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Elbow — My Very Best
Album: Leaders Of The Free World
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 735









Released: 2005
Length: 5:15
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Well, give that girl my very best
Though it never made the grade
If it seems that it's just not enough to love
Then love lie down

And would you tell her
Not to talk as if I died
Though a tiny part just did
And would you tell her
I'm from a long line of survivors
And I'll be swinging with the kids

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart

In the corner of the room
In the room we used to love
Of the love we should say this
There were switches never flicked

Long away and far apart
That's how forest fires start
Start again it felt like this
Fresh and simple as a kiss

I bounce these feelings off the moon
The echoes don't come back

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart

Of the love, we should say this
There were, there were switches never flicked

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart
Comments (188)add comment
Anyone else think this was Porcupine Tree?
 schitfitz wrote:

What, are they blasting it out on Radio One? I doubt Alan Freeman is still around anymore and he was only on Sunday anyway so you can't blame him. Can't get the daft buggers over here to play anything good on the rad. If not for RP my ears would be locked up tighter than a gnat's butt on a lemon wedge so let us enjoy it when we can. You could always distract yourself with the latest Viz while it plays. That's what I do when it's something ghastly.

 

Alas poor old Fluff passed away many moons ago.. Not 'alf
I hear Peter Gabriel right now...
 lily34 wrote:
i totally don't get it when people think this is gabriel. so different in my mind.

but then again, i love this band, and this song.

 
No, I totally hear what you're saying. I know it's not Gabriel, but I can't help making the comparison as well. I quite like Elbow.
{#Yawn}Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 westslope wrote:

So for the fans, is this CD worth getting?  

 

Already have the follow up CD which I love.  Thought it is as with lots of great music on RP, a hard sell to non musical friends.  Somehow telling them them that this is the band that other bands listen to doesn't quite work.



 
Yes. Every song is good, most are really good.
Aptly named....It's one of my Very Best from Elbow!
I think making the Best of albums is just a cynical approach to generate more cash....come on, has the band run out of ideas ?.

So for the fans, is this CD worth getting?  

 

Already have the follow up CD which I love.  Thought it is as with lots of great music on RP, a hard sell to non musical friends.  Somehow telling them them that this is the band that other bands listen to doesn't quite work.


 Sloggydog wrote:
Over-rated, over-played.  I can tell my arse from my elbow its just i think i'd rather listen to the old trouser trumpet.

 
What, are they blasting it out on Radio One? I doubt Alan Freeman is still around anymore and he was only on Sunday anyway so you can't blame him. Can't get the daft buggers over here to play anything good on the rad. If not for RP my ears would be locked up tighter than a gnat's butt on a lemon wedge so let us enjoy it when we can. You could always distract yourself with the latest Viz while it plays. That's what I do when it's something ghastly.
As with many Elbow songs, I feel this has a lot more substance than it may seem at first.  Amazing melody!
 Sloggydog wrote:
Over-rated, over-played.  I can tell my arse from my elbow its just i think i'd rather listen to the old trouser trumpet.
 
I completely disagree with your thoughts on Elbow, but love the way you expressed yourself!  Trouser trumpet is a term I hear all too seldom here in the States.
Melodrama...{#Yawn}
Average song but nice lyrics:
You've gone, gone and made A beautiful hole in my heart.
Ironically, this isn't Elbow's "very best" by a long distance, but anything Elbow is welcome after a bit of a weak stretch...
 Euskadita wrote:
Is the singer the same as in "Warm Sound" from Zero 7?

 
That was Mozez.
 lily34 wrote:
i totally don't get it when people think this is gabriel. so different in my mind.

but then again, i love this band, and this song.
 
The lead singer, Guy Garvey, apparently is a big fan of Peter Gabriel.
Is the singer the same as in "Warm Sound" from Zero 7?
 annie_fannie wrote:

I was just going to ask if the lead singer WAS Peter Gabriel!
  i totally don't get it when people think this is gabriel. so different in my mind.

but then again, i love this band, and this song.


 sirdroseph wrote:


Actually took no thought at all, I instantly am repulsed by their voices without even thinking about it, just as I instantly like other songs when I hear them! Music is not made enjoyable through thought, but through hearing!{#Cheers}
 


Well, that's one (somewhat limited) way to look at it.
I'm a huge fan of these guys. (After hearing them here.) And... I __LOVE__ this song.
Man I love this song SO MUCH. This band is awesome —- their new album is also really good.
 agkagk wrote:
These guys are great. Right up there with Porcupine Tree, whom I rate in lofty company with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Pink Floyd
 
I was just going to ask if the lead singer WAS Peter Gabriel!
These guys are great. Right up there with Porcupine Tree, whom I rate in lofty company with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Pink Floyd
 Sloggydog wrote:
Over-rated, over-played.  I can tell my arse from my elbow its just i think i'd rather listen to the old trouser trumpet.
 
Trumpety trump,trump!
:) 
 casey1024 wrote:
Well, I like them! 
 

Seconded. I don't understand the comments implying that you have to like EITHER Peter Gabriel OR Elbow. They're both wonderful, and different.
Well, I like them! 

Anyone heard about someone called Gabriel, Peter Gabriel?


 boober wrote:

Nice comments.....took a lot of thought!

 
Bored ex-pat syndrome.

Not sure about the flicking switches line....  but the rest of this just grabs.
The melody in the verse on this song is amazing!
Over-rated, over-played.  I can tell my arse from my elbow its just i think i'd rather listen to the old trouser trumpet.
Every time this tune comes on the volume gets CRANKED!   {#Sunny}
I guess I can understand some people hearing Peter Gabriel here, but imho Peter is much better than Elbow. I like Peter Gabriel. I can't get into this band. They just don't have the same range and emotion.

 boober wrote:

Nice comments.....took a lot of thought!

 

Actually took no thought at all, I instantly am repulsed by their voices without even thinking about it, just as I instantly like other songs when I hear them! Music is not made enjoyable through thought, but through hearing!{#Cheers}
 sirdroseph wrote:


I agree, but also think that both suck, don't know the other guy, but if he sounds like these two, prolly wouldn't like him either!{#Lol}
 
Nice comments.....took a lot of thought!

I love Elbow. 
 rez wrote:

In a fairer world it would be Coldplay opening for Elbow.
 

That's a show I would not be attending regardless of who opened for whom!{#No}
 westslope wrote:

Guy Garvey.

 

In my not so humble opinion, Guy Garvey sings better than Peter Gabriel and Steven Wilson.  I love 'em all.


 

I agree, but also think that both suck, don't know the other guy, but if he sounds like these two, prolly wouldn't like him either!{#Lol}
 rez wrote:

In a fairer world it would be Coldplay opening for Elbow.
 
Ditto. Coldplay leaves me cold. Once you hear two songs of theirs, you've heard everything they have to offer.
Elbow, on the other hand, has incredible range and variety.
(Sorry for the unintentional puns!)

Guy Garvey.

 

In my not so humble opinion, Guy Garvey sings better than Peter Gabriel and Steven Wilson.  I love 'em all.


Is that Peter Gabriel singing?
Love it!
 westslope wrote:

I like it.

 

Then I love the latest Elbow CD, all of Porcupine Tree, early Genesis, and similar so I guess I'm a pushover.



 
{#High-five}

Elbow is sooooo goooood

I like it.

 

Then I love the latest Elbow CD, all of Porcupine Tree, early Genesis, and similar so I guess I'm a pushover.



Wow.  This is beautiful, lyrical, wow.
Impressed with the Elbow that Bill has picked out, but the albums as a whole haven't done it for me. {#Neutral}

malvey254, someone would have to upload "Forget Myself" from this album for it to be considered to be added to RP's rotation.  So if you have the song, please upload it so the rest of us can hear it.  Thanks from someone who only has their "Seldom Seen Kid" cd.  By the way, I think "My Very Best" is an excellent track too.

 
malvey254 wrote:
Bill and Rebecca have a tracking device on my iPod.  Great pick.  Play a little Forget Myself from this album- a great example of what this band can do when they are upbeat.
 


just wow
Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart

 rez wrote:

In a fairer world it would be Coldplay opening for Elbow.
 
word


 Jelani wrote:
Who gave this guy permission to sing?
 
god

Relayer wrote:
I really dig Elbow, and was set to see them tomorrow night in Tampa opening for Coldplay.....but I just got a call that the show was canceled. Darn.

In a fairer world it would be Coldplay opening for Elbow.


 pinklife wrote:
Absolutely beautiful.  Makes me see fireflies when I close my eyes.  We apparently don't have them in Florida, and I sorely miss them.  Can't say why this song calls them to mind, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth, eh?
 
I saw my first firefly this year. Truly amazing! I get your comment. {#Sunny}
I really dig Elbow, and was set to see them tomorrow night in Tampa opening for Coldplay.....but I just got a call that the show was canceled. Darn.
Who gave this guy permission to sing?
 pinklife wrote:
Absolutely beautiful.  Makes me see fireflies when I close my eyes.  We apparently don't have them in Florida, and I sorely miss them.  Can't say why this song calls them to mind, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth, eh?
 

yes i can see the fireflies.  now.  they are lovely.  if you look real close, the males have heads that look like ted bundy and the females have head that look like aileen(that female serial killer)w.  they are so lovely. 
He's got a funny whistle in his voice. 
Absolutely beautiful.  Makes me see fireflies when I close my eyes.  We apparently don't have them in Florida, and I sorely miss them.  Can't say why this song calls them to mind, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth, eh?
Bill and Rebecca have a tracking device on my iPod.  Great pick.  Play a little Forget Myself from this album- a great example of what this band can do when they are upbeat.
Not their best, but still very, very good.
Gosh these guys are good.. me likesh.. yesh yesh
rtrudeau wrote:
Has anyone heard this entire album? Is it as good as The Seldom Seen Kid?

I bought it (through RP of course!) based on this song. Station Approach, An Imagined Affair, Mexican Standoff, My Very Best, and Puncture Repair got 5 stars after 3 listens. Great Expectations just moved up at the 4th listen. I think this is one of those albums that grows and lasts as a favorite.

But this song is a real stand-out. Absolutely stunning. {#Cheers}
like buttah...
Has anyone heard this entire album? Is it as good as The Seldom Seen Kid?
the galactic and now this have improved the playlist.  i'd say keep it up bill, except it looks like i'm on a 2 song delay and i can see what's coming.  i'll trust it'll sound good.
these guys are my discovery for 2008. Thanks Bill & Rebecca

{#Curtain}and alan parsons
 wenatchee wrote:
Sounded a bit like Porcupine Tree with Peter Gabriel . . . as others have mentioned. Interesting
 
I hear that...I also hear Catherine Wheel in this a little.

Guy Garvey and the band certainly have their shit together.Their ascent and subsequent albums will be watched closely by this #1 fan.
"I'm from a long line of survivors" I'd love to say that to my ex....but I'm happily married.
 robco1 wrote:
Damn. Okay, I'm sold.{#Meditate}

Update: bought the album; like it so far (not a "love it" yet, but I'll give it time).

 

have you had enough time with it yet? do you love it?

i like this song a lot.
Well, give that girl my very best
Though it never made the grade
If it seems that it's just not enough to love
Then love lie down
And would you tell her
Not to talk as if I died
Though a tiny part just did
And would you tell her
I'm from a long line of survivors
And I'll be swinging with the kids

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart


In the corner of the room
In the room we used to love
Of the love we should say this
There were switches never flicked
Long away and far apart
That's how forest fires start
Start again it felt like this
Fresh and simple as a kiss
I bounce these feelings off the moon
The echoes don't come back

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart

Of the love we should say this
There were, there were switches never flicked

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone
Gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart

Keep your sympathy
Don't need the healing to start
You've gone

** 7 **


{#No}
Holy cow.  Call a vet and have me put to sleep!{#Cry}
Damn. Okay, I'm sold.{#Meditate}

Update: bought the album; like it so far (not a "love it" yet, but I'll give it time).

Thank you Bill for sharing this amazing band with everyone. I have been a lover of their very fine and beautiful music for years now, and I am happy that more people can enjoy the wonderful sounds of Elbow. Cheers again Bill!    {#Cheers}
Sounded a bit like Porcupine Tree with Peter Gabriel . . . as others have mentioned. Interesting
Rafter101 wrote:
Interesting--I though I was listening to a new Seal song.
I totally thought the same thing. Also heard hints of Gabriel in the voice. Great (sad) song.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who hear(s/d) Peter Gabriel in this.
Sounds just like Super Furry Animals to me...
I just thought I was listening to Peter Gabriel too.
ThePoose wrote:
Peter Gabriel meets Hooverphonic
There is a little Jeff Buckley in here I think...
This is another one of those "only on RP songs" that I will hear again in, say, 15 years, and will say to myself, "Hey, I remember that tune!"
Elbow is on tour, try to see them!
I hear this song in my head sometimes. Haunting.
Stunning song...just stunning.
Interesting--I though I was listening to a new Seal song.
ThePoose wrote:
You'll hear Hooverphonic quite regularly on RP. Stay tuned.
Gotcha.
michaelgmitchell wrote:
Don't know the latter. Certainly know the former. I certainly hear the former. I like this. Might need to hear something else before I flash the card.
You'll hear Hooverphonic quite regularly on RP. Stay tuned.
This is really monotonous. Made me think of him: Anyone? Anyone?
boober wrote:
Thanks Doc! How about the music?
What the? I missed a previous post, I guess. I get the "Elbow" part. It's just a name. The Rolling Stones? Stones rolling down the road. Beck? Beck. Tea Party? You get where I'm going, I think.
ThePoose wrote:
Peter Gabriel meets Hooverphonic
Don't know the latter. Certainly know the former. I certainly hear the former. I like this. Might need to hear something else before I flash the card.
Alpine wrote:
The elbow-joint is a ginglymus or hinge joint. Three bones form the elbow joint: the humerus of the upper arm, and the paired radius and ulna of the forearm. The bony prominence at the very tip of the elbow is the olecranon process of the ulna.
Thanks Doc! How about the music?
Peter Gabriel meets Hooverphonic
Elbow is always good...
sounds a bit like a band I liked back in the 80s called Black.
A bit drawn out, but pretty good nonetheless.
Man these guys are good. Way better than most the new crap out there.
Elbow. The melancholic's Coldplay. Seriously though, I like these guys.
The elbow-joint is a ginglymus or hinge joint. Three bones form the elbow joint: the humerus of the upper arm, and the paired radius and ulna of the forearm. The bony prominence at the very tip of the elbow is the olecranon process of the ulna.
I still rate this tune a ten -- the meloncholy nature of it tugs at my heart strings. I crank it up everytime I hear it. "You've gone and made a beautiful hole in my heart." Guess anyone who cannot relate to that lyric has never had a broken heart.
rosedraws wrote:
i think they meant whiney, not whinny
Please make this song go away........
eisbaer_67 wrote:
...he does it again: His '2' rating lowers the overall by one-tenth... Mua-hahaha!
I'll bet you like pulling wings off flies, too.
I never tire of Elbow, it's wonderful to hear them. Not that they're related, but maybe you could play Super Furry Animals, too?
Raechel wrote:
ditto
Yeah, but I LIKE PG. And this song.
Pyro wrote:
I can hear PG in some of the vocal phrases.
ditto
Foreverfree wrote:
Gabriel?
I can hear PG in some of the vocal phrases.
moonbat wrote:
This is making an ugly hole in my ear.
OK moonbat, you just made me laugh at loud!
i think this is gorgeous. i just hung up on my brother so i could listen.
loud_family_fan wrote:
Sounds like Peter Gabriel, if he sang really whinny dull songs.
rosedraws wrote:
Helllllooooo Wilburrrrrrrr.
Gabriel?
I'm glad they clarify that this song is their very best. That frees me from having to be tortured by any more of their work. I give it a 2!
I feel like I'm going to burst into tears listening to this.
Bruce_AK wrote:
I just love this peice. Nice and meldodic. I turn it up every time it comes on. Creates this beautiful sence of yearning, longing. I dunno, sorta makes me think of the final scene in Brokeback Mountain. "A beautiful hole in my heart."
I just love this peice. Nice and meldodic. I turn it up every time it comes on. Creates this beautiful sence of yearning, longing. I dunno, sorta makes me think of the final scene in Brokeback Mountain. "A beautiful hole in my heart."
This is making an ugly hole in my ear.
These guys sound like Super Furry Animals to me.
loud_family_fan wrote:
Sounds like Peter Gabriel, if he sang really whinny dull songs.
I agree!