album name

Also, He Made the Stars​.​.​.

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by DLDown

Also, He Made the Stars... Cover Art
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  • CD + Immediate Download

    DLDown's 2nd album, complete with 12-page booklet, packaged in a beautifully designed limited edition digipak. Also includes immediate download of the digital album as detailed below.


    A QUICK WORD ABOUR HOW THIS VARIABLE PRICING THING WORKS: You can choose how much you want to pay for this music.
    • I like this because the important thing about music is the enjoyment of it, not the money.
    • I like this because it takes the wind out of the Music-Is-An-Industry sails.
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  • Digital Album

    Immediate download of 14-track album in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.

    Includes pdf version of the CD booklet, with lyrics, liner notes and album artwork.

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about
"DLDown's style is a bit hard to pin down. Its unique, experimental, familiar, confident and a bunch of other things. Jo plays and layers in multiple instruments as well as vocals to create a sound that is fresh and deeply woven. Annoyingly it is also full of incredibly catchy tunes that will stick with you long after they should (for the sake of your sanity). [...] For much of the last year DLDown has been silent but its good to see it back again and the break only seems to have improved the material and its presentation. The words on the songs are edgier, more challenging, the presentation of the CD album slicker and Jo, both on track and live on stage, comes over as just that little bit more seasoned and confident. If you have the time (or even if you don't) download/purchase/buy/sell your kidneys and get a hold of a copy of AHMTS - a perfect trade."
Gavin Merrifield, New Life From Old (full review at www.jesusandthescientist.co.uk/2009/11/also-he-made-stars-album-review.html )

"DLDown make a thoughtful, complex noise and there is much to admire here. Wilson is not averse lyrically to tackling deep issues such as God's sovereignty over creation in the light of current global environmental concerns ("Economology"), intimate wrestling over the choice to stay in sin rather than take the 'escape route' offered by grace through faith ("Romans 7"), and the frustrations of an unfulfilling devotional life ("Left To My Own Devices"). A particular musical and thematic high water mark is "Icarus", which deftly adapts the famous Greek myth about an impetuous youth who ignores a wise father's advice and flies too close to the sun, using it as a metaphor for our own rebellion against our heavenly Father... The production values are superior throughout, more than adequately showcasing Wilson's talents... a very strong album with much to recommend it."
Paddy Hudspith, Cross Rhythms (full review at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/DLDown/Also_He_Made_The_Stars/86713/ )

"Your lyrics are exceptional... your understanding of our desire for the perfection we can never deliver is extraordinary. It is wonderful to hear these songs live, and I'll treasure your albums on my iPod. Thank you for delivering such thought-provoking songs with such lovely melodies."

"I've never seen anyone use all their acoustic guitar to quite the full effect that Jo does."
Grace Note Showers (AHMTS launch gig review at gracenoteshowers.blogspot.com/2009/11/also-he-made-stars.html )

"...your lyrics are always very thoughtful and obviously your style refreshingly different. Liking the crazier synths this time as well..."
credits
released 24 October 2009
℗ 2009 DLDown. All rights reserved. Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording will constitute an infringement of copyright. That said, feel free to ask...

All sounds by Jo Wilson except:
Tim Buick: alto sax on The Turning Song; soprano sax on You Come Running
Fiona Earl: alto sax on Lilies & Sparrows
Lorna Maciver: backing vocals on Economology and Hide & Seek; vocals on Amazing Grace section of You Come Running
Iain McIntyre: backing vocals on Economology and Romans 7
Jack Wilson: backing vocals on Economology and Romans 7

All artwork by Jo Wilson except:
booklet front page: photograph of Scorpius constellation courtesy of and © Stéphane Guisard (www.astrosurf.com/sguisard)
booklet back page: inverted detail of ‘Light in the Heavens’ painted by Peter Gray

Also, He Made the Stars... was recorded, adjusted, mixed, mastered, and endlessly mucked about with by Jo Wilson at various times between September 2007 and September 2009. Particular thanks to Hugh Beauchamp for mixing and mastering assistance, and for teaching me about compressors, buses and various twiddly knobs in Logic.

Thanks to: all the contributors mentioned above; Peter Moles for use of his saxophones; Sam & Claire Wilson for use of Sam’s bass and for proof-listening feedback; Karl Martin for inadvertently pointing out the album title; Jenny for all her love and support and for letting me spend so much time on this project; the Starmaker for letting me be his friend.

Check out www.dldown.co.uk for news, gig info and free live show downloads.
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tags: acoustic alternative folk jazz prog-rock singer-songwriter Edinburgh
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Track Name: Since 3 Days Ago
Thursday in the garden and the hour is close at hand
Frightened friends beside him though they can't yet understand
And he loves them
How he loves them
Even though they just can't keep their weary eyes open
And so he's alone
So alone
And over and over the tears from his eyes overflow

Enemies conspiring send an army for one man
Traitor's kiss confiding: "he's the one, lads - take him down"
But he loves them
Still he loves them
So he goes
Though they won't let their blinded eyes open
And so, as he knows, blood will flow
And over and over his captors will rain down the blows

Darkness overwhelmed him; no, he didn't last that long
It seemed that all was over; the mourners wailed their song
But he loves us
Yes, he loves us
This we know
For he told us to keep our eyes open
And so there's so much to tell you
So much has happened since all I've just told you took place
Only three days ago
Track Name: Economology
Who is my neighbour? - you're so far away
It's hard to admit it - I'd never say it to your face
I'll kill for my convenience, it's not your fault you're in my way
Your life for my lifestyle - that seems a perfect trade

But what if this isn't mine to give?
And what if this isn't mine to spend?
And what if this isn't mine to withhold from someone who needs it more?

The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it
When did that cease to be true?
The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it
All that I have comes from you

When do trees have higher value? - when they're standing or when they're felled:
A habitat for creatures or a set of flat-pack shelves
Filled with mementoes of tragic islands now sleeping under waves
Raised to anger by jets we rode there

But what if this isn't yours to take?
And what if this isn't yours to keep?
And what if this isn't yours to use for your comforts and your war?

And we plumb the depths of oceans
And we blow the tops off mountains
A smash and grab raid on the hands of the provider
We hold the world to ransom shouting "stand and deliver!"

The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it
When did that cease to be true?
The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it
All that I have comes from you

The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it
It's good to know where you kneel
The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it
How long till you return, restore and renew?

I'm buying into the commonly held notion
That all is mine to cherish or destroy
This ownership delusion has a stubborn grip on me
Can I be made to realign my thinking?
How can I bend my will into a shape more pleasing
And loosen my stranglehold?
Track Name: Romans 7
Hold tight to the prison bars
Is it they or I which hold the other captive?
Rest my head on the metal cold
Stare out into the passing world, so free and unconcerned

It's our little secret, just you and me
And I'd keep it alone if I could
But you are the one who made everything
You know me through and through

And it's a part of me that I don't like to think of as me
And it's a part of me I don't want you to see

Yes I'm sure you'd agree it looks pleasant from the outside
"You'll enjoy it, just make yourself at home"
But it's a hollow attraction; just unsatisfaction
And an unfulfilled promise of change ("I'll do better next time...")

And it's a part of me that I don't like to think of as me
And it's a part of me I don't want you to see

I know that I don't want to be here
But again it's a moment too late
I keep coming back here against my will
I think my body has a mind of its own

I know that I don't want to be here
And the escape route is glaringly clear
You broke down the door and you smashed down the walls
Freedom's but a step away, but I still like it here

And it's a part of me that I don't like to think of as me
And it's a part of me I don't want you to see

And you want all of me to be all that you made me to be
For you made all of me to bring you glory
Track Name: Missing
How did we end up alone together again?
All the rest have just melted away, stranding you here with me
The others think it's obvious, but I still can't be sure
Why you stay till the very last minute, or choose the longer route home

And if you're liking my company even half as much as I love yours
Then it can only be a good thing to share a little more

Walking with you, adjusting my steps to your shorter stride
Perhaps not so comfy, but this doesn't feel like a compromise
Fingertip to fingertip - lost for words
But a squeeze of the hand and a sidelong glance say "delighted to be with you"

And who'd have thought such a simple thing could keep you from holding the smile in?

It's terrible to miss you, but so sweet to be missed
What is it that you see in me that makes me worth the risk?
Terrible to miss you, but wonderful to be missed...

And do you think it's strange that I miss you when I saw you just yesterday?
Track Name: Icarus
Flying high on wings of pride
Looping and soaring across the sky
Freedom of my own design
Who needs a Father's advice?

Lazy gliding across the blue
Always knew I could do without you
Closer to the sun for a better view
Maybe to Heaven I can break through

Seen too late, the edges curl
Feathers scorch and knots unfurl
Softening wax and trembling fear
A desperate swoop for cooler air
Flapping, drowning, frozen heart
Dreams, ambitions fall apart
Vertigo and effort spent
Icarus starts his long descent
I'm falling!

Spiralling down
In my fear I am drowning
My arrogance is taking its toll
Oh God, if you're there
Would you hear me and spare me
Reach out and break my fall
I'm falling

Forsaking my crown
This world drags me down
This sin will be the death of us all
But by grace arranged
My wrongs are exchanged
For a parachute that I could never earn
I'm falling...
Into your arms again

Was lost, now I'm found
And now I'm Heaven-bound
Track Name: Left to My Own Devices
Staring blankly at these pages:
Am I really blind? Or just tired?
I get the meaning but I can't comprehend
How this applies to my life
I must have read these words a hundred times by now
But inspiration still eludes
My notes stare smugly back at me:
"you'll have got it now - if you've really tried"

Can you reach me?

I'm well meaning
But easily turned aside
My prayers ricochet off the ceiling
Motivation dies
Place my distractions carefully out of reach
But the clock's tick magnifies to fill my mind
Counting down the seconds 'til
I can get on with my life

Can you hear me?

Well I wish I wanted you more than I do now
I want to learn to learn to love you better
But I can't see how or where to begin
I want to want to know you more than I do now
But left to my own devices...
I'll take the distraction anytime

So save me from this apathy - set my heart ablaze
Let the wonders of your story once again amaze

Well I wish I wanted you more than I do now
I want to learn to learn to love you better
But I can't see how or where to begin
I want to want to know you more than I do now
But left to my own devices...
I'll take the distraction anytime
Track Name: The Turning Song
I've done it again
I've added another stone to the burden on your back
Your perfect reputation, I have dragged it through the dirt
Yet there's nothing I can do that will reduce the love you show me

When I turn back to you, you come running to meet me
You've been watching and counting the moments
Till you saw me come back into view
And when I ask you to tell me how much you love me
Smiling you stretch out your arms to embrace me
And without a word welcome me home

I'm doing it again
I'm trying to strike a bargain with the one who's in control
You know my every thought and you see my every deed
But there's nothing I can do to make you love me more
Than you already do
Track Name: Hide & Seek
Forsaken, empty
I miss you even though you're here
Feeling friendless in your presence
And your silence is telling me more than your words
Downcast with this vagueness
Surely there's a meaning underneath?
But like a child playing hide and seek
It's not the hiding that's the purpose of the game

Secret in the dark
Trembling in anticipation for you
But the joy is in the finding
And I've hidden far too well

My spirit's burning low
And I feel so far from you
Far from you
Far from you

Softly, treading lightly
Just edging my way back to you
When maybe, on your mercy
I should fling myself, all of me
I don't know when it happened
But I've lost sight of you somewhere along the way
And while sorry is the hardest word
Resentment is a lonely place to be

My spirit's burning low
And I feel so far from you
Far from you
Far from you now

My spirit's burning low
But nevertheless still burning
And I'll hold on
And hope you'll find me somehow

My spirit's burning low
And I feel so far from you
Far from you
Far from you
Track Name: Found You
I found you

That's what I'm longing for
That's what I'm longing for, to hear you say
Straining to hear your footfalls
Waiting to hear your voice calling "found you"
Track Name: Starmaker
If you have the time
Perhaps you'd linger on
'Cause there's someone
I'd like you to meet
A friend of mine
I'm sure you'll get on fine
For he holds
A special place in my heart

I'm afraid
He won't improve your image
In these times
He's not one to be seen with
I have to say
He has something of a habit
Of hanging out
With just the wrong kind of crowd

I don't always find him easy to talk to
But he's always there to listen when I do
We often disagree, but the wrong one's always me
And he'll be the first to make the reconciling move

He's somewhat enigmatic
Questions remain
I can't see where he's going
But I know he knows the way

So if you have the time
I just know he'd love to meet you
After all, your name is written on his hands
I mean to say
You'll meet him anyway
Sooner or later
And by the way, he made the stars
Track Name: Lilies & Sparrows
Are you listening? Pay attention, I'm talking to you
I need your assistance this time
The path branches twenty identical ways
And it seems someone's stolen the signs
I planned my route carefully before I began
But my map doesn't match the terrain
Too many choices are weighing on me
And I still can't decide on my aim

And I'm longing to trust you
But I just can't let go
I need you, I need you
Much more than I show

Come and see:
In fragile petals Solomon's finery displayed
Transient riches which brighten then fade

Straining my eyes to see you in this
But foresight's much harder than hind
Maybe it's natural to feel insecure
When I'm held in invisible hands

You know that I trust you
But it's hard to let go
I need you, I need to
Relinquish control

Come and see:
Cold weary sparrow is tossed in the gale
His trajectory traced on the air is planned in detail

Deep down I know you have my best interests at heart
And the power to see all my dreams through
Help me remember, when it feels like you're gone
That you gave, you give, and you'll give again

And I'm longing to trust you
But I just can't let go
I need you, I need you
Much more than I show

You know that I trust you
But it's hard to let go
I need you, I need to
Relinquish control
Track Name: You Come Running
When I turn back to you, you come running to meet me
You've been watching and counting the moments
Till you saw me come back into view
And when I ask you to tell me how much you love me
Smiling you stretch out your arms to embrace me
And without a word welcome me home