01. Gemini (2:56)

[wwbjd]

The little intro fanfare better be on the album!

[PlatrixECV]

Has there been a discussion on the meaning of the significance of a track called Gemini? Perhaps it's appropriate in the designated/omnibus Gemini thread.

First obvious point: there is already Aquarius.
Seconds obvious point, the symbol is twin brothers?

In terms of ages (vs. Aquarius) Gemini was a long time (6450 - 4300 BC). I thought this might have been when crops were domesticated but that appears to have been earlier. So not sure what, if anything, the age would have in the title.

[Betacord]

I just gave it the one listen, and have purposely tried to forget it until I have the album in hand. I am very impressed that it hasn't leaked yet. I'm sure they'll just be happy to make it to June without it leaking.

Same... Such is my poor 'audio memory' of the one listen that I can only sketch the outlines of it now. We've also yet to hear them in any real full quality. Much still to come...

[Radiobuzz]

As for whether or not it's on the album, it totally is. All the track-by-track reviews mention "a blast of fanfare" or something along those lines.

Yes but keep in mind the track-by-track reviews were written in private listening parties. It wouldn't be crazy to think they're using the same sound as an opener, just a quick way to express "hey keep quiet now and listen, the album is about to begin". I do hope it's on the album though, but I don't really think it will be.

[MindElevation]

As for whether or not it's on the album, it totally is. All the track-by-track reviews mention "a blast of fanfare" or something along those lines.

Yes but keep in mind the track-by-track reviews were written in private listening parties. It wouldn't be crazy to think they're using the same sound as an opener, just a quick way to express "hey keep quiet now and listen, the album is about to begin". I do hope it's on the album though, but I don't really think it will be.

Yeah, pretty sure the fanfare will just be a listening party thing.

[Mr Sheep]

The fanfare totally reminded me of little tune idents old UK ITV stations used to play before a programme started back in the 70s and 80s (yeah, I'm old). The start of Gemini really has the feel of staying up late and catching some mad horror/thriller movie with John Carpenter-esque music that you're probably too old to be watching.

Here's ATV as an example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmuOLwF6Jw0

Seeing as I'm about the same age as the brothers, I wouldn't put it past them referencing this.

[IanRedpoint]

I agree. I think the fanfare/ident is there to symbolise the start of the film/programme/album and may well be on the released album. It fits in with the idea that the album is to be listened to as a single entity (as were Geogaddi and TCH). I'm sure I read around the time of TCH that they have a particular love of those station idents and worked hard to replicate them. Of course, Peacock Tail is a direct reference too.

[thepastinsidepressant]

I agree. I think the fanfare/ident is there to symbolise the start of the film/programme/album and may well be on the released album.

[egbdf]

My favorite from the album after a first complete listen. I wish the rest of the album continued with this vibe a bit more. It's so incredibly dark... that little hi-pitched Ab Eb Bb D thing over the low warbley D is some of the most eerie purely musical (without voices, etc.) shit BoC have ever done. One of the few tracks on the album so memorable that I could thoroughly describe it after one listen.

[PlatrixECV]

Follow the Guardian interview with the discussion of the palindrome stuff, and I believe songs having counterparts or "twins" I think we can go with that as one interpretation of the title Gemini.

[mucephei]

I can confirm that the fanfare is on the album.

I too was reminded of Red Moss by that little TV fanfare at the start. It reminds me also of this:

http://youtu.be/AVJ6Dc1YSs4

A cracking way to start a BOC album. I like the fact that the fanfare is underwhelming, almost apologetic - they could have made it a lot more bombastic.

I really need to listen to this album again - too much to take in today.

[rd1994]

did someone mention...there are shortwave type high frequency bursts scattered throughout and a voice is featured at the end

[bugsky]

Gemini's fanfare to me is like a hint that the album is a fictional idea/concept. This allows us, the listeners, to build our own meanings and interpretations. TH is a bleak look at a major disruption of the human race. Gemini, is our first look at a bleak future - the listener is thrown straight into the the middle of it.

[Betacord]

I can confirm that the fanfare is on the album.

I too was reminded of Red Moss by that little TV fanfare at the start. It reminds me also of this:

http://youtu.be/AVJ6Dc1YSs4

Classic - never thought I'd see an old ITV regional ident being linked to within a BOC topic!

I imagine it takes inspiration from two or more pieces, but not sure which... The sort of staccato trumpet at the start was a feature of one of the older Scottish Television / STV idents - in colour, so, early 70s? Though maybe it is too easy to cite that, and they've referenced logos from further afield.

[paultomba]

It's inspired by this ident if anything!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLXjb9aq2UI

[Opothecary]

It's inspired by this ident if anything!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLXjb9aq2UI

Reminds me of watching Danger Mouse as a small child in the early 80s

[riverz]

The zodiac sign for the twins, ruled by Mercury and covering May 22 - June 21 (tropical astrology) or June 16 - July 15 (sidereal astrology).

The album release date falls within the date range.

[randomgon]

2:48: *radio comm cross talk. panned left.
2:52: "we can make it", "ok" "roger that"

anyone else?

[superuser]

Gemini space programme

[thepastinsidepressant]

the melody the starts to fade in at around 1:15 could almost fit with White Cyclosa.

going to mix these 2 together, they're like the same notes