Rarely does a classic of this magnitude slip under the critical radar to such an extent. Calvin Christian School's 1999 release Dreaming of a Safe Place is a true feast for the ears. I can't find any explanation as to why this little gem failed to put a dent in the musical world, let alone the Tasmanian scene. To my surprise, I couldn't even find any results for it on Google.
Most of the songs are quivery-voiced, off-key, Jewell-esque female piano ballads. The haunting "I Will Never Forget You" effortlessly blends into the joyous "Trumpet Piece", which is undoubtedly the album's pièce de résistance. The cleverly titled "Canever" echos Alanis Morissette's work (which may have been quite popular with year 11 girls at the turn of the millenium?), and is rumoured to be about drugs*.
Masterpiece has a new name and it's "Dreaming of a Safe Place". I can do no better than quote from the album's liner notes:
"Well done to the students who had their work included on this CD. You are an exceptionally talented group of people."
*I've heard that the girls responsible for "Canever" were expelled from the school (or given a "home school scholarship"), due to the ambiguity of the lyrics.
I can’t see you
I can’t feel you
I can’t live with you… for now
Junky in need of a score but rational enough to wait till payday.
But I hear you
And I know you
I see and feel the way you love me so
Love me
Love me
Love me
The familiar sensations of the hit begins to play on the imagination, leading the junky into a sense of desperation.
I will love you
Now I’ve found you
I will never turn away
My life’s your life
Give it to you
You can do with it what you want to
Love you
Love you
I see and feel the way
The drugs demand full control of the junky's life. She/he realises it's the only way forward now.
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8 comments:
Ahh the memories...
Where ever did you find that copy?
I still remember those angst filled moments with Mr Winkler telling everyone to be quiet around the PAC (performing arts centre) because "We're recording".
I think the laughter of children may have added some much needed character to the album.
Ironically, my compositions came too late (or were too far out there) to be included.
Oh. Dear.
I'm glad I wasn't musical at school.
I found it at home. Not sure why we have it.
I remember Mr Winkler used to have a stick called Milo that he used to threaten people with. Can anyone confirm this memory?
Sorry, not aware of Milo. But I do recall one of his devotions - he left mould growing in a mug for quite a while.
Hee hee hee! I love this cd. It's far too awesome. "Trumpet Piece" was great, as was "Yay :)" and "Nothing To Do". Of course, my cousin Tilly's songs are the best.
I don't know about the druggie undertones in "Canever" - I wasn't around at the time.
Neither was I. No harm in speculating!
We have to have a listening session. I haven't been exposed to the masterpiece before.
I missed this one also. Maybe because my grade 12 music was with Mr. Lawson back in 1991. I only did Level 2 so Alan let us do whatever. Mostly I played bass, Jack Andrews played guitar, Jono Burges on drums. Our best song was "you killed my brother", but no music was written down or recorded, to ensure the memories stayed good.
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