A new development in the hunt for the recently unearthed Lost Track from the In Dream sessions. Many congratulations to Margot, who was revealed by Studio Brussel today as the happy soul who got one of the limited edition vinyl copies of Dream Dark as Your Heaven. Not only that, but she also received a personalised message from Mr Smith who used the opportunity to thank her for supporting Music for Life and Oxfam and then totally downplayed the status of the song, in true self-deprecating style. We're all out here salivating for a chance to check it out and he happily informs us that it's not a classic, but it'll do. Damn you, sir!
It's nice to see the signed posters on her wall during the interview, which suggests that this one went to a genuine fan of the band and not someone who just wanted something to sell on ebay in a week or two. Of course, a possible downside is that she'll be bombarded with requests to rip the vinyl to mp3 and share it by large groups of rabid, fellow Editors fans who are coveting the prize she's only just received. On that point, I think there's more going on here than we may be aware of.
Firstly, it's unusual for the band to be so protective of a track. The fact that it was released as a way to raise money for good causes alters that, of course, but now that the funds have been collected then that could change. Their mantra in the early days was always that they were annoyed by things like their albums leaking, but people hearing the music was always the most important thing. I don't imagine that this is something that's changed over the years, and I can't bring to mind any other tracks that we know for sure exist but haven't been released officially sooner or later (Bones, Banging Heads, Last Day etc). The only ones I can think of are The Pulse and the songs that were recorded with Chris for E4 that have never been heard outside Editors' circles, but then they weren't finished and properly mixed final takes anyway. So does Dream Dark as Your Heaven remain unheard by the masses, forever to be just out of earshot? Nope. I'm not buying that at all. History suggests that every Editors song surfaces eventually.
Secondly, the angle being pushed in this video is that Margot is one of only a couple of people who've heard it, and it's the way in which they tease the audience that's ringing warning bells for me. Was it necessary to watch her playing the song, while carefully fading out any possible sounds that could giveaway what she's hearing? It felt a little like overkill. It seemed, to me anyway, like a way of increasing interest in the song. A small written piece on the StuBru website would have done to let everyone know the vinyl had reached its new owner. Instead, they filmed it all and messed with our heads a little which has only increased the desire to get a copy. Job done, well played Studio Brussel and Editors.
It could also just be that they want Margot and whoever got vinyl number 2 to be able to appreciate the uniqueness of their bounty for a while, before a more general release happens. There's no point in claiming that this thing is valuable and special if the song you have is already in the hands of thousands of other folks.
The video here is in Dutch, but you don't need to be able to speak it to get the idea of what's going on. After listening to the track, here's what the lucky winner herself had to say about it. This translation comes courtesy of the wonderful lady in charge of Editors' unofficial internet forum, Hannah. Many thanks to you for this:-
Margot - Beautiful. It's really beautiful. It's hard to compare it [to any of their other songs]. I had read that it was originally meant to be on In Dream. I agree it would have fitted on the album, but it also has something completely different about it.
Studio Brussel - And is it an uptempo song or a quiet song?
Margot - Uhmmmmm... It has some quiet moments but there are also some bombastic elements.
So there you go. We're no further forward other than we know that the song is in the hands of at least one Editors fan. On a side note, I don't know Margot but I would guess that there must be something very odd about listening to a song with headphones, while a camera crew and a presenter stands behind you watching your reaction. Yikes! Also, watch out for the excellent photobomb by the cat at 30 seconds in. Even the kitties of the world want to hear this song! Enjoy the video, squirm with anticipation/frustration ;)
brought to you with lots and lots of lemming-love :) x
