'Black Eyes Blue' (Acoustic)

Corey Taylor recently released a solo album called CMFT. The track "Black Eyes Blue" is a true standout. I posted it here when it was first released. It definitely has 80s glam vibes. Now Corey has recorded an acoustic version of the track and I like it too, so I wanted to share. What do you think?

Comments

[Him]

I have no doubt that CT cares about music and knows a lot of stuff regarding the same. All that said, this guy just seems . . . to . . . try . . . too . . . hard. When I look for a word to describe my feelings about him, the one word that always comes to mind is: cloying.

Yup. That puts me in the old codger's league. If having trouble with Cookie Monster vocals is a problem, then I have a problem (though I certainly can listen to Hellhammer and Celtic Frost and all those "uhhs"). If finding plaintively sung hammy lyrics torturous is a problem, then I have a problem (though I can get on board with Zakk's Books of Shadows). Do I have an issue with bands that have people playing drums on pickle buckets an issue? Not really. You do yours. I do mine. And you can even wear a fun mask (heck, I love Ghost).

But I digress. CT seems to think his gimmick is expandable and, perhaps, it is. You have your 'Knot, and your Sour, and your forays into horror, and comics, and your joking (I mean, you get it, right?) CMFT. This guy is everywhere. He seems to plead with people to understand that he is complicated and cool, raging and reflective. The total package (and I mean that as a slight to a guy that pulls down more money than I ever will).

If I were to draw a comparison (and I will), CT is to Randy Blythe what Sacha Baron Cohen is to Michael Moore. And I mean that as a sorta' compliment. They all want to turn our attention to the ills in this world. But they often fail to stick the landing. I said this once or twice before, but . . . when you operate in an echo chamber, you often only get advice from the remnants of your own logic. The circle, to paraphrase a famous philosopher, gets the square. And, no, I am not referring to Paul Lynde . . . the maestro of misdirection!

Hell, I would rather listen to Mike Tramp's acoustic noodlings. They seems to come from a far more contemplative place/space (even if, and don't tell Mike this, I don't like most of them). CT, I look forward to watching how you wear your crown some twenty or so years later.

[EddieLongHair]

I don't really have strong feelings about him (not HIM). I usually like the stuff I hear from Slipknot. I think I own a couple of their albums. I don't mind Stone Sour. CMFT is ok, what I've heard of it anyway. I'm curious, Him, have you read any of his books. I read Seven Deadly Sins and American 51. I'm pretty sure I read both of them on the beach in Aruba. Deadly Sins was about 5 or 6 years ago and 51 was a couple years ago. I remember enjoying them while I was reading them. But I'll be perfectly honest with you... I don't remember a damn thing about either of them. LOL! But hey, as long as I was entertained at the time. That's usually the way I like my books on the beach anyway.

[Bryon]

I really like CMFT. Granted, I'm a fan of pretty much everything Corey is involved in - Slipknot is one of my all time favorites, and Stone Sour is just a great hard rock band.

But this new album has a different vibe than either of those. It's more playful, and definitely more reminiscent of 80's big hair than anything he's done before. Basically, he's not taking himself too seriously, and it's just a good, fun rock album.

And HIM, I totally get how CT gets on a lot of nerves. He's a loud mouth who seems to enjoy the attention that being a loud mouth gets him. The "but what does Corey think?" meme is a thing for a reason, after all. And it's true - the guy is EVERYWHERE and always seems to have 10 projects on the go. But I've always felt that's more a result of his inability to sit still than it is about carefully orchestrating his brand & image. He just doesn't say not to everything and obviously enjoys being really busy, all the time.

[fletch]

Yeah, ok him. I remember you saying that the biggest crime he ever did was wasting his talent. But it reminds me of the late and great Joan Rivers (who often sat next to Paul Lynde).

She was asked if she likes Howard Stern. She replied, "I adore him. He's great. He's one of the best". The interviewer then asked, " Have you heard what he says about you?". Without missing a beat, she quipped, "That's when I change the station".

[Him]

EddieLH and Bryon, thanks for providing the alternative to my tirade. I appreciate hearing why other people like things I don't. I am sure we all have those people who get on our nerves, personally and musically and so on (I suspect I am on several people's lists on this site!). EddieLH, I have that problem with a lot of books . . . read them, love them, and then forget them. And when I do have a memory of a book I read, I often go back and pull the book out to make sure it is dog-eared. Bryon, I also get being a fan of something that some people don't like. You make a good case for CT; well done. In fact, I think I should hire you to explain to others why I still like Don Dokken!!

Fletch, dear soul, I think you are mistaken. But I did like your JR story.

Hope all are well.

PS: "an issue" x 2 . . . again, my editor stepped away from the desk!

[bkallday]

Sorry Him, but Slipknot>>>Ghost and it aint even close!

[Metalboy!]

Brace yourselves, Boyz ... Slipknot, Schmitsnaught ... I never payed any attention to them OR Corey Taylor or Stone Sour, the latter of which everyone seems to fall over themselves over on this site for reasons unbeknownst to me accept for a some strange subconscious love of all things mediocre.

I mean, c’mon, Boyz ... Save for a KILLER impersonation of Van Halen on a cover of “Unchained”, “Hydrograd” is one of the main reasons why I fell asleep while compiling my Best of 2017 list and almost didn’t submit it (a feat I finally achieved last year, much to my psuedo embarrassment, after a month of compiling it) ...

That said, I happen to LOVE “CMFT” and believe it is the crowning achievement of his career ... Why? ... Because it’s NOT trying too hard ... I enjoy it because it’s generally fun and a complete and total brainrester (one of my favorite phrases of my Dad’s, may he rest in peace.

This acoustic version of “Black Eyes Blue”, an otherwise fantastic song headed for my “Best Songs of 2020” list, is an absolute snorefest!

p.s. HIM ... With ya on Cookie Monster vocals ... Glad I, once again, cited that analogy first on this site ... Because I’m MMFB!

[Him]

I defer to you, Metalboy! You know that. Glad you are back. And, again, appreciate the opposing POVs and the respectful discussions to be had on this great site!

By the way everyone, RIP Viola Smith! Amazing story.

[Him]

Fair enough, bkallday. Different strokes, right? Room enough for both of them.

And I will give them this . . . they understood/stand the idea of theater in metal. In that sense (and I have seen them live), they play into the Cooper, KISS, WASP, etc., side of things. And they updated said 'side' to fit that particular style of metal, which I just happen to knot enjoy. Funny thing is, Ghost understood/stand the same thing, and updated the idea as well . . . just in a different direction (more akin to BoC, even if Forge doesn't list them as a major influence, since he basically writes all their stuff with his co-writer).

Not that you asked, but I do hope Ghost pivots back a bit on the next release. The last one was fine. But it took time to grown on me (like some form of acne). Even then, it was moving a bit farther away from what I like about them, in terms of music. But they put on a great show this last go around. Forge understands, as I guess Slipknot does, that a show can be about music _and_ entertainment. Ghost is a gimmick. I get that. Slipknot too. I guess I just prefer the one over the other. You do too. Cool enough, right?