Take me to the village
That never lets you down
From every coloured picture
(They know something)
You can turn it all around
From the village
You would understand
If you could see the plan
From the village
From the village
So hidden is the village
So catch it while you can
And the people in the pictures
(They know something)
You can turn it all around
From the village
You would understand
If you could see the plan
From the village
From the village
And time will come
When everyone
Will want to see the view here
It's up to you to find a way
And if you reach
You get to see
The view from here is clearer
It's up to you to find out
Why
Why
You're welcome to the village
That never lets you down
Join the people of the pictures
(They know something)
They can turn it all around
From the village
They all understand
'Cos they can see the plan
From the village
From the village
From the village
From the village
From the village
From the village
From the village
This track has the distinction of being inspired by Tony's favourite TV show, The Prisoner.
Quite a good intro; we are drawn in by those reversed bits. There's lots of acoustic guitar throughout, somewhat more typical I'd say of From A To B (suggesting, maybe, this was an earlier track?). Unusually there are what I assume to be non-Tony backing vocal effects (though I can't make out what they are saying). And those synthetic 'voices' - early versions of what would appear more prominently on Warp. It all adds to the dreamy atmosphere.
It's one that has never fully 'grabbed me' though. Perhaps it's that over-familiar beat which is a touch too metronomic and repetitive for me, or the recording clarity (which doesn't seem quite as good as usual?). But whilst not my favourite track, it's certainly pleasant enough.
91/100
(Richard M)
When I first heard this 7" B side, it blew me away. Two (well, two and a bit) storming non album tracks. How cool is that?! After hearing this, every NM 7" single was a compulsory purchase.
'From the Village' has a great catchy melody, and is packed full of the usual NM qualities such as strummed guitar, synths and reversed sounds.
Superficially it's quite a feel-good sound, yet I suspect it has hidden undertones. I think it's based on a 60's TV series 'The Prisoner' which I've never seen but was I believe very popular.
It sticks consistently to a mid-pace, though the guitar picks up as the track progresses. There's not much differentiation between the chorus and the verses. The middle-8 is nicely formed and pitched. I feel I should say more about this track, because it's one that's lived with me a long time and I've enjoyed countless times!
Sound quality on the CD is again pretty good. Definitely a welcome, quality bonus track.
(Graham G)