DM were right not include ‘Martyr’ on Playing the Angel – whereas the album had a contemporary sound with darkness pumping through its veins, this is more of an ode to ‘80s club cheese.
More importantly, it would have been one of the weaker tracks, resembling an incestuous threesome between ‘Suffer Well’ and B sides ‘Better Days’ and ‘Free’, complete with retro electronic bleeps and blips, dated octave jumping bass and Gore’s bluesy two note guitar riff that borders on self parody.
Lyrically, too, it has a “been there, done that” feel as principal wordsmith Gore reverts to the old pain and suffering shtick.
Still, at least vocalist Gahan is on top form, breathing life into this frustrating mix of overcooked production and underdeveloped songwriting.
Fiona Apple - When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts
notes: Full title: When The Pawn Hits The Conflicts He Thinks Like A King What He Knows Throws The Blows When He Goes To The Fight And He'll Win The Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters The Ring There's No Body To Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand And Remember That Depth Is The Greatest Of Heights And If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where To Land And If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right.
Personnel includes: Fiona Apple (vocals, piano); Jon Brion (various instruments); Tom Biller (guitar, synthesizer); Michael Breaux (woodwinds); Wendell Kelly, John Noreyko, Paul Loredo, Jean Martinelli (horns); Patrick Warren (Wurlitzer piano, Chamberlain); Greg Cohen (bass); Matt Chamberlain, Butch (drums, percussion); Jim Keltner (drums); Rich Costey (programming).
Personnel includes: Fiona Apple (vocals, piano); Jon Brion (various instruments); Tom Biller (guitar, synthesizer); Michael Breaux (woodwinds); Wendell Kelly, John Noreyko, Paul Loredo, Jean Martinelli (horns); Patrick Warren (Wurlitzer piano, Chamberlain); Greg Cohen (bass); Matt Chamberlain, Butch (drums, percussion); Jim Keltner (drums); Rich Costey (programming).