Her album "In My Dreams" is a stunningly accomplished and exciting follow-up to her 2012 much-decorated and universally-acclaimed self-titled debut. Released on New Scotland Records/Pheromone Recordings on September 30, 2014, In My Dreams showcased an artist who has grown in every facet of her craft - as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer. The record made 2014 best of lists and won a 2015 ECMA for Pop Recording of the Year. In My Dreams was released in the UK, Ireland, and Germany in the fall of 2015.
The album reunites Kenney with her key creative collaborator and musical mentor, Joel Plaskett. The East Coast rock icon produced, played on, and co-wrote some of the material on her first record, and the two were clearly on the same page in terms of a sonic mandate for In My Dreams. "I knew it would be more of a production in terms of using a band," says Kenney. "I'm playing a lot more with a band live now, so I wasn't afraid to go in that direction and make it less acoustic-based."
Even though there's a full band sound to some of the material on In My Dreams, most of the instrumentation came from Kenney and Plaskett themselves, Kenney explains. "Joel did all the drums and bass and he played some of the organ. I did all the electric guitars [Kenney's ability to shred sets her apart from folkier peers] and I played some Wurlitzer and Rhodes."
The album was recorded in Plaskett's previous more basic space, and Kenney loved working in his new facility, New Scotland Yard, in Dartmouth, NS. "He has a super hi-fidelity Neve board now, so the difference in the sound quality in the studio was really noticeable," she says. "It has plenty of analog equipment, and I love the sound of tape."
This recording method and the prominent use of vintage keyboards has paid real dividends in the warm and rich sound of In My Dreams, one that remains built around Kenney's emotionally eloquent voice. Listen to “Untouchable" (featuring a powerhouse vocal performance Neko Case or Adele would be happy to claim) and "Mountains to the Mess" and you won't dare to disagree. The rich harmonies on the record are all Kenney's own, and they add a real resonance to such other tunes as "Field Song" and "Pretty Things."
An early version of "I Faked It" was written by Kenney, Gordie Sampson and Willie Stratton at Sampson's renowned songwriting retreat, The Gordie Sampson Songcamp, and a revised version (featuring input from Plaskett) is the sizzling first cut on In My Dreams. Three other Plaskett-Kenney co-writes ("Untouchable," "Take Me Outside," and "In My Dreams") nestle neatly alongside five solo Kenney compositions and one cover, and the first single, "Telephones." That latter song was originally written and recorded by East Coast rockers Mardeen for their 2008 album Read Less Minds. "I fell in love with it immediately," Kenney says. "I loved the melody and the catchy chorus."
In My Dreams takes the listener on a memorable emotional rollercoaster ride. The journey ends on an up note with "Dancing": "you're the sweetest dream cos' I don't have to sleep." Sweet dreams are indeed made of this enchanting record.
Eden
Mo Kenney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything is working in my mind
All the puzzle pieces are in line
First of all
You knew that I was subject to a fall
And now I wish I hadn’t made that call
Run around don’t let me know
All we do is dream out loud
And you see your own face in the clouds
Suddenly
The people of the earth are turning green
And the animals above our heads will sing
Busy busy go go go
Run around don’t let me know
All we do is dream out loud
And you see your own face in the clouds
The song "Eden" by Mo Kenney has a dreamy and otherworldly quality to it, with lyrics that explore the themes of self-discovery, uncertainty, and the pursuit of a better life. In the first verse, the singer talks about how everything seems to fall into place in her mind, suggesting a newfound clarity and peace. However, she also alludes to a past mistake ("now I wish I hadn’t made that call"), hinting at a possible journey of growth and redemption.
The second verse describes a sense of urgency and busyness, perhaps a reflection of the modern society's constant movement and distractions. The idea of dreaming out loud and seeing one's own face in the clouds could symbolize the desire to escape reality and reach for something higher. The final lines of the song suggest a fantastical transformation with the people turning green and animals singing, further emphasizing the theme of a different, better reality.
Overall, the song "Eden" can be interpreted as a journey of self-discovery and a longing for a better, more fulfilling existence that goes beyond the everyday struggles of life.
Line by Line Meaning
For the second time
This is the second attempt that I am making to resolve my thoughts and emotions.
Everything is working in my mind
I am finally able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and make sense of things.
All the puzzle pieces are in line
Everything fits together in my mind like a jigsaw puzzle, making me feel complete.
First of all
To start with, I would like to clarify my intentions.
You knew that I was subject to a fall
You were aware of my vulnerability and tendency to make mistakes.
And now I wish I hadn’t made that call
I regret taking that decision which led to unpleasant consequences.
Busy busy go go go
I am constantly busy and have no time to rest or slow down.
Run around don’t let me know
People around me are also busy and do not give me enough attention or care.
All we do is dream out loud
We talk about our aspirations and hopes but do not take enough action towards achieving them.
And you see your own face in the clouds
You have unrealistic expectations and are not in touch with reality.
Suddenly
Unexpectedly, something significant has happened.
The people of the earth are turning green
People are becoming more environmentally conscious and taking steps towards sustainability.
And the animals above our heads will sing
Nature and its creatures will rejoice as we begin to take care of them and their surroundings.
Contributed by Charlotte Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jim's videos
I won't profess to understanding the lyrics on one listen, but I do understand what it takes to make a video like that and I admire your willingness to be painted green or whatever colour they used to key you like that.
DomiDomDom
Neat idea. Great video and song!
REA Electric
Wonderful. Enjoy tonight show at the Blackheath Bar and Bistro.
Emily
❤️
damarcusthethrd
hey mo! heard ur going to basinveuw school!