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Beth Orton — Central Reservation
Album: Central Reservation
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2573









Released: 1999
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 5
Running down a central reservation in last night's red dress,
And I can still smell you on my fingers and taste you on my breath;
Stepping through brilliant shades,
All the color you bring,
This time, this time, this time,
Is whatever I want it to mean.

If this is where memories are made,
I'm gonna like what I see,
And everything that I ever took for granted,
I'm gonna let it be.

I step through every shade,
All the color you bring,
This time, this time, this time,
Is whatever I want it to mean.

And everything and nothing is as sacred as we'd want it to be,
When it's really all,
Make it really all,
Compared to what.

It's like living in the middle of the ocean,
With no future, no past,
And everything that's good about now,
Well, might just glide right past.

I'm stepping through brilliant shades,
All the color you bring,
This time, this time, this time,
Is fine just as it is.

And everything is sacred here,
And nothing is as sacred as I want it to be,
When it's really all compared to what.
Comments (200)add comment
Glasto 99, sunny arvo, pretty sure it was the Saturday, everyone chillin, spliffs getting passed around  and Beth up on stage with her guitar 
 timmus wrote:
Really unique lyrics... there's really not much in the "music literature" that covers brooding optimism.
 
Also it's from that magical time from 1999-2000 before everything went to crap... there's that distinct late-1990s sound in the beat and it really takes me back.


Never thought I'd be that old geezer saying "Take me back to the 'Good Ol' Days" - but damn it, the 90's - living as a 20-something artist in downtown Toronto -  pretty Sublime. Everything from Music fests to MTB scenes just seemed more "Real" before social media deranged the Medium and derailed the Message. 
Never knew this was a remix; I happened to hear the original the other day and was wondering what was going on.
Really unique lyrics... there's really not much in the "music literature" that covers brooding optimism.
 
Also it's from that magical time from 1999-2000 before everything went to crap... there's that distinct late-1990s sound in the beat and it really takes me back.
I see that face and ponder:  I bet she would be fun to talk with in a bar after couple of drinks 
Thanks Bill. A much needed pick-me-up. 
Beth moves you and isn't that what it is all about? :| thank  you Beth!\
What an upbeat music video! Who's having more fun, Beth or we the viewers?
Beth Orton, Central Reservation, official video
 rbrise wrote:

Dammit Bill I have a you tube vid of Feist on Letterman cued up but I cannot play it without stepping away from a constantly quality playlist...give me a break...play something not great...please




Hahaha... I do this constantly.
 meanderer wrote:



Stop beating about the bush fer goodness sake...

Do you LIKE it or NOT??



Com' on. At least a 10.
 SquiddlyDiddly wrote:

10, 10, 10

Did I mention this tune is a 10? 

Really. It's like, It's like, It's like. . . a 10. 

:)




Stop beating about the bush fer goodness sake...

Do you LIKE it or NOT??
Great song from her - there's an excellent remix I got introduced to many moons ago, dare I say that's even better than the original - 'Central Reservation (Spiritual Life/Ibadan remix)' - which is just great to chill to - go check! 👍
Dammit Bill I have a you tube vid of Feist on Letterman cued up but I cannot play it without stepping away from a constantly quality playlist...give me a break...play something not great...please
 MrsTom wrote:

Sorry, that opening bit where she can 'still smell you on my fingers'. Eww. Just no. 




Yeah because she can ONLY be referring to fingers stuck up there and nowhere else.  Much like the stick stuck up your whatever.
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Agree, vile and disgusting.



As are many of the smells that waft past ones nose on Staten Island, no doubt.
 MJdub wrote:

I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.




Here, here!
Beth Orton always sings like she is confiding with you.
 MJdub wrote:

I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.



It's called melisma.
Oh how I love her so!
The video is so uplifting as well. 

Thanks for playing her again and again Bill! 
 DaidyBoy wrote:
Sorry, that opening bit where she can 'still smell you on my fingers'. Eww. Just no.


I haven't noticed the blokey bands getting knocked for their sexuality.  Or their misogyny, often.


Sorry, but that form of intimacy makes me want to listen to this song so much more.   
I had the great fortune to see Beth Orton a few years back. What a show! She's one of my favorites.
"I can still smell you on my fingers and taste you on my breath"

This slammed me with a flood of memories of she and me.

Long-ago heavenly nights...
Songs are often full of sexual references and I can't say they bother me as a whole, unless particularly crude (maybe I'm old-fashioned). It's just not a nice way into a mellow song, whoever's fingers they are.

DaidyBoy wrote: I haven't noticed the blokey bands getting knocked for their sexuality. Or their misogyny, often.
 

MrsTom wrote:

Sorry, that opening bit where she can 'still smell you on my fingers'. Eww. Just no. 
First Morcheeba and now Beth Orton. Today's getting off to a good start. Thanks Bill.
I love her world !!!
Fantastic song, I love it. I've been listening to it for years, and every time it comes on I reflexively stop what I'm doing and listen.
Pretty sure she is suffering from Ataxia, which happens to be the name of the next track.
Bill, you sneaky fellow.
It's called 'melisma'!  

MJdub wrote:
I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.
 

Never fails to deliver the Perfect Sunday goods, this perfect song.  
MrsTom wrote:

Sorry, that opening bit where she can 'still smell you on my fingers'. Eww. Just no.

 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Agree, vile and disgusting.
 
I haven't noticed the blokey bands getting knocked for their sexuality.  Or their misogyny, often.
 Joaparissimo wrote:

And so? She's singing with her heat even it's seem like "My name is Luca" of the pop singer who was.... Who knows the name ?  The most important that it was a beautiful song like this one. Hope your enjoy listening folk women singgers.
 

Heart!!!! Elle chante de tout son coeur et cela s'entend. Et si vous n'aimez pas, cela est votre droit, vous n'avez qu'à éteindre le volume le temps de cette chanson. Cela n'entachera pas sur le talent de cette artiste et de cette très belle chanson. Bon dimanche . Musicalement,
Joa.
 BCarn wrote:

Agree. That method of vocals has plateaued. Time for it to cease. But alas, many since your post continue to sing this way. More women it seems.
 
And so? She's singing with her heat even it's seem like "My name is Luca" of the pop singer who was.... Who knows the name ?  The most important that it was a beautiful song like this one. Hope your enjoy listening folk women singgers.
 lawman wrote:
Shame about the speech defect.  Has she always ha-had it?  Ne-he-ver no-hoticed hi-it befo-hore.
 
Agree. That method of vocals has plateaued. Time for it to cease. But alas, many since your post continue to sing this way. More women it seems.
10, 10, 10

Did I mention this tune is a 10? 

Really. It's like, It's like, It's like. . . a 10. 

:)
Bunch'a Debbie Downers in here about such an upbeat song. Sheesh.
 
Thanks as always for playing it Bill!
I like when singers follow the lyrics. You might miss a good diversion otherwise.
 Kaisersosay wrote:
Agreed, make what you want of it. I see it as an intense fond remembrance, human. It's funny but I bet the prudes among the negative the commentators lost their sense of what intimacy involves ,,,long ago.  Sad. 
 
Why can't the guy have just been wearing Axe?  Doesn't that stuff linger?
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Agree, vile and disgusting.
 
Why?
Her music video version with a latin beat added in is rather fun to hear and view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th3gkE_sP9k
Cool song.  This would be a late-night drive-song, to somewhere special, or home from that place.
 ziggytrix wrote:

I can't tell if y'all are prudes who are offended way too easily or perverts reading too much into the lyric.
 

Agreed, make what you want of it. I see it as an intense fond remembrance, human. It's funny but I bet the prudes among the negative the commentators lost their sense of what intimacy involves ,,,long ago.  Sad. 
this sucks, I don't know what you people are talking about. this woman sings through her nose and drones out the notes. if she is saying something meaningful I don't know because I can't get past her singing.
 MJdub wrote:
I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.
 

What an excellent post Mjdub!

This album is a fresh flash back. I remember having an extended crush on this tall lanky woman with that voice. 
I just love this song so. Makes me so happy and hopeful. Please play it 2X a day, Mr. Bill. Twice a week is not enough. {#Smile}
 MrStatenIsle wrote:

Agree, vile and disgusting.
 
I can't tell if y'all are prudes who are offended way too easily or perverts reading too much into the lyric.
Exceedingly fine and distinctive voice.  And when I heard Orton's "Stars All Seem to Weep" here on RP I wondered how I hadn't heard of her before, and I went to iTunes and bought it.  NICE!  Also, a friend posted on Facebook about wondering himself about her.  So I teasingly told him that she was MINE and to lay off.  (My friend is maybe in his late 30's to early 40's, whereas I am now 70 - Ha.)
 MrsTom wrote:
Sorry, that opening bit where she can 'still smell you on my fingers'. Eww. Just no. 
 
Agree, vile and disgusting.
Please-whats the mater-this is a bad song
They are playing some good   Ishnit this morning.   This is off of a good album.
 MJdub wrote:
I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.
 
So it's your contention that ma-hany si-hingers do-ho thi-his sa-hame thi-hing?  (I'd also point out that many of the comments are about the degree to which this particular 'technique' is taken.)

But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.

  
You don't say.
 ziggytrix wrote: 
Fair enough, perhaps I'm just a stihickler for dihiction.
 MJdub wrote:
I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.

 

Melisma
?
 MJdub wrote:
I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.
 
{#Cheers}
Saw her with Beck at Radio City in the late 90's. Fantastic times..
Hi behee gone.
 eveliko wrote:

This is where being a non-native English speaker makes the reading of this forum so interesting. Being totally absorbed by the music and the way her voice melts so smoothly into the music, I would never have noticed that speech defect. But now that you did, it just laughs the hell out of me {#Smile}  Still like the song though, good 7.

 
Not the first singer to build in a defining affectation -doesn't sound like she'd speak like that when not singing. Speaking of speech defects, check out the amazing Megan Washington. Struggles with a speech impediment in normal speech, but completely error free when singing. 
Tihihime for PSD
"...I can still smell you on my fingers..."

Might want to see a doctor about that. {#Eyes} {#Fever} {#Ass}
Very Nice.

It's music - go with it - or not.

It's your choice. 
I won't pretend to be a music/vocal expert (or even a fan of Beth Orton, for what it's worth) , so I don't know the proper terminology, but I'm pretty sure the basic technique of stretching out a syllable across multiple melodical notes dates back to at least medieval times.  As a humble American, I wouldn't presume to have such strong opinions about a standard practice that out-dates the nation I live in several fold, let alone blame it on a speech disability and make fun of it.  But I know the tendency for people to express strong opinions on things they know nothing about is innate and timeless.
 lawman wrote:
Shame about the speech defect.  Has she always ha-had it?  Ne-he-ver no-hoticed hi-it befo-hore.

 
This is where being a non-native English speaker makes the reading of this forum so interesting. Being totally absorbed by the music and the way her voice melts so smoothly into the music, I would never have noticed that speech defect. But now that you did, it just laughs the hell out of me {#Smile}  Still like the song though, good 7.
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

... wrong on both counts as it is OUTSTANDING
 
The opposite of a sit-in.
Sorry, that opening bit where she can 'still smell you on my fingers'. Eww. Just no. 

Beth Orton is Heaven....
 
Probably difficult to sing with two or threeheee tones only. Atonal singing, a new art?

 Rotterdam wrote:
Ghiaap wrote:

Yes, it's ve-he-ry ano-hoying! > shall we start a commitee 'Stop the Beth Orton Whining'?

  

leafmold wrote:

I wo-houd jo-oyn!

 

Co-hount me i-hin!

 
Me-he to-hoooooo
This isn't the version from the album, I think. Some sort of remix?
 BobLoblaw wrote:
I can't decide if this is bland or generic.

 
... wrong on both counts as it is OUTSTANDING
I can't decide if this is bland or generic.
No apologies from me.  I like this song and I think her voice is very pretty.
Ghiaap wrote:

Yes, it's ve-he-ry ano-hoying! > shall we start a commitee 'Stop the Beth Orton Whining'?

  

leafmold wrote:

I wo-houd jo-oyn!

 

Co-hount me i-hin!
 Ghiaap wrote:

Yes, it's ve-he-ry ano-hoying! > shall we start a commitee 'Stop the Beth Orton Whining'?

 
I wo-houd jo-oyn!
P ha S ha D ha
 hayduke2 wrote:
I care way more about the words she's singing and the early morning half-sleep remembrances of a particular lover, the smells and tastes and wishing it wouldn't end joy     a work of art is what this song has become for me (so I'm a sap, who cares)

 
Caught my attention, too.
I care way more about the words she's singing and the early morning half-sleep remembrances of a particular lover, the smells and tastes and wishing it wouldn't end joy     a work of art is what this song has become for me (so I'm a sap, who cares)
 lawman wrote:
Shame about the speech defect.  Has she always ha-had it?  Ne-he-ver no-hoticed hi-it befo-hore.

 
Yes, it's ve-he-ry ano-hoying! > shall we start a commitee 'Stop the Beth Orton Whining'?
Not into magic mushrooms but this tune might go well with them. {#Whipit}
I was just thinking a moment earlier it would nice to hear Beth Orton....thnx RP
 lawman wrote:
Shame about the speech defect.  Has she always ha-had it?  Ne-he-ver no-hoticed hi-it befo-hore.
 

Thats what makes her voice so peculiar, charning and appealing..
Dig it! Honesty in Music. Very Cool
"smell you on my fingers and taste you on my breath"

This sent my brain scrambling for lyrics from Butthole Surfers "Pepper":

I can taste you on my lips
And smell you in my clothes
{#Beat}  {#Wall}Uuuugh!!!
Shame about the speech defect.  Has she always ha-had it?  Ne-he-ver no-hoticed hi-it befo-hore.
Beth Orton tonight in Boston !
Henry Olsen — Bass
 TerryS wrote:
This tihymen this tihymen.......wot?
 
Yeah, I know. I love my mute button. Ms Orten annoys the heck out of me. 
I NEED a new Beth Orton record.

Been too long.

*edit*

New record is scheduled for an Oct 2nd 2012 release. Yipee!
This tihymen this tihymen.......wot?
 camatcba wrote:
 

Ouch.
I like a bit more the Supperclub mixing of this tune, however it brilliant.
 misterbearbaby wrote:
Who put the methqualone in the Radio Paradise water cooler this afternoon?
 
I did. Any problems?
Listen to these lyrics.....this is what living in the NOW is all about.
 CamLwalk wrote:
For the last year or so, Beth Orton has been at the very top of my music diet.  Can't get enough of this woman's voice.  I wanna curl up inside her voice and stay there.  So tasteful, so beautiful.  Wouldn't have heard of her without RP.
 
Totally agree, more please. I want to curl up there too.
Sh-hee's gr-hate, h-ain't sh-hee?
For the last year or so, Beth Orton has been at the very top of my music diet.  Can't get enough of this woman's voice.  I wanna curl up inside her voice and stay there.  So tasteful, so beautiful.  Wouldn't have heard of her without RP.
What a relief!  A lady with some class.  It's truly awesome!
Who put the methqualone in the Radio Paradise water cooler this afternoon?
 leathepea wrote:

same thing, gets the imagination going. 
 
And "taste you on my breath".  Yessssss

Great set, Monsters and Men, Isakov, now Orton. Keep 'em coming, B.
 leathepea wrote:

same thing, gets the imagination going. 
 

I'm sure it was "I can make ya' pull my finger."
 handyrae wrote:

Almost — it's "smell you on my fingers."
 
same thing, gets the imagination going. 
 blotto wrote:
Did she say "smell my fingers"?
 
Almost — it's "smell you on my fingers."
Her photo on the cover looks a bit like the super sweet (Zooey Deschanel) girl in the movie 'Yes Man' with Jim Carey

 blotto wrote:
Did she say "smell my fingers"?
 

I just thought the same thing...
 BikeCoachDave wrote:
I have been listening to this track for nearly 10 years now and still get jazzed when I hear it come on. So today, from 9 to a 10.
 

Ditto. excellent song
Not today...not today.
Just bumped to a 9 for me.
Quite nice
I have been listening to this track for nearly 10 years now and still get jazzed when I hear it come on. So today, from 9 to a 10.
Beheth Ohortohon.
Did she say "smell my fingers"?
 paulpaar wrote:
her hair! Yuk! 5.5
 
You are sooooooooooooo deeeeeeeeeeep it's scary!!!!!!

It's like I h h h h h h h{#Bananajumprope}
 nigelr wrote:
Personally I find her delivery, well, outstanding!
 
Yes she is just sooo Natural.... unpretentious, understated with a deep longing that resonates everytime.  I think she is fabulous {#Notworthy}


 sukilau wrote:
yeah - I wuhunder if sheah has a speeachah impedidimentah
 
"This t-hime, this t-hime, this t-hime ..."
I know, I can't get past it. Weird. 
Brilliant song, best version is the Central Reservation (Spiritual Life/Ibaden Remix) by far :-) Hypnotically gorgeous

Lazy midlands drawl.  Not a bad song.  Went see her in 2003 and she was quite lack lustre.  Persevered with her first two LPs, not inspired to play them these days asI find them all a bit dreary.

Production is very good on this track though - saves the day.
Most of the young girls stuff Bill's been playing past couple of years
is great music,IF you skip the vocals !