Customer Reviews

Mayfield

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When Tears For Fears broke up, the absence of recordings by Curt Smith made many wonder, was Roland Orzabal truly the creative force behind the band as he claimed? It turns out Orzabal's former partner was simply regrouping. Figuratively and literally.

What came from that break is Mayfield, a five man band fronted by Curt Smith. And for those who miss the vibe of TFF when it was an Orzabal/Smith collaboration as opposed to what its current incarnation as Roland's solo gig, Mayfield will satisfy that longing.

The disc starts off strong. The opening track "What Are We Fighting For" (inspired by a comment overheard during an argument between Smith's current songwriting partner and his partner's wife) has the "old skool" TFF sound. Not quite the BIG TFF sound, but the melodic/harmonic/swirling thing with nice lead guitar riffs and tasty hooks that the duo did so well. Even so, it's NOT TFF. And that's not a bad thing.

"Sorry Town" follows with an intro sounding uncannily similar to Pale Shelter. The track quickly evolves into it's own hook laden driving groove.

The release is dotted with nice ballads and more uptempo, slightly edgier tracks like "Reach Out" which is a bit of both. Simple rock jams and lush, fully orchestrated tracks like the poignant "I Don't Want To Be Around," a song of manic depression. Of course there is "Sun King," the obligatory bad blood track where Curt lets off some steam about Orzabal (who recorded his own bad-blood track earlier on the post-Smith TFF release). "Sun King" is bitter and funny all at once taking a swipe at the Smith-perceived arrogance and self importance of his former collaborator. He even starts off mocking Orzabal's shot at him in Roland's track "Fish Out of Water."

"The evidence is on the page Not much to show for so much rage It makes me smile You lost it somehow

Solitude was your only choice Bitterness your only voice I saw your face The time is talking now

Boy you looked so bad! You make the earth revolve You make the camera sing No conscience can absolve The Sun King..."

Oddly enough Smith and Orzabal (who supposedly weren't even speaking to each other for several years after the split), have been recently collaborating on new songs but Curt has been quick to warn there is no TFF reunion planned. "This is just a first step."

Listening to Mayfield reminds us (or informs the unaware) that Smith was an integral part of the Tears For Fears music, not just the "pretty" one. His voice has a unique quality which combined with Orzabal was quite special. On his own it's pretty damned impressive and he shows off his own slightly quirky prowess. Smith's song writing with guitarist Charlton Pettus offers us stuff we don't get to hear on the radio very often. The inane pop of "Britney Aguilerra" and "98 Boyz N'Sync" currently saturating the radio pale in comparison.

Depending where you live and when you buy the album, you will end up with a slightly different disc. It is currently being distributed by Smith's label, Zerodisc as "Mayfield." Outside of the U.S. the release CD is called Aeroplane, with different art and a few added tracks. In August of 2000 that version will be available in the U.S. Apparently the release and subsequent releases will be under the name Curt Smith since as Smith reports, "stores kept stocking the last CD under Smith, Mayfield or TFF, depending on their level of stupidity. Because of this confusion I've decided to keep things simple and the band agrees."

I don't give 5 stars easily but this one could be pushing four-and-a-half. If you need a refreshing CD to add to your collection--one that friends will likely ask, "Who IS this? " Mayfield is the choice. You'll likely be the trendsetter on your block.

I am a huge TFF fan. In fact, I would go as far as to say that they are my favorite band. No one else does it for me the way that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith did, and by the way this album has affected me, the way they still do.

TFF fans have been divided over the years, depending on who in the group they thought had the most talent. For years, I was in the "Roland" camp. "Soul On Board," Curt's '93 release, had a glossy finish, and a handful of solid adult-contemporary pop songs. And that's not a cut-down. But, the other half of the album was far too weak to make me believe in his side of the story.

This release has placed me firmly in the middle again. I no longer side between Roland or Curt. I just simply can't. I will say that, just as Roland's continuation of TFF took on a different direction without Curt, this album is different than Curt's work with TFF. But it still has an amazing use of melody and some truly stunning vocal work.

Mayfield is simply amazing. It's Curt's "Elemental." Lush production, but not overly so, accompanies songs like the biting "What Are We Fighting For" and the jaw-dropping "Mother England," also the highlight of this remarkable work. Elsewhere, ballads like "Snowhill" and "Trees" shows that Curt is able to get soft, without getting sappy and sugary-sweet.

This album is sadly very underrated. I would argue that it is one of the best of the past decade, even without my affinity for anything TFF. It just is simply that good. Put it up against McCartney's best, or the warmth of XTC,... it would still shine brightly. Anyone who appreciates solid, well written pop, performed by a velvety-smooth voice will appreciate this stunning album.

Mayfield is the name of the band formed by Tears For Fears lead singer Curt Smith. The result is an album which showcases Smith's talent as a songwriter and producer as well as bringing a more personal touch than any other album he has been a part of during his career. This album really came out in an "underground" fashion. It was actually recorded back in 1996. Curt Smith formed his own label "Zerodisc" and the album was sold online in 1997. It wasn't until 1998 when the album hit stores. No big name record company or distribution.

The name Mayfield is a play on Curtis Mayfield's name (i.e. Curt[Smith] is Mayfield). Curt Smith had split from his partner Roland Orzabal back in 1990 and the two went their separate ways. Roland kept the Tears For Fears name and continued to record using that name. Curt put out a solo album called "Soul on Board" which he wasn't very happy with. Curt and Roland would eventually reunite back for 2004 release "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending". Curt's main partner in Mayfield is guitarist Charlton Pettus who is also the album's co-producer. When Curt and Roland would reunite, Curt would also bring Pettus along. Other band members include Russ Irwin - Keyboards/vocals, Doug Petty - Keyboards, Shawn Pelton - Drums, and of course Curt Smith on Bass.

The album follows the direction that Tears For Fears took with "The Seeds of Love" album. On this album Tears For Fears moved away from the synthesizers to a more "natural" sound.

The "personal touch" to this album is very evident in three songs. "Mother England" is the best song on this album. Curt emigrated from his birthplace in Bath, England and now lives in the United States. This song really documents and justifies Curt's emigration. He doesn't knock his home country when he sings "I Don't Believe in Mother England", he says "I don't believe in imaginary lines (borders).... In the End its a solitary world". This song really captures the power of Curt's voice while Charlton and Russ really provide some great background vocals ("I don't believe in Mother") in almost a mantra fashion. The mantra fashion was always a favorite of mine in Tears For Fears so it's evident that Curt played a role contributing to it back in his Tears For Fears days.

"Sun King" is possibly the most personal song on the album. When Curt and Roland split up, Roland would continue to record under the Tears For Fears name. On the album, "Elemental" (first album since the breakup), Roland wrote a song called "Fish Out of Water" which referred to Curt Smith. In that song Roland wrote "You always said you were the compassionate one, but now you're laughing at the Sun. With all your high class friends you think you got it made. The only thing that was made was that tanned look on your face.." . "Sun King" is a response back to "Fish Out of Water" (referring to Roland referring to himself as the 'Sun'). In Sun King Curt says "Solitude was your only choice, Bitterness your only voice". Clearly - some harsh words - makes for a good soap opera as well as good music. The good news is that the two put the bitterness behind them and reunited for the album (ironically titled) "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending". Another personal song is the opening track called "What are we Fighting For" - perhaps again another reference to his Tears For Fears days.

This album gives Curt ample opportunity to shine with his vocals and songwriting - "Sorry Town", "Snow Hill" "I Don't Wanna Be Around", and "Jasmine's Taste" are good songs that are also catchy. The song "Reach Out" as a great acoustic rhythm that shows how Curt has moved to the "natural" sound.

This is a very good album. The personal touches really help this album stand out. And it proves you don't need the big record company and the big name studio musicians to deliver a winning formula. Curt Smith really found his niche with Mayfield and the result is superb! This is an album you might have to listen to several times, but it will grow on you and stand on its own. Highly recommended.

Those who are curious about the evolution of TFF's sound in the time between Seeds of Love (1989) and Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (2004) should pick this one up - you'll not be disappointed. Mayfield was formed in the mid-1990s by Curt Smith and Charlton Pettus, his songwriting partner (who later remained so on ELAHE with Curt and Roland Orzabal); the music is generally more mellow and organic compared to earlier TFF, but with the same rich sound, profound, introspective lyrics, and of course the voice you remember from songs like Mad World, Pale Shelter and Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

"Fighting" and "Reach Out" were the singles and are the most radio-friendly tunes, though "Fighting" is much more complex than most pop radio, and grows on you over time; "Sorry Town" has a harder edge, reminding me of Radiohead and other mid-90s rock bands.

My personal favorites are the three slower, beautiful songs on the back half - "Mother England", "Snow Hill", and "I Don't Want To Be Around". To me, these latter two are somewhat reminiscent of "I Believe" off Songs From the Big Chair, only more distinctive and more memorable - in the ballads, Curt's voice somehow transcends the music and gets across the same kind of profound emotional longing that was evident on The Hurting and Songs from the Big Chair.

I have to admit, I'm a huge Roland supporter and after all the solo efforts, I figured surely he is where the brain trust resided. But Curt, aka-Mayfield has all the hooks and melody of TFT. I can see why Curt and Roland wrote so well together. They both love the same chord interuptions and long harrowing harmonies present ever since "The Hurting". Curt does himself proud and I really enjoy the music he created on this disk. Just do like I do and keep Mayfield filed right next to Roland's "Screaming cats" all behind "T" for Tears for Fears. The integrity of the sound does reside in both gifted artists.

Although Roland Orzabal kept the name "Tears for Fears" when he and Curt Smith parted ways, Smith and his band Mayfield drifted closer to the old sound of the legendary act that produced such gems as "Everybody wants to rule the world" and "Sowing the seeds of love".

I love this album. Curt's voice is amazing and blends pefectly with the poppy music. Mayfield went the opposite direction of Orzabal and his new edgy version of TFF, sounding more light and fun.

"What are we fighting for", a fast yet melodic jam, is my favorite track; but the slower songs like "Trees" show off Smith's beautiful vocals that could pass as a musical instrument.

Smith and Orzabal are on the verge of releasing a new album together (Everybody Loves a Happy Ending) in April 04'. I can't wait.

This was Curt Smith's one-and-done side project in between Tears For Fears' breakup and reunion, and it won't disappoint those who have enjoyed his work in TFF. Released in 1997, Mayfield's only outing bears a striking similarity to TFF, in fact, in part because of Smith's vocals but also in terms of the sound. The highlights for me are "Jasmine's Taste" and "I Don't Want to Be Around," both of which build to epic majesty in the chorus. It might have been nothing more than a way for Smith to keep his chops in form while waiting for a phone call from Roland Orzabal, but Mayfield is actually quite preferable to "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending," TFF's uneven and disappointing 2004 return. Pity this is in the "Shame It's Out-of-Print" File.

The first thing i did when i got online in 97 was to type in Curt Smith in the search engine to find out what he has been up to,i am glad i did because it led me to this album.

Put simply this is a stunning piece of work,the songs & production are top notch,so much so i am still playing this CD now in 2003.

If you are a Tears For Fears fan & have not got this CD you are missing out on something very special indeed.

I like both branches of the TFF tree, (Curt's Stuff and Roland's). This album shows the best of what Curt could do on his own. His first solo album (Soul on Board) is not his best work in my opinion, though it is an interesting listen for a TFF Fan. In contrast, this album, "Mayfield" is solid song writing and lyrics combined in a cohesive package. The songs come off as genuine rather than formulaic, though sometimes sarcastic. If you are a TFF fan that enjoys something out of each of the original ablums, (and you understand that it's a good thing for artists to continue to grow and change) I would guess you have a 95 out of 100 chance of really liking this album a lot. The 5% that doesn't must have liked something else about the original TFF sound.

While I prefer Orzabal's style, this album proves that Curt Smith is a real musician, who can hack it on his own and still produce good music. This album is good - a lot on the light and dreamy side, with a few exceptions. Highlights include "Trees", "Reach Out", and "Sun King." The only significant turkey in this album is "Mother England," which is way too long and sounds far, far too much like modern pop-soul for my taste. Nonetheless, Mayfield is worth a look.