THOMAS DOLBY: The Sole Inhabitant CD

Thomas Dolby

The Sole Inhabitant CD

© 2006 Lost Toy People Inc (634479416903)

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Warm, soaring electronica, with bold textures and thoughtful lyrics, from an authentic original who has influenced a whole generation of musicians.

tracks

1 Leipzig is Calling
2 One Of Our Submarines
3 I Live In A Suitcase
4 Flying North
5 The Flat Earth
6 Budapest By Blimp
7 Windpower
8 Europa And The Pirate Twins
9 Hyperactive
10 She Blinded Me With Science
11 Airhead

notes

Just when you think the 21st century might finally have caught up with Thomas Dolby, he takes another giant musical and technological leap. The artist who pioneered the marriage of technology and art, who first gave synthesizers soul, puts a camera in his brain and takes us on a visual trip inside his head, his heart, and his music; showing us at one and the same time where it came from and where it's going.

This live concert CD was recorded in May 2006 at the Martyrs in Chicago, IL. The sold out audience that night saw one of the best performances from Dolby's 'Sole Inhabitant' tour, which has thrilled crowds across the USA throughout the year.

The 'Sole Inhabitant' tour dates received high praise from critics. The Chicago Tribune wrote, “The audience seemed mesmerized by Dolby’s compositional and musical dexterity…Far from coming off as strictly a nostalgia act, the evening unfolded as a celebration of his past accomplishments and a harbinger for his future as a revitalized performer.” The Orange County Register added, “Most people’s knowledge of Dolby begins and ends with ‘She Blinded Me With Science,’ a sly slice of synth-funk from a superior album (The Golden Age of Wireless) whose variety and depth went far beyond its artificial surface. Indeed, for those who sought him out — certainly for scores of electronica acts who routinely cite him as an influence — Dolby was one-of-a-kind, a do-it-yourself electro wizard whose work conjured warmth and soul from machines whose output in other hands was pure digital chill.” The Washington Post summed it up: “When he whooshed into ‘Europa and the Pirate Twins,’ Dolby sounded startlingly relevant, no easy trick for a talented artist whose entire career is usually unfairly surmised in a single, shouted phrase.”

[NOTE: while stocks last, you can buy an individually numbered and autographed version of this CD at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dolby3auto ]

reviews

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  • thomas is calling
    author: Mark Leach

    Leipzig a tune from my youth has such subtle melodrama in this new version, I revisited the emotional landscape of a lifetime.........Sad but strangely comforting.... every place is not necessarily the same !!!!!!!!!!!

  • Long lost friends...
    author: Jean CHIODIN

    ...are back again: all these tunes I loved and cherrished years ago now seem brand new to me. I actually rediscovered them in this excellent sound and artist quality recording : a delight to my ears and a jump back to the future for my soul... Thank you Thomas! Missed you so much. Jean from France

  • A nice return

    I admit I did not expect now wealthy businessman Thomas Dolby to return to musical action. I also did not think his songs lent themselves to a one man show. But he proved me wrong on both counts. I think the new versions of these songs are in almost every case more touching than the original versions, even if they lose some of the studio polish.

  • Amazingly captured versions
    author: Eric in Philly

    Having missed him in concert I could only hope that he captured the essence of the songs. I was not disappointed. Without guitar,drums , or bass it is amazing how much of the original song comes through. This makes me even more sorry that I missed seeing him live.

  • It's about time
    author: joe macios

    I've been waiting for a live album with updated technology for some time and it sounded great. Now, if he could only do a blackflip on stage like I saw him do in Philly back in 1984, then the video concert would be complete.

  • A rare blend of computing and craftsmanship
    author: Chris

    There are some groups and musicians who I loved to listen to back in the dim and murky past. You know how it goes - you discover a recent compilation of hits or they go on tour after a break of three hundred years or so and when you hear them again you ask yourself how on earth you could have been so stupid to have wasted time on it. Not so our Mr D. No frills, no fanfare, just himself and his computers/instruments and an honest explanation in his own inimitable style as to why his music can still stop me in my tracks and force me to listen. Its all still good stuff!

  • great audience...!
    author: guemas

    Budapest by blimp... a great music piece!

  • Thomas Dolby is a "ONE OF A KIND" super artist !
    author: Ernie Folcarelli

    This CD is FANTASTIC ! I am a synthesizer enthusiast and it is such a pleasure to see and hear a performance by Thomas Dolby. No other artist out there is doing what he does live, and his music and songs are both meaningfull and fun !

  • Great Performance
    author: John

    I'm a big fan and really enjoyed this CD with live concert performances. Turn up the volume, close your eyes, and you're at the concert.

  • old is new again!
    author: richo

    superb! dug the show in santa cruz!!

  • This was a wonderful elaboration on what was already great!
    author: Kristina

    Thank you Thomas! If you find time to create and mix some new music, I'll be the first to try it. I fell in love with your music a long time ago - the lyrics are intelligent, wild, and unexpected and the use of sound is brilliant. Thank God you have been able to share this creativity with the world! It's the stuff that dreams and magic are made of....YeeHa!

  • The bomb.
    author: Doshii

    Saw this show live. It was excellent, and the recorded version delivered. Nice stuff, Mr. Dolby.

  • huge fan!!!!
    author: ms. paulus-flowers

    this is a very great cd, i own the retro spectacle cd, and it is the vest, thomas brought me through my childhood, and i am grown up now, so hes bring my kids through, whatta man, love you thomas, ednapf-detroit, city, mi

  • A superb update of some old friends
    author: europacol

    From the intro to 'Leipzig', you know this is going to be a geat experience, with Thomas giving a superb update of his old songs, whilst still retaining their essential originality. His vocals are spot on, and he uses his technological skill to deliver a live concert of wonderful quality. I have been into Mr Dolby's music from the very early days, and can't wait to see whats next. One request though. Please come to England and play these songs

  • Thomas Dolby live a big event!
    author: Thorsten Heinze

    It's a while since I heard stuff from Thomas Dolby, but his music is still one heck of a ride, the soundscapes he creates in conjunction with his songtext makes it always an event

  • Best Ever Live Recording?
    author: Ken

    Been following TMDR since I saw him in concert in Scotland about 25 years ago and without doubt this is his best ever recording - it's never been off the CD player since I got it! Great to hear slightly different versions of his best tracks. Without doubt 'poetry in motion'!

  • an old friend returns
    author: dave

    I was very impressed at the sound quality of this live material. Except for 'airhead', all selections were strong, and even that was a feat, given it was done solo, and recorded live. TD has returned to show us he still can surprise and entrance. I only hope there's more studio material coming in the future! Welcome back MR Dolby, we've been waiting....

  • A must for any Dolby fan
    author: Ed

    What a fantastic concert. I was lucky enough to see Thomas Dolby in London and this is from the same tour. Even if you didn't see him live, this is essential for any fan of Thomas Dolby. The songs all have great new arrangements. Wonderful!

  • Excellent one man show
    author: Simon C from Australia

    'Forty' was good but this is even better. The song selection is excellent, the playing accomplished and the arrangements inspired. I especially liked the techno treatment given to 'Europa', which I guess can be regarded as TD's signature tune. Wonderful to see some of the more Eurocentric tracks like 'Leipzig' and 'Budapest' included here. All true fans of Mr Dolby's superior brand of eccentric, intelligent early 80s pop will want this CD.

  • Thomas Dolby Strikes Again!
    author: Brad

    Good going, Thomas Dolby! If you had been bowling, your score was 300. I had the good fortune to meet you after this very recording, upstairs at Martyrs'! You spilled your Heineken's, remember? The only thing that would make this CD any better, if that is possible, would have been the inclusion of your little stories between the songs. This excellent CD brings my memories of the evening back to life. Best regards to you & your family. Bravo, ENCORE!!!!!!!

  • A logical continuation of Dolby's musical evolution...
    author: Jeff Joplin

    TMDR's Sole Inhabitant project is a brilliant reinvention of the never-ending evolution of Dolby's music & influence. Dynamic & powerful performances abound in both the CD & DVD, which closely examines his MO on both composing & performing. An illuminating & (often informally) entertaining offering from a TRUE original! For ALL fans of music, not just TMDR's!

  • sharper than ever
    author: jeff

    I had the chance to see his show in Memphis several weeks ago and i must tell you he was fantastic. The disc was great and i can add it to my full collection of his other works. Great sound for the disc! I want more and i know that head and heart of his will bring out even more if we ask him and we certainly should. looking forward to his next departure from the ordinary! Jeff

  • Rock On Thomas Dolby
    author: David

    After seeing Thomas Dolby perform live in May 06, I have been hooked on his music. Every time I give this CD a spin, I'm suddenly reminded of that first exiting concert that turned me on last spring. The sounds is exellect and as close as you can get without seeing him live. It is also great for someone who wants to discover his music, as it is a good sampling of songs from several albums. Rock On!

  • Dolby at his Best!
    author: Mic Platt

    Eleven songs--eleven thumbs up. 25 years later and he sounds better than ever! Buy it! I did and I saw the songs in concert!

  • fantastic cd
    author: jamesdooo

    i was at these shows and it was great than if you like mr dolby you will love this album

  • Each song better than the last!
    author: JLevin

    This is an excellent live recording. A very good representation of what Mr. Dolby's recent live shows were like, this is one of those rare albums where each song is better than the previous one (and they're ALL good) so that it just keeps getting better and better as it goes on, and you become addicted to listening to it. Dolby's songwriting, arrangements and the audio quality are all so strong that it seems impossible not to be impressed by this album, and not to enjoy the heck out of it. I ordered a few extra copies to give as gifts. I must share it!

  • It opened my heart like a spam tin!
    author: Paul Worts

    I've seen Mr D live 4 times, the most recent being at the Scala in London this year. The gig was intimate and it felt like a large house party with Thomas entertaining all his guests with his bank of keyboards and gadgets. His music is sublime. Witty, insightful poetic lyrics, heart-renching melodies, and cool electronic twitches. This CD is technically the best live recording I've ever heard. And the quality of Mr D's performance is nothing short of magical. He manages to improve on the orginal recordings in many cases. (Personal favourite: 'I live in a suitcase'). A MUST BUY

  • THE GOLD INHABITANT
    author: Brian La Fountain

    Thomas Dolby. Just that name alone causes fantastic feelings. I remember being unable to move when I first heard him. It was like a revelation. I was completely transfixed. His is a strange and provocative, moody sound that remains unparalleled. This collection of songs that span his entire career truly focus on the more complex aspects of his composing genius. If you want to slip away into a beautiful dreamscape of lush sounds and silky melodies, THE SOLE INHABITANT will make you feel all alone in Thomas Dolby's beautiful world.

  • The kid has still got it
    author: FCARTER

    As a Dolby fan, I waited many years to treat my ears to this icons next release. So I open my mail box, go into the house and pop in this much awaited piece of plastic. First of all, this self produced disk is a sonic marvel. As stated in recent reviews of TD, emotion and dynamics are a staple with this man. The reduced tempo of Flying North turned an old favorite into a full-out classic piece. What next I must think from this beloved performer?

  • The CD is classic Thomas Dolby: Outstanding!
    author: David

    The song selection is great, the sound quality terrificly sharp and clear, and the performance oustanding, heartfelt. Tremendous CD.

  • Dolby Live for the win!
    author: Brian Babyok

    I remember leaving the show in Pittsburgh thinking that I would love to have a copy of the show to listen to and now I do. The CD is called The Sole Inhabitant, but I'm sure I'm not the only one living there right along with the music. I can't recommend it enough.

  • A Must Have for any Thomas Dolby Fan
    author: Dru Albright

    Really, the most stunning thing about the Sole Inhabitant concert CD isn't that it's so well-produced, but that such well-crafted music came not from a studio recording, but live performances. The Sole Inhabitant could have been a poorly mixed recording or over-glorified concert tape recording. Instead, it is a marvelous capture of the first leg of Dolby's Sole Inhabitant tour. Working live and solo, Dolby still manages to rework many of his signature songs, making them fresh and altogether different. Instead of merely being re-recordings of these songs, many of them are subtle re-imaginings designed to not only accommodate Dolby's stage setup but in some cases to take advantage of the newer technology since the creation of some of the source tunes. In short, Sole Inhabitant stands beside Dolby's other albums proudly and should be a part of any fan's collection. You will not regret it.

  • author: Callie in NC

    I was fortunate enough to see this show live and it was well worth it! The CD is a fantastic translation of the live show. Dolby delvers his music intimatly and without guard. Budapest By Blimp, I Live in a Suitcase, and The Flat Earth are excellently delivered. His staple of She Blinded Me With Science is flawless and you would swear you were back in 1983. Europa and the Pirate Twins is at a much slower tempo than the song has traditionally been played and I felt the song dragged near the end otherwise I would have rated the CD 5 stars. Listen closely as Dolby builds the music on tracks like Leipzig is Calling and Airhead.

  • very good .....but.
    author: Hot sauce

    Just got my Sole Inhabitant cd from the mad people at cdbaby(thanks guys!!!!!) , ok, its not signed....ah well, I thought that might have been the case. Listening to the album.....hmmm....I think my views are biased by the live concerts I saw back in 1985, with his backing band with the likes of Matthew Seligman, and Lena Lovich. The gigs were raw, and exhuberant, full of power and energy, where as this concert cd where thomas is alone, is i felt, almost apologetic. It would be interesting to meet thomas and to understand how he feels about how his music is progressing, when I saw the new pictures of him on stage, in his eyes was the look of somoeone who was very alone, and contemplatative, maybe looking back on better times, I could be wrong, but thats the strong feeling I got.

  • innovative use of studio as an instrument was always his trademark.
    author: Randall Powell

    The ever-brilliant Mr. Dolby doesn't disappoint in this fine performance. How wonderful to see him back in action! I am going to see him Thursday in Dallas. Never thought I'd see him live. The staggering intelligence of his compositions, arrangements and production have been evident since his earliest recordings. His innovative use of the studio as an instrument was always his trademark. Welcome back (not that you ever completely left us...), Thomas, and thanks for the many acts of random and purposeful creativity that have enriched my musical life.

  • This is a great CD - just like being at the concert. Love it!!
    author: Jennifer

    CD baby will be getting all my CD business from now on - I love the CD and the personal on-line experience. I have told everyone about CD baby!

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