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Dido: No Angel

 A l b u m   D e t a i l s

Artist: Dido
Title: No Angel
Released: 1999.06.01
Label: Arista Records
Time: 51:25
Producer(s): See Artists ...
Appears with:
Category: Pop/Rock
Rating: ********.. (8/10)
Media type: CD
Purchase date:  2001.03.29
Price in €: 12,99
Web address: www.didomusic.com

 S o n g s ,   T r a c k s


[1] Here With Me (Armstrong/Gabriel/Statham) - 4:15
[2] Hunter (Armstrong/Armstrong) - 3:57
[3] Don't Think of Me (Armstrong/Armstrong/Herman/Taylor) - 4:32
[4] My Lover's Gone (Armstrong/Catto) - 4:27
[5] All You Want (Armstrong/Armstrong/Herman) - 3:53
[6] Thank You (Armstrong/Herman) - 3:38
[7] Honestly OK (Armstrong/Armstrong/Benbrook) - 4:38
[8] Slide (Armstrong/Herman) - 4:52
[9] Isobel (Armstrong/Armstrong) - 3:54
[10] I'm No Angel (Armstrong/Gabriel/Statham) - 3:55
[11] My Life (Armstrong/Bates) - 3:09
[12] Bonus track: Take My Hand (Armstrong/Armstrong) - 6:42

 A r t i s t s ,   P e r s o n n e l


DIDO - All vocals, Keyboards (on 7 & 9. Recorder on 6), Producer (Tracks 1, 2 & 5 - 12)

RICK NOWELS - Keyboards (on 1, 2 & 5), Acoustic guitar (on 1, 2 & 5), Wurlitzer & Chamberline (on 2 & 5), Producer (Tracks 1, 2 & 5)
GEOFF DUGMORE - Live drums & percussion (on 3)
MAL HYDE SMITH - Percussion (on 6, 9 & 12)
SUDHA - Percussion (on 8 & 10)
AUBREY NUNN - Bass (on 4, 8, 10 & 12)
TIM VOGT - Bass (on 9)
YOUTH - Bass (on 3), Producer (Track 3)
JOHN PIERCE - Bass (on 2 & 5)
PAULIE HERMAN - Guitar (on 3, 6, 8 & 9), Harmonica (on 9)
DAVE RANDALL - Guitar (on 4, 10 & 12)
JOHN THEMIS - Electric guitar (on 1, 2 & 5), Percussion (on 1, 2 & 5)
RUSTY ANDERSON - Electric guitar (on 2 & 5)
MARTIN MCCORY - Electric guitar (on 9)
MARK BATES - Piano (on 3 & 9), Keyboards (on 12), Piano, Wurlitzer, keyboards & organ (on 11), Piano and keyboards (on 6)
PAUL STATHAM - Keyboards (on 1), Keyboards and piano (on 10)
SISTER BLISS - Keyboards (on 12), Producer (Track 12)
BRUCE AISHER - Keyboards (on 8), Additional keyboards (on 7)
PAULINE TAYLOR - Additional background vocals (on 2, 3 & 12) Background vocals & additional arrangement (on 8), Background vocals and background vocal arrangement (on 11)
RACHAEL BROWN - Background vocals (on 8 & 11)
AQUILA - Background vocals (on 8)
MARK FELTON - Harmonica (on 10)
WILL MALONE - Strings arrangement (on 1, 3, 11 & 12)
GAVIN WRIGHT - Strings lead (on 1, 3, 11 & 12)

PASCAL GABRIEL - Initial Pre-Production & Programming (Track 1)
PAUL STATHAM - Initial Pre-Production & Programming (Track 1)
JAMIE CATTO - Producer (Track 4)
ROLLO - Producer (Tracks 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 , 11 & 12), Programming (on 6, 8, 9, 10 & 12)
ASH HOWES - Recorded & mixed (on 1, 2 & 5)
PHILL BROWN - Mixing (on 6, 7, 8 & 11), Recording and mixing (on 9 & 10)
GOETZ - Recording and mixing (on 12), Mixing (on 4), Recording (on 6, 7, 8 & 11), Additional recording (on 9)
HUGO NICHOLSON - Recording and mixing (on 3)
RANDY WINE - U.S.A. Recording engineer (on 2 & 5)
JAMES SANGER - Programming (on 1, 2 & 5)
JONY ROCKSTAR - Programming (on 3)
DUNCAN BRIDGEMAN - Recording, keyboards & programming (on 4), Producer (Track 4)
MATTY BENBROOK - Programming on 7. Live drums (on 8, 9 & 11)
NICK MANASSEH - Additional programming & dub effects (on 7)
PETER VITTESE - Additional programming & keyboards (on 1)
RICHIE STEVENS - Additional live drums (on 2 & 5), Additional percussion (on 5)
PETER EDGE - A&R
HOSH GURELI - A&R
PETER LEAK - Management for THE NEW YORK END LTD.
TOM COYNE - Mastering at Sterling Sound, NYC
SHERI G. LEE - Art Direction
ANDREW SOUTHAM - Photography
LEN IRISH - Booklet back cover photography
BASIA ZAMORSKA - Styling
LARUA DE LEON - Hair
HEIDI LEE - Makeup

 C o m m e n t s ,   N o t e s


1999 CD Arista 19025

Recorded & mixed at Swanyard, The Church, Sarm West, Olympic, Eden & Angel Studios.




NO ANGEL - track-by-track review.

on her debut album, Arista recording artist Dido fills a much-needed void in pop music for a strong female vocalist. unlike Jewel, Dido's voice is deep, prominent and moving. unlike all the other female artists out there, Dido's lyrics are easy to understand, but hard to forget. though her brother, Rollo, shares some of the production credits and is credited for co-writing many of the songs on the album, don't expect any epic Faithless-like dancefloor stompers on this album. what this album does have is plenty of heart and emotion, and a wonderful songstress behind the wheel.

the album opens with the spectacular first single, "Here With Me". the sweeping orchestral arrangement and soft electric piano mix with gorgeous acoustic guitars and probably the most stunning vocals on the album. the chorus is beautiful enough to bring tears to your eyes as you feel the emotion in Dido's voice. it's one of those songs that once it ends you find yourself hitting the back button on your cd player to listen to it again. this song is a great indication of what's to come - catchy sing-along choruses, gorgeous melodies and harmonies, and a warm, full-bodied sound mixing traditional instruments and the electronic sound.

the second track, "Hunter", continues the semi-acoustic and orchestral vibe of "Here With Me". once again, the chorus grabs a hold of you. behind the main vocal track is a choir-like hum line. the lyrics tell tale of a woman who appears to be in a bad relationship ("this queen you think you own...") and wishes she was once again single ("...i want to see the world alone again...so let me go..."). it would appear that her lover expects too much from her ("for the crown you've placed upon my head feels to heavy now..."). it is on this track that Dido shows of her excellent ability for harmonies and holding out long notes with her incredible set of lungs.

the album moves swiftly into "Don't Think Of Me", a song about a woman whose lover has obviously left her for another. while most of the tracks on the album convey the message that Dido is an emotionally scarred woman, this song carries more of a vengeful tune. once again a beautiful string arrangement appears over the incredibly catchy chorus (just listen to the way she says "baby" during the chorus). this song is one of the most full-sounding, fleshed out songs on the album. again, the acoustic and electric guitars mix, as in the previous two tracks, as does the excellent multi-tracked vocals from Dido. the track ends with a long, drawn out instrumental portion before fading away with the orchestration. this song was co-written by Faithless backup singer Pauline Taylor.

elements of the next song, "My Lover's Gone", can also be found on the Faithless track "Postcards" from their sophomore album, Sunday 8PM,. Co-written by fellow Faithless mate Jamie Catto, the song is pretty self-explanatory. the vocals on this track are impressively soft. this is the first song on the album where Rollo's influence truly shows. it's mainly a synth-driven song with a heavy bassline and an echoing drum track. though some acoustic guitars make an appearance, the song mainly relies on Dido's multi-tracked vocals for it's melody. it's a beautiful and impressive piece.

at first listen the next track, "All You Want", didn't strike my fancy. however, this song quickly grows on you, once again, thanks to the catchy chorus. despite the rather depressing lyrics which tell tale once again of a woman whose lover has left her for another, the music in this track is quite uplifting. like many of the other songs on this album, this track begins with mainly Dido's vocals and minimal instrumentation until the chorus when all the music kicks in and gives the song it's full sound. this track is mainly driven by acoustic guitar and a soft drum beat.

"Thankyou", one of the album's few happier songs, is a gorgeous song that perfectly sums up what love feels like. "Push the door, I'm home at last and I'm soaking through and through / Then you handed me a towel and all I see is you / And even if my house falls down now, I wouldn't have a clue / because you're near me and / I want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life / oh just to be with you is having the best day of my life" croons Dido. this track opens with a soft hand drum beat (as Dido would call it). acoustic guitars and a piano quickly appear. Dido sings of pain and stressful times but says that just seeing her lover's picture or hearing his voice makes everything better ("...and then you call me and it's not so bad"). the sentiment is heart warming and the song itself is melodic and sweet. the vocal performance is very warm and filled with emotion.

once again, Rollo's influence shows on "Honestly OK", a sparse dub-like track with a simple echoing guitar track and not much more aside from Dido's voice. an electronically altered harmonica also makes an appearance as does an electric drum beat, among many different swooping and shifting sound effects. one of the most interesting and immediately stunning tracks on the album. the vocal performance fits the song perfectly. Dido sounds hollow, lost and sad. the deeply buried chorus which repeats the song title tugs at your heart with it sad melody. Dido sings "I'm so lonely I don't even want to be with myself anymore" over the chorus, counteracting the title "Honestly OK".

"Honestly OK" moves into "Slide", another one of the more uplifting songs on the album. though the song carries a soft melody driven mostly by guitars and the hand drum, the lyrics are meant to reassure the songs recipient that it's alright to make mistakes and that everyone feels bad at times. once again, a catchy, multi-tracked chorus grabs the listener. by now, a pattern should be emerging that this album is full of catchy songs.

"Isobel" is another soft, quiet song with a sad vocal performance. driven by a fantastic drum pattern, a deep bassline, and a quietly mixed electric guitar riff that becomes more prominent later in the song (this riff is also used to great effect during live performances of this song). yet again, the chorus is sad but catchy as can be. it would appear that the song is about a girl who has run away. a small distortion effect is placed on Dido's voice during the choruses of this song, and it's one of the only instances on the entire album when anything other than echo or multi-tracking is used. once again, the harmonica makes an appearance near the end of the song.

the next track is more or less the title track, "I'm No Angel". judging by her voice, I would tend to disagree. the song opens with a stereo-shifted echoing voice saying "yeah, right" and moves into a mid-tempo drum pattern with acoustic guitars to the fore. a piano eventually comes in to help the song along. the lyrics mention that, even though she knows she is not perfect, Dido is still a human being. it appears to be one of the most auto-biographical songs on the album judging by the lyrical content. this is one of the most catchy songs on the album. the verses are every bit as gripping as the chorus.

the final track on all but the U.S. version of the album, "My Life", is another sad song. unlike many of the other songs on the album, it appears that this time, Dido is the one who is leaving the relationship. "the world has sat in the palm of my hand, not that you'd see / and I'm tired and bored of waiting for you and all those things you never do". this is probably the most stripped down song on the album. a soft drum beat runs through the song with a quiet electric piano behind her vocals. during the second verse a quiet string arrangement appears as does a small choir vocal bit. the beauty and simplicity of this song are it's hook. much like the album's opener, this is another song that you want to hear instantly after you've just listened to it, which actually is the case with many of the tracks on the album. the song fades out with the orchestration.

the bonus track, "Take My Hand", is the most Rollo influenced track on the disc. Fellow Faithless band founder, Sister Bliss, makes her only appearance on this song. this is the most electronic song on the album. there are little to no traditional instruments on this song, yet it continues with the slower theme of the album. though the beat is more than mid-tempo, the vocal performance keeps this song mellow and stunningly beautiful. this is probably the most striking and impressive song on the album next to "Here With Me", because of the similarities between the two. as with the rest of the album, the chorus draws you in. the orchestration, which is a staple in a lot of Rollo's dance track, appears to great effect, especially over the fast bongo solo near the halfway point of the song. Dido's lyrics in this song also convey a message of love. "Take my hand and if I'm lying to you I'll always be alone, if I'm lying to you". the most dancefloor friendly track on the album is a perfect closer to the mostly mellow sound of the rest of the album and one can hope that there are a few more upbeat tracks on the next album, since Dido is clearly capable of creating a stunning vocal performance over a dance track.

between all the collaborations with brother Rollo and her own masterful lyrics, arrangements, and vocal performances, no angel is a perfect album. with no throw-away tracks that are found on so many modern albums, this is one album that you will find yourself listening to as a whole over and over again. it flows together incredibly well, yet each song has an individuality that seperates from all the others. still, each song also has a similarity in the form of a catchy vocal track, especially evident in the album's choruses. Dido proves with this album that, though she may be no angel, her voice is indeed heavenly and her talent is truly a God-send.

written by matt a.
wwww.didoonline.com



The title notwithstanding, this debut from the former Faithless singer is pretty angelic-sounding stuff. You're bound to think of Sinéad O'Connor, but the comparison is as misleading as it is inevitable. Granted, Dido's ethereal vocals here frequently recall O'Connor; but Dido's music - while inventively augmented with electronics - is generally less adventurous. Ditto No Angel's lyrics, which focus almost exclusively on love, lust, and relationships. That said, the fact remains that this is an auspicious and highly listenable album; atmospheric, seductive, and beautifully produced and sequenced.

Jeff Burger, All-Music Guide



Was kleine Schwestern so zu Stande bringen! Dido ist die von Rollo bei Faithless, und hat schon auf deren Album Sunday 8 P.M. mitgezwitschert. Umso überraschender ist ihr Solodebüt No Angel, ein lupenreines Singer-/Songwriter-Album mit eigenen Texten über die Liebe, die Liebe, die Liebe, fernab vom gängigen Mainstream. Die leicht Soul-inspirierte Stimme der Britin erinnert an die kanadische Supergröße Sarah McLauchlan, die Arrangements sind vom Feinsten, ihre Texte Gänsehaut. In Amerika steht sie wegen dem gefühlvollen Titelsong "Here With Me" zur TV-Serie Roswell High bereits in den Charts, "Thank You" hat gar Eminem als Sample für seine Single "Stan" verwendet. Dido, die vor allem die Jazzssängerin Ella Fitzgerald verehrt, tauchte mit dem hinreißenden, irisch inspirierten Liebeslied "My Lover's Gone" auf dem Faithless-Song "Postcards" auf, und setzt ihre Samtstimme zwischen Folkore, Soul und Pop so feinsinnig ein, dass neben detailverliebten Balladen selbst Trip Hop wie auf "Honestly Ok" funktioniert. Mit "Take My Hand" gibt es auch noch einen Bonus-Track mit schnell gespielten Streichern und Percussion. Didelido!

Ingeborg Schober, Amazon.de



Dido's debut is molded from Sarah McLachlan's intimate soul, Sinead O'Connor's Celtic yelp, and Beth Orton's morose resolve--with all the sharp edges rounded out. Sculpted by producers Rollo (her brother) and techno-scientist Youth, No Angel is dream-pop mixed with Portishead-esque trip-hop; the results are mid-tempo ballads that would feel at home in Seal's neighborhood. The melancholy opener, "Here With Me," incorporates acoustic rhythm guitar, fluid strings, and a snare-driven tempo that simulates the slapping of rain off a windshield. "My Lover's Gone" is ethereal and misty, sounding at once ancient and modern with its synthesized ocean sounds and seagull cries. The only clunker is "Don't Think of Me," a passive, soft-bellied cousin to Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know." These songs play out beautifully in that quiet zone between slumber and consciousness--where you can see everything behind closed eyes.

Beth Massa, Amazon.com


Pop music rarely absorbs electronic textures and styles with the seamless ease of No Angel, the debut by budding U.K. singer Dido. You may recognize her name thanks to the guest credits on Sunday 8PM, the most recent album by her brother's bandFaithless. The digital chanteuse, who, as a child, was trained in classical music is a subtly seductive vocalist who turns on the charm on such smooth ballads as "My Lover's Gone," before she shines with radiant confidence on such melodically, lush tunes as "Don't Think Of Me." Though Rollo and Youth helped produce No Angel, the record is less about recording techniques and more about a singer who transcends any trends.

© 1978-1999 College Media Inc. All rights reserved.



A sparkling debut british pop singer Dido

Dreamy Pop. Electronica shadings, folk guitars ad soulful vocals bend and blend together on No Angel (Arista), the debut album by british singer-songwriter Dido. Despite the denial in the title, this is for the most part heavenly music. The songs are sweet and soothing, but because they are anchored by strong captivating beats, they never float away. The 26-year-old Dido has music in her family: her brother Rollo, 32 is the leader of the British trip-hop group Faithless. When Dido initially decided to pursue a musical career, Rollo warned her against it "He basically said 'look there are a million better singers than you in the world'" says Dido. "He never saw it because he's my brother and thatÕs fair enough. HeÕs sort of come round to the idea, and of course now heÕs passionately behind it." Her new album should go a long way toward convincing any other doubters. There are more than a few stand out tracks: All You Want manages to be both tender and anthemic; the song Thank You has a captivatingly bouncy rythm; and Hunter moves gracefully from acoustic balladry to techno-pop. Parts of this album evoke aspects of other acts: the clear warm vocals of Sarah Mclachlan, the techno-folk of Beth Orton, Dido even looks a bit like Jewel. DidoÕs strong throaty singing, however, distills her influences and makes her sound singular. Her lyrics could be a bit more pointed: " I just want to feel safe in my own skin/ I just wan to be happy again" go the rather bland words to Honestly OK. But the real energy in DidoÕs songs is in the rhythm, in the emotional details that her voice provides. This debut sparkles with promise.

By Chrisopher John Farley
Time 6/7/99



On her solo debut singer-songwriter Dido Armstrong hooks up wih her brother, producer Rollo, to create a sound that is best characterized as ambient-pop Sarah McLachlan. The siblings, who last joined forces in the electro-dance band Faithless, have crafted a set of elegantly ockin' romantic yearners ("Here's with me") and swelling -stringed emotioners ('Don't Think of me") that at their best, create a lovely sonic intimacy.

Beth Johnson
Entertainment Weekly 6/4/99



This sophisticated shuffle is as moody as a rainy Monday, and effective on all counts, thanks to swift, savvy production and a vexing theme of obsessive love ("I don't want to call my friends/They might wake me from this dream/And I can't leave this bed/Risk forgetting all that's been"). Dido, the former singer from her brother's band, Faithless, serves up sensual, husky vocals that might remind some of a low-key Dolores O'Riordan from the Cranberries or even the marvelous Lisa Stansfield. The style of song conjures Natalie Imbruglia's sadly overlooked and darkly sensuous "Smoke" -- but "Here With Me" is far from anyone's cookie-cutter design. If this immediately entrancing debut is a sign for things to come from this bright talent, welcome to the future, top 40. Find out for yourself June 1, with the release of Dido's album "No Angel."

Billboard May 29, 1999 New & Noteworthy



speed queen British songstress Dido- across between Sarah McLachlan Sinead O'Conner-race toward top stardom. However famous British singer-songwriter Dido becomes(and,considering the beauty of her forthcoming debut album, No Angle, stardom may be around the bend) she'll never demand a chauffeur. "I love driving through London, "the twenty-eight year- old trills and she guns her red Ford Fiesta, eyes glued to the windshield blurry with reflected street lights. We're fast approaching Westway, an inspiring streach of urban decay" that connects Dido's flat to her second home, Swanyard recording studios in Islington. " I have my best ideas at seventy miles per hour," she says "You zoom past a stranger and imagine a whole life. And," she adds with guilty smirk, the gas peddle floored beneath her New Blaze sneakers, "you can see into people's houses!" Voyeuristic kicks notwithstanding, music offers bigger thrills for the classically trained performer(piano, violin, recorder), whose career began when she entered Guild Hall School of Music and Drama at age six: "Ten years of influence, weather I like it or not," Dido says, "that the appeal of singing: I haven't had i t taught out of me." She found her voice during an audition for a student opera at Westminster (as in Abbey, where she sang in the choir). "A horribly posh private school. There were 800 boys and, like 60 girls," she recalls. " It was an amazing boyfest-and the demise of my education. I thought, Why I am practicing in my room-alone-for five hours every knight when I could be ...?" This hormone - included musical hiatus lasted beyond graduation, As Dido decided to follow in the foot steps of her book publisher father. "Trashy fiction was my specialty," she says. She quit her job three years ago to sing with Faithless, her brother a Rollo's band; the resulting CD, Reverence, went on to sell five million copies. Dido subtly stunning voice- like her music, it evokes Sarah MCLachlan and Sinead O'Connor-Caught the ear of Arista Records president Clide Davis,who counts McLachlan Whitney Houston,and Janis Joplin among his discoveries. Dido now channels her literary ambitions into crafting lyrics.("I'm interested in the human side of love, the mistakes we make in relationships," she says. I write about small moments- that one night, that one look- to get across a universal point." She even co-produced the songs on No Angel, some under the guidance of Rollo,other with Madonna collaborator Rick Nowles. Her destiny certainly looks brighter than that of her mythical namesake, a Cathrage queen whose broken heart drove her to suicide on a fire. A very passionate women-I relate to that Dido, acknowledges while scowling in the rearview mirror at a man who foolishly tried to cut her off. "But I wouldn't kill my self over a bloke."

Music to Float On



Introducing an artist whose strength is all about soft

Dreamy pop singer Dido leans back in her swivel chair London's Swanyard Studio and props her sandaled feet on the mixing desk. The kid sister of legendary U.K. DJ producer Rollo-and part time member trip-hop ensemble. Faithless-is putting the finishing sheen on her solo bow for Arista, the gossamer No Angel,and on this particular Saturday morning, preparing to delve deeply into the knob-tweaked texture of it's acoustic guitar-meets-scratch scruffs title track. Being a classically trained recorder prodigy since the age of five, Dido explains, has perfect. Feathered with soft, violet-hued keyboards, light strumming of six string,and Dido cascading voice a talent the 26 year old discovered late in life-it sounds like Enya for the alternative set. The former literary agent has produced a record that captivates like a good bodice ripper given her "an ear,a good ear- I can just hear how things should sound, and that really helps." Dressed in her casual pastel pantsuit,her ash blond hair sculpted into a bushel bob. Dido stand out among all the mang,y, black garbed musicians stomped around the facility. In fact, she reveals in an embarrassed whisper, only a few years ago she was behind anothertype of desk entirely. As a high paid corner office literary agent, she says, "I had this shining career in publishing-I looked after a big thriller writers, trashy novelists,and some well known journalists." Three years ago, however the exec made a strange roll-the dice bargain with her boss. "I got enough money together to live for a year and thought, I'll try this music thing, and if it doesn't work in a year I'll take my old job back. So I left and a year to that day I got a deal." When she actually began recording, Dido says,"strangely enough, I had to lose alot of that classical [training] because it restricted me to playing things only one way. Now when I'm writing song ,It's weather the cord feels right or not." No angel feels about

Interview by Tom Lanham.



Voice Of An Angel

Long before Madonna became the undisputed earth mama of electronica, enigmatic English ingenue Dido was diligently perfecting the recipe that would entice pop masses to embrace the trendy club movement. Ultimately, the innovative Ray of Light may have stolen a bit of Dido's creative thunder, but it's dramatically upped the commercial ante for the glorious, slightly less grandstanding No Angel. But while Madonna occasionally countered the synthetic, minor-keyed musings of collaborator William Orbit with flashes of unabashed glee, Dido rarely raises above a somber, deeply introspective tone. Despite the sweet simplicity of her melodies, the complexity of her words and performance consistently demand the listener's rapt attention and emotional commitment. Just when her intensity borders on the depressing or exhausting, club kingpin Rollo, the set's primary producer (and Dido's older brothings, and tingly funk bass lines. No Angel begins its life on the crest of what will likely be a transient, short-lived trend. However, Dido has ensured its longevity by giving it a heart and an intelligence that will linger long after Madonna has moved on to her next musical conquest.

by Larry Flick



DIDO NO ANGEL (ARISTA) * British soul music is a hybrid of American R&B that's produced outstanding musicians like Lisa Stansfield and Seal. Add Dido to that list. Her debut CD, No Angel, blends the folk sound of the acoustic guitar with soulful, mellow

From Seventeen; May 1999



Dido's 'No Angel' on Eminem's music

NEW YORK - Pop music can make strange bedfellows. Time and again, artists representing different styles, images and audiences have formed endearing odd couples: Bing Crosby and David Bowie, Frank Sinatra and Bono, Elton John and RuPaul.

Still, few could have predicted the creative chemistry that has developed between Eminem, rap's reigning dark prince, and a soft-spoken, apple-cheeked young Englishwoman who calls herself Dido.

Dido Armstrong, 28, had just released her debut album, No Angel, last year when she got a letter from executives at Eminem's record company. The suits, and the artist, wanted her permission to use a substantial portion of Thank You, a song from No Angel, on Stan, a track on his current CD, The Marshall Mathers LP.

Dido was surprised, to say the least. The sweetly soulful vocals, pensive lyrics and graceful, ambient arrangements on her album hardly made her a natural partner for a guy whose edgy mock-diatribes have been criticized as sexist and sophomoric.

"I could have hated Eminem," says Dido, over breakfast in her Manhattan hotel. "But I don't. I think he's brilliant." She says that only reporters have questioned the alliance. "I'm asked how I can reconcile taking part in Lilith Fair (in 1999) with being on an album with such a 'misogynist' -- that's their word, not mine. I think he's a great storyteller and a great entertainer."

In fact, not only did Dido approve Eminem's use of the sample, but the two have continued to collaborate. They made a joint appearance on Saturday Night Live in October, and Eminem cast Dido in his video for Stan, now his new single. Dido plays Stan's girlfriend, who in the controversial song - which Dido praises for its "social conscience" - is killed by her obsessive beau.

She also recently joined Eminem onstage for several dates on the Anger Management Tour, a testosterone-fest also featuring Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach.

"It's quite funny to go from Lilith Fair to the Anger Management Tour in one year," Dido says. "But it's fascinating watching Limp Bizkit. You see all these kids screaming, and it's a great way to get their aggression out in a controlled environment. It's like a soccer game in England - you scream and shout, then you go home and be with your family and act normal."

Dido adds that she and Eminem "get on very well. He's really lovely, just an incredibly nice guy."

Lest anyone suspect that the English rose has romantic designs on the newly single rap star, Dido has a longtime beau, a lawyer with whom she shares a home in London.

Not that she has spent a lot of time there lately. No Angel wasn't even released in Dido's native country until a few weeks ago. The singer has devoted the past year to promoting the CD in the USA, where it has maintained a slow but steady climb, recently cracking the top 40 of the Billboard album chart. One track, Here With Me, is featured as the theme song for the WB cult drama Roswell.

"I can't even explain to people in England what's going on here," says Dido. "It's a completely different life. After doing a show and being surrounded by hundreds of people all the time, I go home and I'm just washing up and going to sleep. It takes a little adjustment."

Dido needn't get too accustomed to dull domesticity. After a short Christmas break, she'll tour Europe, Australia and Japan. Then, next spring or early summer, she hopes to begin a new album.

"People tell me that I'm suddenly really successful," Dido notes, laughing. "But it's happened relatively slowly - and that's great. To reach No. 1 with my first album would have been a shock to the system. I'm more prepared for what's happening now, because I've worked hard. And it's been a really great year."

By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY



I stumbled across Dido late one night while milling around the apartment. I was reading one of my many computer books with late night TV in the background when suddenly this song "Hear With Me" drifted into my ears. It interwove an entangled with my brain waves ultimately taking control. The hypnotic rhythm and soft Celtic melancholy voice carried my mind off to somewhere between dream state and consciousness.

The songs from the debut album Dido/No Angel continue to have that affect even after multiple samplings. The combination of mid tempo rhythms, synthesized affects and poetical lyrics compliment each other through out the album.

The song "Hear with Me" has real simplicity yet leaves enough drama to make you hungry for the chorus. Track four "My Lover's Gone" blends a Celtic ethereal tale of a lost lover with a modern splash of synthesized ocean sounds. This CD has plenty of food for the soul that all people can relate to like the song "Thankyou".

I listen to a wide spectrum of music and Dido has definitely added color to my collection.

By Lenny Jolin - 09/27/00



Songs that Scream of Emotion... They Hold More than Words - They Help You Hold On Dido, despite having two songs getting some major exposure, is a relatively unknown artist. "Here With Me" appears as the theme song for W.B.'s Roswell, and Emimen samples "Thank You."Yet as singles these songs get very little airplay. Dido's debut, No Angel, does not fit easily into one genre, but rather it melts multiple genres to form her own unique place in today's music. No Angel smoothly blends electronic trip-hop with folk/acoustic music, and the result is something that touches the soul. Dido, from the U.K., has an extremely soft voice that sounds similar to that of Sarah Mclachlan, and at times as powerful, but is never as harsh. Tracks like "My Life" and "Thank You" are vocal showcases for Dido. The top-notch production doesn't take anything away from the quality of Dido's voice or the music, it remains a clean recording throughout. No Angel carries a very emotional theme throughout the album. It presents a feeling of loneliness, like you just lost someone very important. But it makes you feel like you're at the point where you have accepted the fact and can deal with it, so you aren't sad, just lonely, and you realize how much you truly love the person you miss.

by tom reiter


You actually have a clue who this songstress is, even if you don’t think you do. Dido’s impressive vocal talent is featured on the most recent Faithless release. Therefore, if you’ve been keeping any sort of ear to the ground you should have heard her magnificent voice already. (Honestly, didn’t we tell you to buy the last Faithless album?) At any rate, Dido’s debut album ‘No Angel’ is little different than her work there. It is still fluid and refined--after all she does have a classical background - but ‘Angel’ maintains an undercurrent of soul and emotion Pop music generally shies from. The recording quality here is quite good although you wouldn’t expect Dido’s producer/brother, a founding member of Faithless, to skimp on his sister’s recording quality now would you? In all, because albums like these don’t get much press, it feels as if a work like this come along once a decade. While we jaded music reviewers know that to be untrue, ‘No Angel’ does feel both unique and timeless, letting us recommend it without reservation.

Reviewed by Jason Karsh
AudioRevolution.com



Dido „No Angel“

“DIDO wird groß”. Und das sagt jeder, der einmal ihr Album “No Angel” gehört hat. Am 5. Februar 2001 erscheint die erste Single aus DIDO’s hervorragendem Debut-Album “Here With Me”. Was in USA und UK längst jeder weiß, wird auch hier bald der Fall sein... DIDO ist der neue Stern am Frauen-Pophimmel, und das mit ihrer anspruchsvollen Mischung aus guter, schnörkeloser Popmusik, Electro-Beats und klassischem Singer-/ Songwriting.
Lesen Sie die Rezession, die ein versierter Musikkenner für uns geschrieben hat und entscheiden Sie dann darüber, ob ihnen nicht etwas entgeht, wenn sie Dido nicht kennenlernen! Wir glauben schon!

„No Angel“- ein himmlisches Debut

“Ein himmlisches Debut” nannte es das Time Magazin, „aufsteigend wie eine Göttin, für ganz oben gemacht“ bemerkte die Washington Post. Engelsgleich, voller Wärme, mit göttlichem Gefühl will man hinzufügen. Die Rede ist von Dido und ihrem sensationellen Debut-Album „No Angel“, das in Großbritannien längst mit Platin veredelt wurde. Nachdem sie Jahre lang im Schatten ihres Bruders mit Faithless durch die Welt tourte, ist Dido jetzt eigene Wege gegangen. Und es lohnt sich, ihr zu folgen...

Eine Symphonie der Menschlichkeit - warm, sehnsüchtig, liebevoll

„No Angel“, ein programmatischer Titel. Denn auch wenn ihre Stimme so klingt, auch wenn ihre Musik aus göttlichen Sphären zu kommen scheint, Dido ist ein Mensch und kein Engel. Zumindest versichert sie uns das im gleichnamigen Song.
Ganz und gar menschlich, voller Wärme und Leidenschaft, voller Sehnsüchte und Träume präsentiert sich die Ausnahmekünstlerin auf ihrem Debut ´- einem, das sich lohnt.

„Here With Me“ - ein Fernsehhit

Der erste Song auf dem Album ist „Here With Me“, das im angloamerikanischen Raum zur beliebten Titelmelodie der Serie „Roswell High“ wurde und so ein Millionenpublikum erreichte.
Zuckersüß und doch voller Dramatik breitet sich der traumhafte Refrain dieses Wahnsinnssongs aus wie ein endloses Blumenfeld. Effektvoll getragen von dezenten Streichern, vorangetrieben von einer resoluten Rhythmusgebung und geführt vom unvergleichlichen Gesang Didos avanciert das Lied zum Megahit.
Eine Welle der Melancholie, eine Melodieflut , ein Meer aus Leidenschaft

Das ganze Album ist ein überwältigender Gesang auf das Leben, auf die Liebe, auf die Freiheit.
Im Ton melancholisch, im Arrangement minimalistisch bis opulent, gelingt Dido, was nur wenigen glückt: sie verbindet Elektronik und Organik, sie baut eine Brücke zwischen dem Trip-Hop ihres Heimatlandes und der lyrischen Tradition Irlands. Wenn die Cranberries vorbei sind, wenn Shinead O`Connor im Kloster abgetaucht ist, dann spätetsens wird Dido die unangefochtene Königin des femininen Gefühlspops sein, das ist sicher.

Mit Songs wie „Hunter“, auf denen man es sich gemütlich machen kann, wie auf einem kuscheligen Bett mit einer dicken, warmen Daunendecke erobert Dido die Welt. Und sehnsüchtige Liebeslieder wie „My Lover`s Gone“ erweichen jedes Herz. Selten hat es ein Song geschafft, so eindrucksvoll das Gefühl und die Szene zu vertonen, die er darstellt: Der Liebste ist gegangen. Den Blick aufs Meer gerichtet steht die Geliebte da und zergeht vor Sehnsucht. Das ist der Inhalt des Songs. Durch das stimmungsvolle Zusammenspiel von Gitarre und Elektronik baut Dido hier eine musikalische Landschaft auf, die sich im Hörer ausbreitet als ob sie in ihm und er in ihr wäre. Aus der Ferne kommen unerreichbare Drumsamples (die bittere Wirklichkeit?!), darüber legt sich ein unfassbar naher Gitarrenklang (die Erinnerung?!), Schwalben ziehen über den Ozean, der Wind weht...
Ja so ist das: man möchte die Songs von Dido interpretieren wie Gedichte und letztlich sind sie das auch: Gedichte, musikalische Reime.

Dido überzeugt nicht nur als Sängerin, sie lässt auch ausgeprägtes Talent als Lyrikerin erkennen. Und ihre songwriterischen Fähigkeiten sind famos.
„Thank You“, das Eminem für seinen Hit „Stan“ sampelte und in dessen Videoclip DIDO die dramatische Gastrolle als Freundin von Stan übernimmt, das relaxede „Slide“ oder das minimalistische „Isobel“ geben dem Hörer immer ein gutes Gefühl. Und das bei aller Melancholie. Erfreulich sind die belebenden percussiven und klangtechnischen Elemente; sicher auch ein Verdienst von Didos Bruder Rolle.

Alles in allem ist „No Angel“ ein Debut, das es mit den ganz großen der Szene aufnehmen kann. Gefühlvoll, mit Liebe fürs Detail und trotzdem mit Zug nach vorne. Am liebsten würde man sich beim Hören für immer mit der engelsgleichen Stimme von Dido vereinen und nur noch in dieser Schönheit geborgen sein.
Etwas für Ästheten, für Träumer und für Liebende!

© Uli Paulus für die BMG/Ariola Austria 2001
 

 L y r i c s


HERE WITH ME

i didn't hear you leave, i wonder how am i still here
i don't want to move a thing, it might change my memory
oh i am what i am, i'll do what i want, but i can't hide
i won't go, i won't sleep, i can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
i won't leave, i cam't hide, i cannot be, until you're resting here with me
i don't want to call my friends, they might wake me from this dream
and i can't leave this bed, risk forgetting all that's been
oh i am what i am, i'll do what i want, but i can't hide
i won't go, i won't sleep, i can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
i won't leave, i can't hide, i cannot be, until you're resting here with me


HUNTER

with one light on in one room, i know you're up when i get home
with one small step upon the stair, i know your look when i get there
if you were a king up there on your throne, would you be wise enough to let me go
for this queen you think you own
wants to be a hunter again, wants to see the world alone again
to take a chance on life again, so let me go
the unread book and painful look, the tv's on, the sound is down
one long pause, then you begin, oh look what the cat's brought in
if you were a king up there on your throne, would you be wise enough to let me go
for this queen you think you own
wants to be a hunter again, wants to see the world alone again
to take a chance on life again, so let me go, let me leave
for the crown you've placed upon my head feels too heavy now
and i don't know what to say to you but i'll smile anyhow
and all the time i'm thinking, thinking
i want to be a hunter again, want to see the world alone again
to take a chance on life again, so let me go


DON'T THINK OF ME

So you're with her, and not with me, i hope she's sweet, and so pretty
i hear she cooks delightfully, a little angel beside you
so you're with her, and not with me, oh how lucky one man can be
i hear your house is smart and clean, oh how lovely with your homecoming queen
oh how lovely it must be
when you see her sweet smile baby, don't think of me
when she lays in your warm arms, don't think of me
so you're with her, and not with me, i know she spreads sweet honey
in fact your best friend, i heard he spent last night with her
now how do you feel
when you see her sweet smile baby, don't think of me
when she lays in your warm arms, don't think of me
and it's too late and it's too bad, don't think of me
oh it's too late and it's too bad, don't think of me
does it bother you now all the mess i made
does it bother you now the clothes you told me not to wear
does it bother you now all the angry games we played
does it bother you now when i'm not there
when you see her sweet smile baby, don't think of me
when she lays in your warm arms, don't think of me
and it's too late and it's too bad, don't think of me
oh it's too late, oh it's too bad, don't think of me


MY LOVER'S GONE

my lover's gone, his boots no longer by my door, he left at dawn, and as i slept i felt him go
returns no more, i will not watch the ocean, my lover's gone, no earthly ships will ever
bring him home again, bring him home again
my lover's gone, i know that kiss will be my last, no more his song, the tune upon his lips has passed
i sing alone, while i watch the ocean, my lover's gone, no earthly ships will ever
bring him home again, bring him home again


ALL YOU WANT

i'd like to watch you sleep at night, to hear you breathe by my side
and although sleep leaves me behind, there's nowhere i'd rather be
and now our bed is oh so cold, my hands feel empty, no one to hold
i can sleep what side i want, it's not the same with you gone
of if you'd come home, i'll let you know that
all you want, is right here in this room, all you want
and all you need, is sitting here with you, all you want
it's been three years, one night apart, but in that night you tore my heart
if only you had slept alone, if those seeds had not been sown
oh you could could come home and you would know that
all you want, is right here in this room, all you want
all you need is sitting here with you, all you want
i hear your key turning the door, i won't be hearing that sound anymore
and you and your sin can leave the way you just came in, send my regards to her
i hope you've found that
all you want, is right here in that room, all you want
all you need is sitting there with you, all you want
i'd like to watch you sleep at night, to hear you breathe by my side


THANK YOU

my tea's gone cold, i'm wondering why i got out of bed at all
the morning rain clouds up my window and i can't see at all
and even if i could it'd all be grey, but your picture on my wall
it reminds me that it's not so bad, it's not so bad
i drank too much last night, got bills to pay, my head just feels in pain
i missed the bus and there'll be hell today, i'm late for work again
and even if i'm there, they'll all imply that i might not last the day
and then you call me and it's not so bad, it's not so bad and
i want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life
oh just to be with you is having the best day of my life
push the door, i'm home at last and i'm soaking through and through
then you handed me a towel and all i see is you
and even if my house falls down now, i wouldn't have a clue
because you're near me and
i want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life
oh just to be with you is having the best day of my life


HONESTLY OK

i just want to feel safe in my own skin, i just want to be happy again
i just want to feel deep in my own world
but i'm so lonely i don't even want to be with myself anymore
on a different day, if i was safe in my own skin, then i wouldn't feel lost and so frightened
but this is today and i'm lost in my own skin
and i'm so lonely i don't even want to be with myself anymore
i just want to feel safe in my own skin, i just want to be happy again


SLIDE

even on a day like this when you're crawling on the floor
reaching for the phone to ring anyone who knows you anymore
it's alright to make mistakes, you're only human
inside everybody's hiding something
staring at the same four walls, have you tried to help yourself
the rings around your eyes they don't hide, that you need to get some rest
it's alright to make mistakes you're only human
inside everybody's hiding something
take time to catch your breath and choose your moment

don't slide

even at a time like this when the morning seems to far
think that pain belongs to you but it's happened to us all
it's alright to make mistakes you're only human
inside everybody's hiding something
take time to catch your breath and choose your moment
don't slide
you brought this on yourself and it's high time you left it there
lie here and rest your head and dream of something else instead

don't slide


ISOBEL

i thought it was funny when you missed the train
when i rang you at home they said you'd left yesterday
i thought it was strange when your car was found
by the tree in ennis where we used to hang around
dear isobel, i hope you're well and what you've done is right
oh, it's been such hell, i wish you well, i hope you're safe tonight
it's been a long day coming and long will it last
when it's last day leaving, and i'm helping it pass
by loving you more
and who he would become, all the things he'd have done
would he have loved you and not let you down
and would he be stronger than his father
don't punish yourself, leave it well alone
dear isobel, i hope you're well and what you've done is right
oh it's been such hell, i hope you're well, i hope you're safe tonight
it's been a long day coming and long will it last
when it's last day leaving, and i'm helping it pass
by loving you more


I'M NO ANGEL

if you gave me just a coin for every time we say goodbye
well i'd be rich beyond my dreams, i'm sorry for my weary life
i know i'm not perfect but i can smile
and i hope that you see this heart behind my tired eyes
if you tell me that i can't, i will, i will, i'll try all night
and if i say i'm coming home, i'll probably be out all night
i know i can be afraid but i'm alive
and i hope that you trust this heart behind my tired eyes
i'm no angel, but please don't think that i won't try and try
i'm no angel, but does that mean that i can't live my life
i'm no angel, but please don't think that i can cry
i'm no angel, but does that mean that i won't fly
i know i'm not around each night
and i know i always think i'm right
i can believe that you might look around
i'm no angel, but please don't think that i won't try and try
i'm no angel, but does that mean that i can't live my life
i'm no angel, but please don't think that i can't cry
i'm no angel but does that mean that i won't fly


MY LIFE

what i choose to do is of no concern to you and your friends
where i lay my hat may not be my home, but i will last on my own
'cause it's me, and my life, it's my life, it's my life
oh the world has sat in the palm of my hand not that you'd see
and i'm tired and bored of waiting for you and all those things that you never do
'cause it's me, and my life, it's my life, it's my life


Bonus track: TAKE MY HAND

touch my skin and tell me what you're thinking, take my hand and show me where we're going
lie down next to me, look into my eyes and tell me, oh tell me what you're seeing
so sit on top of the world and tell me how you're feeling, what you feel now is what i feel for you
take my hand and if i'm lying to you, i'll always be alone, if i'm lying to you
see my eyes, they carry your reflection, watch my lips and hear the words i'm telling you
give your trust to me and look into my heart and show me, show me what you're doing
so sit on top of the world and tell me how you're feeling, what you feel now is what i feel for you
take my hand and if i'm lying to you, i'll always be alone, if i'm lying to you
take your time, if i'm lying to you, i know you'll find that you believe me, you believe me
feel the sun on your face and tell me what you're thinking
catch the snow on your tongue and show me how it tastes
take my hand and if i'm lying to you, i'll always be alone, if i'm lying to you
take your time, if i'm lying to you, i know you'll find that you believe me, you believe me
 

 M P 3   S a m p l e s


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