|
alive and kicking (demo)
composers
Written by: Kerr / Burchill / MacNeil
background
In Mick MacNeil's archive are four files in a directory marked "Live Rehearsal", each called
Alive And Kicking. Such a description suggests pre-tour work, perhaps for Once Upon A Time or
Street Fighting Years, of the titular song.
Despite the poor recording, which appears to be from a cassette recorder eavesdropping on proceedings, it quickly becomes clear
this is not the case. It's clearly an early version of Alive And Kicking: the band are hesitant,
Jim repeats the vocals, and it comes to a halt at the bridge.
The band then discuss how to proceed. Jim,
Charlie and
Mick discuss various options, whilst
Mel and
John occasionally interject
with questions. A sixth person is also present, offering guiding advice in a calm American accent.
Charlie calls him "Jimmy".
It becomes clear that this poor recording – split into four files – is bearing witness to the writing of
Alive And Kicking. The band are kicking around ideas for the song's bridge, whilst
Jimmy Iovine sits in on the session, and guides the process forward. Given the early nature
of the song, and that Iovine is present, suggests that these recordings were made at
Barwell Court in late 1984/early 1985.
The demo of Alive And Kicking was first recorded on the start of
Jams #1. This 8:22 minute instrumental featured
the entire structure of the final finished song with the verses, choruses, middle-8 and coda all in place.
It was a later recording, overwriting 5/4 on the tape, and therefore
recorded at a later date than the rest of the material. (Its precursor, Someone Sequel,
was also present on the same tape).
A second, similar take appears on Tape #1. The
vocals have now started to appear, but they're rather hesitant and quiet - it sounds like most of
them are now in place but they've yet to reach their final form.
see also:
Someone Sequel (Demo)
Alive And Kicking
lyrics
|
The lyrics have not been published.
|
demo discography
Instrumental Rough #1 (8:22)
|
|
Rough #2 (6:16)
|
|
|