When I asked people to submit a favorite memory of "Dawnrazor," I figured that a certain theme would emerge from their stories. Indeed, one did -- though not one I expected. I honestly don't remember the first time I heard "Dawnrazor," but what I do remember is that my favorite way to listen to it is lying down, with the lights off, with headphones wrapped around my ears. It seems almost all of you share that preference. Like most of FOTN's albums, "Dawnrazor" is a sensory, immersive experience -- one best experienced with no distractions. Many of you were generous with your time and words, particularly Nod Wright, who helped craft this album released 20 years ago. Be sure to click through to see his photos from the recording sessions. Below are highlights from your stories. Click on a name to see the full tale, or here to see them all: |
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NOD WRIGHT
Recording the intro to "Dust" looking down the long, converted barn: Tony
on top of a step ladder dropping peas into a
bucket of water, Pete playing an old gate post far down the end in the dark, while Carl
moon- I always liked to listen to new tapes in the dark using headphones. It made it special, and it helped me give my full attention. Things started off well, but before the end of the second side I really needed the lights on. This was brilliant. It had everything I could have wanted. This was music for people with hats. It was alive, and wild, and scary as fuck. I had no idea what any of it meant, even when I could make out the words, but it felt terrific. I once wanted to front a band. Something not quite metal, yet heavy and dark. Something filled with arcana and mysticism. I stopped when I heard the entirety of "Dawnrazor" for the first time. I knew I couldn't do it any better. If I recall correctly, I was in my one-bedroom apartment in South River, New Jersey. I had heard "Preacher Man" on the Gothic Rock compilation (Hey, Cleopatra Records is good for something every so often!), but I hadn't heard the whole album. I waited until twilight to listen to "Dawnrazor." Somehow, that seemed right. |
GRSL
The image of cowboys raw and rugged the spaghetti western films I love and adore, so this was my hook and I thought, "OK. I can see a reason to like you," but the music was still not there! Then one night, in my student digs, the lights were out, the shades were on, the curtains closed, came a song... I was mesmerised. I played it over and over again, turning the tape every twenty minutes or so. It was like being taught a new language in an afternoon, one that no-one else had known for centuries. I was unaware at the time that a Pavlovian effect was taking place inside my brain. It only became apparent a few days later when, fully recovered from my illness, I listened to "Dawnrazor" again, I felt sick. I had to go to the under- I remember being given "Dawnrazor" by my best friend ... I believe the statement as the cassette was handed to me was, "I can't get into this at all but you will love it". Truer words have never been spoken and I have been a fan ever since hearing it for the first time. |