Recorded at Stratosphere Sound in New York City and produced by Andy Chase (Ivy, Brookville) and Bruce Driscoll (Blondefire), the album is a promising beginning for the enchanting chanteuse.
Growing up in Kiev, Lana's creative options were limited, albeit her love of music was insatiable. Over time, Lana became exposed to western musicians such as Björk, Air, Marianne Faithful, Joni Mitchell and Portishead via friends who were travelling in Europe and America. Discouraged with the artificialness of the Ukrainian recording industry, where she was quickly becoming popular, Lana swiftly left home and headed for New York where the gentle and earnest songwriting she penned would have a proper home.
Lana got her chance when producer Andy Chase fell under her spell upon hearing a few songs she recorded in a home studio. A year later, the LP was complete. Lana Mir is bursting with airy pop songs such as "Tears Are Not Enough," while the Tracey Thorn-esque "Return" takes its cues from Lana's appreciation of jazz. Lana's passion for Brazilian music from artist's such as Astrud Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim, and her years of experience playing the jazz circuit in New York shines beautifully on the bossa nova-tinged, "Goodbye Girl." On songs like "Summertime" and "Say You Need Me," Lana's sultry voice and subdued sensuality combined with Chase's warm, gauzy production creates a fitting home for Lana's organic blend of contemporary and vintage 60s-style pop – much like Serge Gainsbourg achieved in the songs of Françoise Hardy. Lana pours herself into the hushed minimalism of "These Days" and her wistful voice floats on the shimmering "We Started Something."
The album's songs flow with unassuming emotion. Lana Mir is an album both worldly and timeless, establishing her as an undeniably gorgeous new voice to American ears.
Venus Magazine premiered the video for a new album track ""Summertime", which Lana shot in New York's Central Park.
these days
Lana Mir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I had the world like I owned my heart
All the places that I go, they won't lead me back to home
I guess it's now or never
These days, I'm falling, the last chance is calling
These days, I know, I know, they weren't meant to last forever
It plays in my mind 'til I fall apart
Things I should have done or said, time to start looking ahead
It's now or never
These days, I'm falling, the last chance is calling
These days, I know, I know, they weren't meant to last forever
Time turns but I'm not looking back
Time turns, now I'm leaving the past
Time turns, this is my last chance
These days, I'm falling, the last chance is calling
These days, I know, I know, they weren't meant to last forever
In "These Days," Lana Mir contemplates her past and the many memories that have stuck with her. She finds herself facing those moments when she thought she had everything and the world was at her feet. However, those days have passed, and she is left struggling to find her way back home. Despite her best efforts, she realizes that some things are not meant to last forever, and she's falling deeper and deeper into uncertainty.
As she looks back at all the years gone by, there seems to be one thing that always reappears, haunting her until she falls apart. She remembers all the things she should have done differently, all the words she should have said, and all the moments she should have cherished. It's time for her to start looking ahead and seizing every opportunity that comes her way, for it's now or never.
These lyrics are a reflection of how we often get lost in our past and regret the things we did or didn't do. It's a reminder that life is fleeting and we must live in the present while having the foresight to plan for the future. In the end, it's up to us to take a chance and embrace the uncertainty that lies ahead because, in essence, these days aren't meant to last forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I find myself again, facing memories of when
I am back to the same place confronting my past memories
I had the world like I owned my heart
I thought I could conquer the world and my heart belonged to me
All the places that I go, they won't lead me back to home
Everywhere I go, I am unable to find a way back home
I guess it's now or never
It's time to take action before it's too late
These days, I'm falling, the last chance is calling
I'm losing control and my last opportunity is urging me to act
These days, I know, I know, they weren't meant to last forever
I am aware that these days are temporary and won't go on forever
I think back through all the years, something always reappears
Reflecting on all the past years, something always comes back to haunt me
It plays in my mind 'til I fall apart
It keeps replaying in my mind until it breaks me down
Things I should have done or said, time to start looking ahead
I need to start focusing on what I can do or say now instead of the past
Time turns but I'm not looking back
Time is moving forward but I'm not dwelling on the past
Time turns, now I'm leaving the past
I'm moving on from my past and leaving it behind
Time turns, this is my last chance
Time waits for no one and I need to take this opportunity before it's gone
Contributed by James R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@whiptedont
this song reminds me of when my best friend left to israel.. a sad day but as long as she is happy. i miss her as much as nyc..
@dANGELofLOVE1
♥♥ Beautiful Song!! Bella L♥ves This Video!! ♥♥
@lastrada52
Young lady is excellent. She sounds like the late folk singer Karen Dalton with singing lessons. Dalton was far more raw and closer to Billie Holiday, but Lana -- to my ears -- has an uncanny phrasing style similar in places to Karen Dalton and this is -- in this song anyway -- is what reminded me of Dalton & is a compliment to Lana. I like Ms Mir very much -- will explore her music further. Refreshing to hear a young singer actually singing the notes with no theatrics. Very well done.