’s nothing less than haunting. Her confident singing style has always stood in unique contrast with the inherent vulnerability in the tone of her voice, something her fans have long eaten up, and Happy Xmas turns out to be one of the best examples to date of her strengths as a vocalist.

By the fourth and final track the EP steps away from the Christmas theme and comes home to Vanessa Carlton’s past with a gentle and slowed down live-acoustic recording of her original big hit, A Thousand Miles. As her label points out, it’s the first time she’s re-recorded the song since it was first released nearly a decade ago.

As with all holiday records from famous artists, you’ve got to be both a fan of the artist and of holiday music in general for Vanessa’s Hear The Bells EP to make sense to you. But if you’re both of those things, then this one is a treat.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Manny on November 21, 2011, 09:09:58 am
In my opinion "ATM" sounds very melancholic  :'( I feel bad because I can't buy it! Amazon and iTunes dont accept cc from Central America. The piano part "hear the bells" is really amazing.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Jasonm on November 21, 2011, 09:12:00 am
Love the EP. Cried my eyes out listening to ATM. Just beautiful!!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: AG. on November 21, 2011, 09:52:44 am
ATM really has a completely different arrangement, and it really suits the new direction of the song. I like all the songs, but HTB is great.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: cassiemoy on November 21, 2011, 10:39:27 am
just bought and listened to it. personal verdict is: gorgeous EP.

love the arrangements for "do you hear what i hear?" which i think is very pretty song, and the storybook quality of the lyrics is really suited to her. i like acoustic "hear the bells" just fine. and none of my enthusiasm for her stellar, stellar "happy xmas" cover has diminished. and as for "a thousand miles" ... missing the iconic riff which i will always be a fan of, but heartstoppingly beautiful vocal performance. i love the quiet command she has over that song, now that she's performed it literally hundreds of times. she is utterly in control of it, in a really undertated way, and she makes that song breathe again.

an A+ year for v.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Arwen on November 21, 2011, 11:52:56 am
New email from V:

Quote


   
'Ello,

I am releasing a little holiday EP called Hear The Bells today.  I recorded the tunes with Rick Kwan over the course of 3 days in New York a couple of weeks ago.  My favorite holiday album is the Vince Guaraldi Trio playing Charlie Brown's Christmas, and so I was really excited get the Young People's Chorus of NYC to sing on all the tunes.  The only song that is sans choir is "A Thousand Miles."  I re-recorded that song for the first time and came at it from a completely different angle.  What you hear on the album was recorded in the evening and was a one-take performance (I think it was the second attempt) with me standing next to guitarist Steve Lewis in a wooden room with my back to a big window overlooking the Hudson River.  I heard "A Thousand Miles" on the radio the other day and I didn't recognize my voice!  Perhaps you'll dig this off the cuff, inspired little evening performance of it.  Also I'd like to give props to Sky Steele, my friend and violinist on this album, for playing so brilliantly.

I hope you all have many lush moments this holiday.  I was envisioning getting toasty around a fire with family or friends, vino or tea, a good book, some chocolate, and a cool holiday soundtrack humming in the background.

Cheers my phantom friends,
Vanessa

Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: beautydivine on November 21, 2011, 12:00:02 pm
New email from V:

Quote


   
'Ello,

I am releasing a little holiday EP called Hear The Bells today.  I recorded the tunes with Rick Kwan over the course of 3 days in New York a couple of weeks ago.  My favorite holiday album is the Vince Guaraldi Trio playing Charlie Brown's Christmas, and so I was really excited get the Young People's Chorus of NYC to sing on all the tunes.  The only song that is sans choir is "A Thousand Miles."  I re-recorded that song for the first time and came at it from a completely different angle.  What you hear on the album was recorded in the evening and was a one-take performance (I think it was the second attempt) with me standing next to guitarist Steve Lewis in a wooden room with my back to a big window overlooking the Hudson River.  I heard "A Thousand Miles" on the radio the other day and I didn't recognize my voice!  Perhaps you'll dig this off the cuff, inspired little evening performance of it. Also I'd like to give props to Sky Steele, my friend and violinist on this album, for playing so brilliantly.

I hope you all have many lush moments this holiday.  I was envisioning getting toasty around a fire with family or friends, vino or tea, a good book, some chocolate, and a cool holiday soundtrack humming in the background.

Cheers my phantom friends,
Vanessa




Yep, I knew it was Skye. There is no other like him.  :)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Fred_Saboya on November 21, 2011, 12:52:23 pm
New email from V:

Quote


   
'Ello,

I am releasing a little holiday EP called Hear The Bells today.  I recorded the tunes with Rick Kwan over the course of 3 days in New York a couple of weeks ago.  My favorite holiday album is the Vince Guaraldi Trio playing Charlie Brown's Christmas, and so I was really excited get the Young People's Chorus of NYC to sing on all the tunes.  The only song that is sans choir is "A Thousand Miles."  I re-recorded that song for the first time and came at it from a completely different angle.  What you hear on the album was recorded in the evening and was a one-take performance (I think it was the second attempt) with me standing next to guitarist Steve Lewis in a wooden room with my back to a big window overlooking the Hudson River.  I heard "A Thousand Miles" on the radio the other day and I didn't recognize my voice!  Perhaps you'll dig this off the cuff, inspired little evening performance of it.  Also I'd like to give props to Sky Steele, my friend and violinist on this album, for playing so brilliantly.

I hope you all have many lush moments this holiday.  I was envisioning getting toasty around a fire with family or friends, vino or tea, a good book, some chocolate, and a cool holiday soundtrack humming in the background.

Cheers my phantom friends,
Vanessa


she's a poet!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Fred_Saboya on November 21, 2011, 12:53:39 pm
Don't feel guilty. :)

thank you :)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: AG. on November 21, 2011, 01:11:33 pm
I love her little email letters, they feel so intimate and personal. Cool knowing that ATM was 'off the cuff' it sounded so wonderful and I think she pulled off the different angle approach she was going for.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Onyx on November 21, 2011, 04:40:54 pm
I was having iTunes troubles, so I didn't really get to listen to it till now. I love it! Hear The Bells with the choir and the piano, sounds so amazing!! I love how ATM sounds so... mellow. This Do You Hear What I Hear is my favorite christmas song, I really like the ending. Merry Xmas sounds cool with the choir.
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/Onyx889/lunapic_132192127039899_2.jpg)
^ I had to... The snow was right there... And the EP is... so... cool  8) Bad pun

Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: nutnlp on November 21, 2011, 05:22:42 pm
I love it!  Glad V released this! Hope she tours a lot in 2012!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: VaderDawsn on November 21, 2011, 05:50:40 pm
I just finished listening to the EP. I prefer this version of "Hear the Bells" over the version on "Rabbits on The Run".

I am so glad she released this EP. "Do you hear what I hear" made me smile.  Also I enjoyed the variation on "A Thousand Miles".  I still heard the iconic riff in my head though!
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: beautydivine on November 21, 2011, 06:03:29 pm
I just finished listening to the EP. I prefer this version of "Hear the Bells" over the version on "Rabbits on The Run".

I am so glad she released this EP. "Do you hear what I hear" made me smile.  Also I enjoyed the variation on "A Thousand Miles".  I still heard the iconic riff in my head though!

And I thought I was the only one. I couldn't agree more. It's riveting. And Skye's violin tingles my spine.

 
I was having iTunes troubles, so I didn't really get to listen to it till now. I love it! Hear The Bells with the choir and the piano, sounds so amazing!! I love how ATM sounds so... mellow. This Do You Hear What I Hear is my favorite christmas song, I really like the ending. Merry Xmas sounds cool with the choir.
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/Onyx889/lunapic_132192127039899_2.jpg)
^ I had to... The snow was right there... And the EP is... so... cool  8) Bad pun

I would've done the same if it were snowing here in California.  :D
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: sarab on November 21, 2011, 06:11:51 pm
I'm waiting to listen for when I'm doing my holiday decorating this weekend  :)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: MVES on November 21, 2011, 08:41:49 pm
yey! its out i'm gonna get it right now!!!!

Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: [sobriquet] on November 22, 2011, 07:06:29 am
A Thousand Miles sounds so far from the first time she recorded it. I love the plainness - there's some genuine emotion in the way everything sounds. And though I think that the Rhodes doing the riff won't hurt, I think V came up with the best arrangement.

To be honest, when I listen to the BNN version of ATM, all I picture out is this lovesick girl on the piano. But with this acoustic version, I picture out a woman in front of a fireplace missing somebody she truly loves. Maybe that's what makes it beautiful - it sounded as if it is true love, not the romantic one (I sometimes call it suicidal too) that the first version often leave in my mind.

(I just realized that there's no separate thread for ATM in the lyrics/sheet music section. I thought it was kind of weird)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: joey on November 22, 2011, 10:07:08 am
A Thousand Miles sounds so far from the first time she recorded it. I love the plainness - there's some genuine emotion in the way everything sounds. And though I think that the Rhodes doing the riff won't hurt, I think V came up with the best arrangement.

To be honest, when I listen to the BNN version of ATM, all I picture out is this lovesick girl on the piano. But with this acoustic version, I picture out a woman in front of a fireplace missing somebody she truly loves. Maybe that's what makes it beautiful - it sounded as if it is true love, not the romantic one (I sometimes call it suicidal too) that the first version often leave in my mind.

(I just realized that there's no separate thread for ATM in the lyrics/sheet music section. I thought it was kind of weird)

Ah the word is fireplace.

The song sounds so cozy. It's weird maybe since the first time I heard the song (I was millions of miles away from the people I loved and I used this song like crack) it sounded like she was missing someone. This time it's like she's already with the person and she's telling them that she needs them and they'd walk a thousand miles if they could see them....

It's cozy.

I love her.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: sarab on November 22, 2011, 03:16:16 pm
A Thousand Miles sounds so far from the first time she recorded it. I love the plainness - there's some genuine emotion in the way everything sounds. And though I think that the Rhodes doing the riff won't hurt, I think V came up with the best arrangement.

To be honest, when I listen to the BNN version of ATM, all I picture out is this lovesick girl on the piano. But with this acoustic version, I picture out a woman in front of a fireplace missing somebody she truly loves. Maybe that's what makes it beautiful - it sounded as if it is true love, not the romantic one (I sometimes call it suicidal too) that the first version often leave in my mind.

(I just realized that there's no separate thread for ATM in the lyrics/sheet music section. I thought it was kind of weird)


totally related to that sentiment and I agree.  Most of the songs on that CD give me that vibe and at 16 it makes total sense. (any other girls remember that 16 year old "love"?)
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: raacheeel on November 22, 2011, 03:32:42 pm
HI im back from the dead and i just downloaded the new EP!!! YAY its so good all of it especially the acoustic version makes me wanna sit next to the fire and drink coffee and die :)))
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: raacheeel on November 22, 2011, 03:33:31 pm
Oh and quick question do EP's usually come out in hardcopy CD's?
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: [sobriquet] on November 22, 2011, 04:10:23 pm
A Thousand Miles sounds so far from the first time she recorded it. I love the plainness - there's some genuine emotion in the way everything sounds. And though I think that the Rhodes doing the riff won't hurt, I think V came up with the best arrangement.

To be honest, when I listen to the BNN version of ATM, all I picture out is this lovesick girl on the piano. But with this acoustic version, I picture out a woman in front of a fireplace missing somebody she truly loves. Maybe that's what makes it beautiful - it sounded as if it is true love, not the romantic one (I sometimes call it suicidal too) that the first version often leave in my mind.

(I just realized that there's no separate thread for ATM in the lyrics/sheet music section. I thought it was kind of weird)

Ah the word is fireplace.

The song sounds so cozy. It's weird maybe since the first time I heard the song (I was millions of miles away from the people I loved and I used this song like crack) it sounded like she was missing someone. This time it's like she's already with the person and she's telling them that she needs them and they'd walk a thousand miles if they could see them....

It's cozy.

I love her.

totally related to that sentiment and I agree. Most of the songs on that CD give me that vibe and at 16 it makes total sense. (any other girls remember that 16 year old "love"?)

I think that's where the big difference lies - when she wrote it at 16, she wrote it for a boy who wouldn't reciprocate her feelings for him. Hence, the "I'd walk a thousand miles" act.

But this time, there is no pressure. She loves, and she waits. She'd walk miles, but no. Not desperately.
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: ewiermann on November 23, 2011, 04:50:02 am
Hear The Bells EP Version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz26NzwUgR0
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: LauraH on November 23, 2011, 09:34:15 am
I'm so obsessed with her cover of Happy Christmas(War Is Over) It's AMAZING. XD
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: beautydivine on November 23, 2011, 05:22:40 pm
Oh and quick question do EP's usually come out in hardcopy CD's?

I think so, Rachel. If you've heard of Hellogoodbye, they released a hardcopy EP. But, it seems like it depends on the funds and promotion. In V's case, releasing the EP only in digital format was probably most convenient (and cheap).
Title: Re: Vanessa's Digital Holiday EP 'Hear The Bells' IS HERE!!!
Post by: Sini on December 05, 2011, 06:24:07 pm
Every single song is just precious, I've listened to the EP for almost 30 times in a couple of days time. I also LOVE the fact that she chose to cover such pacifistic Christmas songs. I must admit I usually don't even like Christmas songs that much, but when V chooses to cover some of the best ones out there... Well, I can almost feel the Christmas spirit closing in. :)