Disco de Terence Trent D'Arby: “Neither Fish nor Flesh”

Neither Fish Nor Flesh's downfall is it's lack of real commercial singles and a certain jealous Sony labelmate's sabotage if you believe Terence himself. That's not to say the music here is any worse overall than Hardline. The unofficially Stevie Wonder Summer Soft sampling "To Know Someone Deeply", Motown-esque "Billy Don't Fall" and the gospel attack of "I Don't Want To Bring Your God's Down" are some favourites of mine. Don't believe the hype, there was no dramatic artistic post-Hardline disaster.

The first time you hear this album, it's tough to get your head around, partially because a couple of tracks (most notably "I have faith in these desolate times") are selfconciously Art with a capital "A". However, once you hit "To Know Someone Deeply", the tracks become brilliant one after the other. However, almost all of them don't grab you on the first listen (outside of the straightforward "I'll Be Alright".) A good example is the off-key harmonies in the electric "Attracted to You". However, once you get used to what TTD is doing, on the second & third listens, you're amazed at the range of this guy, from Marvin Gaye-like soul to Prince funk to stuff that is such a hybrid of influences that you can only say that it sounds like Terence Trent D'Arby.

14 years later, this is still one of my top 5 albums of all time. A pure work of genius (even if he did say so himself).

He went off the deep end huh? Wouldn't you? Or would you prefer to stay in the 'shallow' end? Yeah, anyway -good work Sananda.

I think this is the album in which TTD really showed the world his true artistic vision. In terms of diversity, the overall variety on this album is frightening,lol. Funk,soul,blues,classic rock,a capella, stripped-down R&B, and other styles not so well known he manages to combine with his extremely soulful singing. Oh, and the songs are as eclectic as they get, with lyrics so playful and poetic that they leave you entertained and thoughtful at the same time!! Many will probably not like this album just because of its sharp departure from his debut, but for the serious TTD listener, this album is essential listening.

TTD is the most creative mind in music today. He has surpassed Prince, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. His sound is the most unique and distinctive sound around. No one else sounds anything like him.

Blending elements of Jazz, classical, pop, R&B, rap, rock, alternative, latin... even country. HE is truly a Genius! Now in my mind the other 3 listed are as well but right now, he is the king. Unfortunately few people have a diverse enough musical background to appreciate what it is that Terence is doing and to the untrained ear it may sound like noise. Incredibly intricate arrangements and great emotion make all of his work phenomenal!

Take the time to Listen. You might not get it for 4 or five sittings, maybe more. But it's well worth the effort. If you can get it you will be thrilled.