I know we all tend to think the music we heard, and that was around, when we were between 15-20 yrs old is best(not always of course) and it's often hard to divorce your judgements on later music's quality as a result. I'm convinced that 1997 is the greatest year for music possibly ever, because Spiritualized and Radiohead released two of the greatest albums I've ever heard then, but I'm aware I'm not really being objective and that I have a bias for the music I heard at that time. Even so, I look at the grand sweep of music made this new century and I can't think of a more sublime piece of songwriting than Elusive. I think it's the stand-out song of the last 14 years. It is literally perfect - not a single picosecond is wasted and the whole song is one slowly twisting, undulating hook. It does what great music does - it changes the world around it when it plays, shifts it slightly, and any situation, no matter how mundane or pointless, like waiting in traffic, or shopping in some soulless supermarket, is transformed and rendered meaningful. The world is turned into a story, with meaning and beauty, and traffic lights become participants rather than irritants. Everything seems to slow down in order to accomodate it. That is music to me, and it's the closest thing to real, supernatural magic that I know of in the natural world.
The Sprawl I would say 1967 would probably be the very best year in music, most legendary, From Sgt. Pepper to To the first Two Albums of The Doors. But i do agree with you on Radiohead :)
There's not which version is better. Both of them are such a amazing musicians. You guys don't understand what really matters here, consumers. Art is not competition 🌺🔥💗
UKScottMatthews 17 hours direct to Perth now! You know it makes sense. Haven't seen you since Dingwalls circa 2007 ish. worst thing about moving to the greatest country on earth, missing out on gigs like that. Plus shit bacon.
Scott I am so glad to see you doing well my very old friend. I don't know if you can remember me from when we were young kids and you lived at the bottom of eastfield road ? You used to come round my house as kids. You probably don't and will never read this anyway.......however I had to say well done on the success and the sound is absolutely beautiful mate.
This song helped me through one of the roughest times in my life....not necessarily the lyrics, but the feel; the beauty and lightness of the song-understated brilliance. Scott, your music has helped me so much; blessings to you!
Me too, I got sober walking my dog at my Mums in the country. I just listened to this album. It was so beautiful. I came from the city. I was wearing prayer beads around wrists, I was reading my book. I was peacefull. I was writing about War, Mars and Aries and Rome for open university. And my beautiful best dog my best friend was his perfect age x I got sober to this album in 2009 x beautiful thank you Mr Scott Matthews.
This song just hallucinates. I broke into his dressing room at a gig in Brighton when I was 15 or so, wandered into the backstage area of a theatre and was dragged out by security, not before he could cheerfully wish me well though. All the best Scott Matthews, thank you for being so gracious - I’m still listening
I went to see Scott at the Water Rats in Kings Cross London about 15 years ago. His voice is pure honey, effortless, and haunting in a beautiful way. I wish more of the world would know his music so that we could be nicer to each other. Thank you Scott forever. Elusive is an amazing song.
This was the first song of his I ever heard and immediately tears were rolling down my cheeks. Only truly gifted artists can touch another soul like that. Thanx for every note and word.
thank you Scott, you have helped me through the darkest times in my life with beautiful songs like this. you are a songbird of this generation, and i hope one day you are recognized as such. thank you for what you do, these songs will live forever.
She's a gambler spinning wheels A poison victim but look of steel The coldest heart's you've ever felt The coldest hands you've ever held Taking down on her way A million miles, still no headway As I learn to live long In his mind I'm proud to roam She's elusive and I'm awake You're finally real, there's nothing fake A mystery now to me and you Open my eyes and I'm next to you He said my destiny lies in the hands that set me free Reckless night, she hears me breathe Cursing the sky at this company They lost the wisdom deep inside When bitterness shows its side If it's true, I am doomed What more is there to hold on to? A strand of her hair is all I own A gift to me, this sorry soul She's elusive and I'm awake You're finally real, there's nothing fake A mystery now to me and you Open my eyes and I'm next to you She said my destiny lies in the hands that set me free The sun in sails and this ain't right There's more to her than meets the eye She comes and goes at any time Back in my head at another time She's elusive and I'm awake You're finally real, there's nothing fake A mystery now to me and you Open my eyes and I'm next to you She said my destiny lies in the hands that set me free
Hey Moonchild, there's a good few lines that are incorrect here. I'll have to get around to posting some official lyrics on my website. Cheers for the love x
Just remembered this gem. I had to drive from Cornwall to Coventry for a training course at 21 back in 2006. Now 39. It was the start of my present anxiety battle 🙁 Thanks for calming me then never forgotten.
Just discovered Scott today and I’m thrilled. Don’t know why took me this long, but so glad I did. This song one of my favs so far beautiful sound, lyrics. though 100 Harps is pretty amazizzzinh.
Wow...my friend showed me this song last night & I'm in love with it. Will be covering this track in the future - thank you for this masterpiece. Love your vocals, especially on the chorus!
I strongly blame myself for not having known this angelical and beautiful song before. Your songs are real pearls, pure breaths. It gently flows, like silent rivers. The first time I heard this song I was feeling quite sad, it didn't take long to be a refuge and a balm to me. Thank you.
Whenever I have bad day I run up to my room and listen to Scott Matthews for the rest of the night. I literally get lost in his music for hours. It’s helped me through some really rough times, so for that, thank you Scott Matthews❤️
Currently in the warehouse at work listening to this whole I avoid actually doing my job. If everyone else is allowed to waste the money that pays them, so can I
Oh this sonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!!!!!! I first heard this a good few years ago and instantly fell in love with it. Scott you are a musical genius and that is an understatement. Elusive is one of my favourite songs of all time. I'm gonna tell everyone I know about this new upload!! And if you're ever in the south west (between Bath and Bristol) feel free to drop in at our place for a house gig!!
I asked Scott about that when it was released. He was a tad cheesed off about not being asked beforehand. It's courtesy, not law. I think he quite liked it. But it is, IMO, more light weight, I guess.
I knew this song as Lianne la Havas covered it, as some of you already knew. It's not about who's versions are better. You don't understand what actually matters, art is not about competition or fame from certain period. These people are truly amazing not being tied to empty fames which over-exaggerate and overwhelm lots of mainstream artists. Thank you Lianne for covering this song so that I could discover him. Thank you Scott for giving a birth to this amazing song. You two are truly amazing musicians I look up to!!
I'm glad my friend introduced me to your music! I haven't been listening to most music now adays because most music these days have no substance. Thank you, you are amazing!!! The first song I listened to immediately made connection to me. I will be listening and purchasing and spreading the word. people need to hear more of you :) Cheers
In the last twenty years there have been too many long 'aired wannabes, still wishing it was 1970, strumming meaningfully over an acoustic guitar and saying nothing new. Scott, however, moving things on in his personal, idiosyncratic way, is the real deal.
i had the NME compilation CD with this song as the last track of the second album and i used to listen to it over and over again on my portable CD player in the dark this song used to make me feel so safe and i have just found it again x x x
How am I JUST NOW hearing this for the first time?! This song had been elusive... ;) But seriously. The lyrics, the melody, the instruments, the harmonies.... absolutely beautiful. Just what I needed to feel at peace. Thank you, Scott Matthews! ☺️
Thank you, Melanie. Life is all about discovery and I still feel this song - and many others of mine - will be discovered in 50 years time hopefully. x
Beautiful song. If I remember rightly Jo Wiley used to play it and it was one of them very few songs you hear on the radio that changes the mood and takes you to another place.
Thus is one of the best songs ever written. Stunning. Thank you Scott. I'm sure this song has touched so many people like it has me and helped them through some hard times too. used to literally play dream song on repeat a few years ago and then discovered this gem of yours too.thanks again for the music mate
I heard this song many years ago, when it was released, and loved it. Haven't heard it since. Listening to Lianne La Havas' version as it played randomly (didn't know she had covered it) and for whatever reason, realising it was this song, became emotionally overwhelmed, and I have no idea why. Got all teary and everything. quite the peculiar experience!
Catching up on the good old days of gigging in Brum; once upon a time Scott opened at the Academy 3 on the same bill as my good mates Soni Quella and 62 Pennies, and Elusive totally stole the whole night for me. So much so, early in my 'career' of making mashups I had to splice it with Ai Otsuka's "Tears". It's a basic as heck boot but it's still one of my personal faves after 10 years of doing that stuff so Scott, thank you for the music and thank you for the inspiration.
man, this song is a masterpiece. i could hear jeff buckley covering it in a perfect world.
Greetings from a Scottish guy in Bulgaria that remembers a simpler time
Imagine my surprise to find the number of view for this song wasn't in the millions.
Scott this was the first song at my wedding, sometimes you can't see the trees but we are out here, your words and chords mean so much more than MTV
Thank you, Dylan. I'm still here, my friend. x
ah and the trees see you x
Heard this song like 4-5 years back and i keep coming back to it from time to time.
+Avinash Kumar me too. Was completely blown away the first time I heard it. He is truly a gem among singer/songwriters.
Lately I’m here every day listening to this song
Yes written by Scott Matthews let no one confuse this. Although if they do secretly we all know this is the original
What a masterpiece, thaks for this Mr Scott
Had a huge crush on a girl, the album this is from is one of her favorites, things were going well between us. But she found some one better.
same.
Thank you for letting Lianne La Havas cover this song so I could discover the original gem too. Wow.
Wow, for the longest time I thought this was a Lianne La Havas original
Same here. She has a great taste in music to have found this and then wanted to cover it. I hope Scott matthews is honored! She made me a fan of him.
Couldn't agree more!
Strange eh! x
I know we all tend to think the music we heard, and that was around, when we were between 15-20 yrs old is best(not always of course) and it's often hard to divorce your judgements on later music's quality as a result. I'm convinced that 1997 is the greatest year for music possibly ever, because Spiritualized and Radiohead released two of the greatest albums I've ever heard then, but I'm aware I'm not really being objective and that I have a bias for the music I heard at that time.
Even so, I look at the grand sweep of music made this new century and I can't think of a more sublime piece of songwriting than Elusive. I think it's the stand-out song of the last 14 years. It is literally perfect - not a single picosecond is wasted and the whole song is one slowly twisting, undulating hook. It does what great music does - it changes the world around it when it plays, shifts it slightly, and any situation, no matter how mundane or pointless, like waiting in traffic, or shopping in some soulless supermarket, is transformed and rendered meaningful. The world is turned into a story, with meaning and beauty, and traffic lights become participants rather than irritants. Everything seems to slow down in order to accomodate it. That is music to me, and it's the closest thing to real, supernatural magic that I know of in the natural world.
The Sprawl I would say 1967 would probably be the very best year in music, most legendary, From Sgt. Pepper to To the first Two Albums of The Doors. But i do agree with you on Radiohead :)
love this song
So beautiful...
just heard this song on radio 2 .. Stunning!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
lianne la havas cover this song.. this song is amazing idk which is better now
Her is because she sings it with her heart
He is fake singing without passion
His is far superior it’s gentle,subtle passionate and mysteriously beautiful
There's not which version is better. Both of them are such a amazing musicians. You guys don't understand what really matters here, consumers. Art is not competition 🌺🔥💗
Beautiful
We'd love it if you toured in Australia :)
I really love Australia but the travelling wipes me out! 22 hours on a plane is tough going especially when you're 6ft 4!!!
Me too! One day again. I was back there in 2011. Keep the faith! x
UKScottMatthews 17 hours direct to Perth now! You know it makes sense. Haven't seen you since Dingwalls circa 2007 ish. worst thing about moving to the greatest country on earth, missing out on gigs like that. Plus shit bacon.
Scott this is incredible! I hope we meet one day!
Please play at my funeral,hedge-chucking.
What a song, I don’t think it’s his best song on Passing Stranger either. What a talent Scott Mathews is.
Came here from Lianne La a Havas' cover, and I don't think I can decide which version is more beautiful.
I like them both, but this one has a simplicity to it that make me love it even more
Lianne really did a good version of this song!
Wolverhampton, one of those places left unknown.
What is the meaning of elusive? Difficult to have her?
ELIZA TAYLOR brought me here
I like lianne la havas' version better tbh
Yeah like he sings it dull and she sings it with so much emotion you would think she wrote it
Well he won the Best Song Ivor Novello Award for this. It's gotta be a bit easier to interpret a song than conceive it in the first place.
he sings alone, his eyes tell his emotions, unlike the over gesturing singer you said
He sings it beautifully and its mysterious and soulful far better than hers.
Lianne la Havas' version is way better
Scott I am so glad to see you doing well my very old friend. I don't know if you can remember me from when we were young kids and you lived at the bottom of eastfield road ? You used to come round my house as kids. You probably don't and will never read this anyway.......however I had to say well done on the success and the sound is absolutely beautiful mate.
Wow!!! I remember you. It really does seem a lifetime ago, mate. How's it going?
@@UKScottMatthews and It was love ever since ❤
Wow. This is amazing ❤️
@@UKScottMatthews It is going well, so sorry for the VERY late reply. I am so proud of you brother, you sound absolutely amazing.
@@ianwlouw I don't care how long between the replies. I'm gonna follow this conversation closely.
This song helped me through one of the roughest times in my life....not necessarily the lyrics, but the feel; the beauty and lightness of the song-understated brilliance. Scott, your music has helped me so much; blessings to you!
Thank you so much. Your words mean the world x
Me too, I got sober walking my dog at my Mums in the country. I just listened to this album. It was so beautiful. I came from the city. I was wearing prayer beads around wrists, I was reading my book. I was peacefull. I was writing about War, Mars and Aries and Rome for open university. And my beautiful best dog my best friend was his perfect age x I got sober to this album in 2009 x beautiful thank you Mr Scott Matthews.
SUCH a beautiful song, beautiful voice, still listening in 2024!
This song just hallucinates. I broke into his dressing room at a gig in Brighton when I was 15 or so, wandered into the backstage area of a theatre and was dragged out by security, not before he could cheerfully wish me well though. All the best Scott Matthews, thank you for being so gracious - I’m still listening
Can't decide between Lianne La Havas or Scott Matthews. Both versions are very beautiful and artistic in their own way.
F*** me, I forgot how utterly beautiful this song is. It's back on repeat.
Such a mysterious and evocative song
I went to see Scott at the Water Rats in Kings Cross London about 15 years ago. His voice is pure honey, effortless, and haunting in a beautiful way. I wish more of the world would know his music so that we could be nicer to each other. Thank you Scott forever. Elusive is an amazing song.
One of the most beautiful songs of all time.
Extraordinary song, no cover version can do it justice.
Lianne La Havas
The original is unmatched it’s perfection
idk lianne killed it😭
@@msampson2286 she did
I love lianne la havas, but the original version is perfect ❤
heard this in 2006... still to this day my all time favourite song.
This was the first song of his I ever heard and immediately tears were rolling down my cheeks. Only truly gifted artists can touch another soul like that. Thanx for every note and word.
first song I heard too and immediately had to go buy that first album as soon as I heard it!
thank you Scott, you have helped me through the darkest times in my life with beautiful songs like this. you are a songbird of this generation, and i hope one day you are recognized as such. thank you for what you do, these songs will live forever.
Thank you from the abyss of my heart. Your words mean a great deal to me. x
She's a gambler spinning wheels
A poison victim but look of steel
The coldest heart's you've ever felt
The coldest hands you've ever held
Taking down on her way
A million miles, still no headway
As I learn to live long
In his mind I'm proud to roam
She's elusive and I'm awake
You're finally real, there's nothing fake
A mystery now to me and you
Open my eyes and I'm next to you
He said my destiny lies in the hands that set me free
Reckless night, she hears me breathe
Cursing the sky at this company
They lost the wisdom deep inside
When bitterness shows its side
If it's true, I am doomed
What more is there to hold on to?
A strand of her hair is all I own
A gift to me, this sorry soul
She's elusive and I'm awake
You're finally real, there's nothing fake
A mystery now to me and you
Open my eyes and I'm next to you
She said my destiny lies in the hands that set me free
The sun in sails and this ain't right
There's more to her than meets the eye
She comes and goes at any time
Back in my head at another time
She's elusive and I'm awake
You're finally real, there's nothing fake
A mystery now to me and you
Open my eyes and I'm next to you
She said my destiny lies in the hands that set me free
Hey Moonchild, there's a good few lines that are incorrect here. I'll have to get around to posting some official lyrics on my website. Cheers for the love x
UKScottMatthews - Having the true lyrics would be great!
This song always brings me to tears, it's so beautiful, makes me miss my loved ones who have passed...
Jeff Buckley?
I first heard this song when I was 13 or 14 and now I am 27 and I still love it as much as I did back then. Moves me to tears.
Just remembered this gem. I had to drive from Cornwall to Coventry for a training course at 21 back in 2006. Now 39. It was the start of my present anxiety battle 🙁 Thanks for calming me then never forgotten.
💯
This piece is perfect. I cant stop listening. Fantastic...this type of writing is what makes my blood pump. thank you!
I'll take that one! Thank you, Birgitta x
Just discovered Scott today and I’m thrilled. Don’t know why took me this long, but so glad I did. This song one of my favs so far beautiful sound, lyrics. though 100 Harps is pretty amazizzzinh.
Anyone watch this because it was mentioned in Polaris Con by Eliza Taylor? I did, and its a great song. I love it.
This is in my 2020 playlist!
"Open my eyes as I'm next to you,
She says my destiny lies in the hands that set me free"
Jeff Buckley reincarnate.
Such a hidden gem this song....
One of my all time listens.... The simplicity is absolutely stunning...
Wow...my friend showed me this song last night & I'm in love with it. Will be covering this track in the future - thank you for this masterpiece. Love your vocals, especially on the chorus!
Your music helped me through a very hard time in my life. Please continue writing and playing I always look for more from you.
I strongly blame myself for not having known this angelical and beautiful song before. Your songs are real pearls, pure breaths. It gently flows, like silent rivers. The first time I heard this song I was feeling quite sad, it didn't take long to be a refuge and a balm to me. Thank you.
Probably...just probably; one of the most beautiful songs ever written
Certainly one of the best vocals ever in a song
Whenever I have bad day I run up to my room and listen to Scott Matthews for the rest of the night. I literally get lost in his music for hours. It’s helped me through some really rough times, so for that, thank you Scott Matthews❤️
Met Scott at the Green Room in Camden , we went on a session, great craic great musician
Acoustic music at its very best! Thank you, Scott.
Few are musicians that come along that can sing & write music that touches the soul. Scott Mathews seem to be among those few.
Digged it then & I dig it now. Fair play.
*Still* gets me, after all these years.
I heard this on BBC Radio 2 for the first time today. Beautiful.
Fantastic
Currently in the warehouse at work listening to this whole I avoid actually doing my job. If everyone else is allowed to waste the money that pays them, so can I
A legacy in this alone. Beautiful Scott.
Oh this sonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!!!!!! I first heard this a good few years ago and instantly fell in love with it. Scott you are a musical genius and that is an understatement. Elusive is one of my favourite songs of all time. I'm gonna tell everyone I know about this new upload!! And if you're ever in the south west (between Bath and Bristol) feel free to drop in at our place for a house gig!!
Would love to hear what you think of Lianne La Havas' version of the song, since you love this so much! Bloody brilliant song.
I asked Scott about that when it was released. He was a tad cheesed off about not being asked beforehand. It's courtesy, not law. I think he quite liked it. But it is, IMO, more light weight, I guess.
I knew this song as Lianne la Havas covered it, as some of you already knew. It's not about who's versions are better. You don't understand what actually matters, art is not about competition or fame from certain period. These people are truly amazing not being tied to empty fames which over-exaggerate and overwhelm lots of mainstream artists.
Thank you Lianne for covering this song so that I could discover him. Thank you Scott for giving a birth to this amazing song.
You two are truly amazing musicians I look up to!!
Exactly. Art is not sport, there is no competition. Just experience it.
If they only looked , they would finally find good music.
Love this song so much. What's the tuning?
If I learned to play this song I'd die happy
I love you, Scott
I'm glad my friend introduced me to your music! I haven't been listening to most music now adays because most music these days have no substance. Thank you, you are amazing!!! The first song I listened to immediately made connection to me. I will be listening and purchasing and spreading the word. people need to hear more of you :) Cheers
Your support means the world to me and my music, my friend. x
Is this song about depression?
In the last twenty years there have been too many long 'aired wannabes, still wishing it was 1970, strumming meaningfully over an acoustic guitar and saying nothing new. Scott, however, moving things on in his personal, idiosyncratic way, is the real deal.
ben howard vibe to this , like it .
BRAVO!!
😭дуже глибоко та сумно,але гарно😌
i had the NME compilation CD with this song as the last track of the second album and i used to listen to it over and over again on my portable CD player in the dark this song used to make me feel so safe and i have just found it again x x x
My Song 💫
How am I JUST NOW hearing this for the first time?! This song had been elusive... ;)
But seriously. The lyrics, the melody, the instruments, the harmonies.... absolutely beautiful. Just what I needed to feel at peace. Thank you, Scott Matthews! ☺️
Thank you, Melanie. Life is all about discovery and I still feel this song - and many others of mine - will be discovered in 50 years time hopefully. x
Still beautiful ❤
Beautiful ❤
Beautiful song. If I remember rightly Jo Wiley used to play it and it was one of them very few songs you hear on the radio that changes the mood and takes you to another place.
349 subscribers. The mind boggles. Such talent and musicianship.
Adorable song...
❤
Beautiful! I love this song, Lianne La Havas didnt credit you clear enough.
Beautiful, unforgettable song. That said: the Gotye of Jeff Buckleys.
Heard this by chance on radio 2, on tracks of my years, glad I did, very Jeff Buckley like 👍
MERCI
Thus is one of the best songs ever written. Stunning. Thank you Scott. I'm sure this song has touched so many people like it has me and helped them through some hard times too. used to literally play dream song on repeat a few years ago and then discovered this gem of yours too.thanks again for the music mate
Ogni tanto mi ritrovo qui ad ascoltarla e a perdermi.
Bought this guys album in 2008. Learned all his songs. He needs more recognition to say the least
Gorgeous song, Scott! Thanks so much for writing and posting. I'll have to check out more of your music soon.
Wow first time iv heard this, absolutely beautiful x won't be the last time xx
Unbelievable song......i mind this was Zane Lowes hottest record of the week,class
Totally brilliant. (New subscriber). Thank you.
Good thing I'm a compulsive comment reader, I always thought this was a Lianne la Havas song! Great stuff
I heard this song many years ago, when it was released, and loved it. Haven't heard it since. Listening to Lianne La Havas' version as it played randomly (didn't know she had covered it) and for whatever reason, realising it was this song, became emotionally overwhelmed, and I have no idea why. Got all teary and everything. quite the peculiar experience!
Catching up on the good old days of gigging in Brum; once upon a time Scott opened at the Academy 3 on the same bill as my good mates Soni Quella and 62 Pennies, and Elusive totally stole the whole night for me. So much so, early in my 'career' of making mashups I had to splice it with Ai Otsuka's "Tears". It's a basic as heck boot but it's still one of my personal faves after 10 years of doing that stuff so Scott, thank you for the music and thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you x