Divine Intervention (album)
From Fanlore
| Filk Album | ||
|---|---|---|
| Album Title: | Divine Intervention | |
| Producer: | Wail Songs (tape), Prometheus Music (CD) | |
| Type: | Studio | |
| Date: | 1986 (tape), 199? (CD) | |
| Medium: | ||
| Fandom: | Multiple | |
| Performer(s): | Julia Ecklar | |
| Other: | Prometheus also publishes a lyricbook. | |
| External Links: | Divine Intervention at Prometheus Music] | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | ||
| ||
Divine Intervention is widely known as the most expensive filk album ever produced[1]. Julia Ecklar sings, and wrote many of the songs.
Several songs on this album went on to win Pegasus Awards;[2] Lullaby for a Weary World won in 1990 for Best Filk Song, Temper of Revenge won in 1991 for Best War/Vengeance Song, and Ladyhawk won Best Classic Filk Song in 2004 after being nominated in 1987 for Best Filk Song and 1988 for Best Media Song.
Several of the songs on this album have been filked themselves. (It's likely that all these songs have been filked.) Ladyhawk has been filked many times:songs named "Ladybug" and "Ladies' Room" have both been written, and Bob Kanefsky wrote Man/Wolf[3] (with the chorus line, "Lycanthrope, lycanthrope, muscle and musk"). "Temper of Revenge" inspired "Temperature of Revenge," a Star Trek song about Wrath of Khan, from Khan's point of view.
Track Listing
- A1-Overture/Ladyhawke! (split to two for CD)
- A3-Crimson and Crystal
- A4-Burnish Me Bright
- Apocalypse (bonus CD track)
- A4-Survivor's Song
- A5-Terminus Est
- A6-Fallen Angel
- B1-Temper of Revenge
- B2-Crane Dance
- B3-One Man Magical Show
- B4-Silver
- B5-The Hand of God
- B6-Lullaby for a Weary World
- Temper of Revenge (bonus instrumental mix)
- Lullaby for a Weary World (bonus instrumental mix)
- Roxanne (bonus track)
Reactions and Reviews
- "To be perfectly honest, before I heard this tape, Julia Ecklar (a fairly well known filker) was little more than a name to me. Silly child. Her work is powerful stuff, suitable for those who like their music instinctive, emotional, and intellectual. (All this in the same song!) Air Craft Productions have managed to combine Julia's potent lyrics, music, and almost perfect orchestration into one not-to-be-missed package, This is not a convention tape. This is a professionally produced cassette with real paid musicians and excellent sound quality, Not Available In Stores. Most of her work is based on fictional universes, and Divine Intervention includes Ladyhawke, "The Day After," Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun, Star Trek, The Karate Kid, and Tanith Lee's Silver-Metal Lover, There are probably more, but I haven't been able to identify them. She seems able to find depth and meaning in some pretty unlikely ways (and places). Occasionally her song is better than the universe it on which it was based. Now for some of the best. "Ladyhawke" is one of my favorites. Exhilarating music and joyful lyrics act to describe the very soul of a wonderful movie. It lifts the heart, cleans the blood, ciears your sinuses, and I swear I could almost feel the cold fresh wind on my face. (Better than a York's Peppermint Patty!) "Burnish Me Bright" is another uplifting song, told from the viewpoint of a mute who, with the help of a 'wizard,' learns to break through her box made of glass' with the magic of mime. This, I think, is the most all-out beautiful song on the tape. But then I always was a sucker for a tear-jerker. "Survivor's Song," 'Tell me that the souls I see, who scream in silent agony, are not our only legacy...' Post WW III. "Temper of Revenge" will have your blood boiling and your adrenaline flowing as a warrior sets out to wreak vengeance on the enemies who dishonorably murdered her life companion. Unfortunately, this song suffers from over-orchestration. I've heard another, much simpler version (guitar and drum) that's much more suitable, if a bit slow. Ah, "Crane Dance." This is the one that's so much better than its inspiration, The Karate Kid, It has an interesting philosophy, certainly one worth listening to. I don't know what "The Hand of God" is based on, but it sounds uncomfortably close to what would happen if Jerry Falweil & Co, had their way. Chilling. Other cuts include an overture to "Ladyhawke!" written by Michael Moricz, a not-so-great rendition of Cynthia McQuillin's "Crimson and Crystal," "Termimus Est," "Fallen Angel" (a moving Trek song), "Lullaby for a Weary World," and others. If you know Julia, have heard her music before, you don't need me to tell you how great this tape because you already bought it. If you haven't, you'll be amazed at the range, strength, and beauty of her voice, and the very high quality of her music." [4]
References
- ↑ Divine Intervention at Prometheus, check the source code for the cost of production.
- ↑ Pegasus nominated songs, at the OVFF page
- ↑ Man/Wolf lyrics
- ↑ from The Propagator #28, 1986
