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Building the City of Light

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Wikipedia article




"'Building the City of Light'" is a song from Scottish singer-songwriter Mike Scott, which was released as the second and final single from his first solo album 'Bring 'Em All In'. It was written by Mike Scott, and produced by Scott and Niko Bolas. The song reached No. 60 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for two weeks.

Background



Much of the material on 'Bring 'Em All In' was written after Scott left New York City for Scotland in 1993. During a period when he stayed at the Findhorn Foundation, he wrote many of the songs that appeared on the album and first performed "Building the City of Light", among other tracks, at the foundation's Universal Hall. At the time of its release, Scott described "Building the City of Light" as "a three and a half minute power blast with lyrics about bringing more love into the world, starting with myself".

When the previous single "Bring 'Em All In" stalled at No. 56 in the UK, Chrysalis persuaded Scott to release "Building the City of Light" with different bonus tracks on two separate CD releases in the bid to generate additional sales and a hit single. In his autobiography, Scott recalled how he felt the plan was merely a "music business ploy" and a "scam". With "Building the City of Light" only reaching No. 60 in the UK, Scott recalled: "The single bombed and I felt I'd compromised myself, the fans and the music."

Music video



The song's music video was directed by Scott and David Anderson, and produced by Elizabeth Flowers.

Critical reception



In a review of 'Bring 'Em All In', Kevin O'Hare, writing for the 'Star Tribune' described the song as a "fiery closer". Dan Bennett of the 'North County Times' wrote: "On songs such as "Sensitive Children" and "Building the City of Light", Scott has attempted to fashion a complete observational and self-realization journey in one package."

'Trouser Press' commented: "...Scott is still carried away with his new age idealism: the lyrics of "Long Way to the Light" and "Building the City of Light" are both so insufferably earnest and overpoweringly positive that they distract all attention away from any merits the music might have." Chuck Groth of the 'St. Louis Post-Dispatch' felt "Building the City of Light" was one of the album's tracks that was "forced and melodramatic".

Formats



Personnel



'Building the City of Light'

* Mike Scott - all vocals and instruments, producer

* Niko Bolas - producer, recording, engineering, mixing

* Greg Calbi, Scott Hull - mastering

'Where Do You Want the Boombox, Buddy?'

* Mike Scott - producer

* Chris Bruce - lead guitar

* Brian Stanley - bass

* Steve Holley - drums

* Niko Bolas - recording, mixing

'Other'

* Mike Scott - cover concept

* Jill Furmanovsky - photography

* Stylorouge - design

Charts



References



Category:1995 songs

Category:1995 singles

Category:Chrysalis Records singles

Category:Songs written by Mike Scott (musician)

Category:Song recordings produced by Mike Scott (musician)

Category:Song recordings produced by Niko Bolas

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