Trollheart Listens to Every Album on Wiki's List for 2017

The Batlord · 03-11-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

It's almost as if, lyrically if not musically, Black Metal was sung with humour and a knowing wink to the audience. I'm getting more into his music as we speak. I might even revise that rating later on after I've listened to the rest of his albums. Hilariously funny lyrics mostly though.

Upon further reflection, he's fun, but I'd rather go straight to the source and bump White Zombie. There's no shame in not being as good as White Zombie though, as they single-handedly justify 90s alt metal (Eat a dick, Deftones.)

**Frownland** · 03-11-2018, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josht23musiclover

Cool thanks for the recommendation!

Ooo I can't come close to agreeing with that (in fact I'd argue it's an irrational viewpoint to have for 99.9% or so of us, but that's just an example I think of us seeing the world differently). I am interested though in why you think he is overrated?

Well first I'll say that I don't find him to be as inventive as he's made out to be because he expounded on and refined well-established styles as opposed to inventing his own. The kind of attitude towards music that zeroes in on inventiveness didn't really take off until after World War II, mostly because of advances in communication. Music was more of a one-time experience for most audiences during Beethoven's time, so it's not that crazy for Aphex Twin to have a higher caliber of inventiveness since he's been heavily influenced by John Cage and he also had the benefit of continued advances in music technology.

As far as Beethoven being overrated, I say that because he's one of the big 3 names in classical music that your average person can (consciously) name: Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. So I guess fair play to TH on calling out that discogs comment as being ignorant. I do find Beethoven's music to be a bit bloated, but that doesn't strip away the context and I still hold him in high regard. I think he's within the top 15 composers of all time, but I feel that there are far more worthy contestants for the top 5 classical composers.

josht23musiclover · 03-11-2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frownland

Well first I'll say that I don't find him to be as inventive as he's made out to be because he expounded on and refined well-established styles as opposed to inventing his own. The kind of attitude towards music that zeroes in on inventiveness didn't really take off until after World War II, mostly because of advances in communication. Music was more of a one-time experience for most audiences during Beethoven's time, so it's not that crazy for Aphex Twin to have a higher caliber of inventiveness since he's been heavily influenced by John Cage and he also had the benefit of continued advances in music technology.

As far as Beethoven being overrated, I say that because he's one of the big 3 names in classical music that your average person can (consciously) name: Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. So I guess fair play to TH on calling out that discogs comment as being ignorant. I do find Beethoven's music to be a bit bloated, but that doesn't strip away the context and I still hold him in high regard. I think he's within the top 15 composers of all time, but I feel that there are far more worthy contestants for the top 5 classical composers.

I guess I can't argue with what you say, as my gut would like me to, as I am not as familiar with some music as much as I should be in order to reasonably argue. The only thing I can say is that from what I know about the music before Beethoven to some of the things he did, it's as seismic a shift in music as I have heard (except maybe Le Sacre du printemps).

EDIT: I changed my mind about something I wrote. I simply need to listen to more.

Trollheart · 03-11-2018, 12:17 PM

Album title: Manuscript
Artist: Vic Mensa
Genre: Hip-hop
Nationality: American
Release date: June 8
Position in Discography: Second EP; fourth overall
Estimated Rating:

Have I heard of this artist? No
Average RYM Score: 2.46
Yet another EP, though at least not K-pop this time. Four tracks only, but they're all good. “OMG” is a particular standout, with some sort of rocky guitar backing track/sample, although I think “Rage” just about beats it out. Excellent EP; must hear more of this.

Check out more from this artist? Yes
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Actual Rating:

Trollheart · 03-11-2018, 12:19 PM

I think it's great, and really shows the diversity of the forum that, in the one thread, we have two people talking about horror/punk/shlock/metal while two others are discussing the virtues of the classical greats. Talk about both ends of the scale!

Trollheart · 03-11-2018, 03:29 PM

Album title: CollXtion II
Artist: Allie X
Genre: Synthpop
Nationality: Canadian
Release date: June 9
Position in Discography: Debut
Estimated Rating:

Have I heard of this artist? No
Average RYM Score: 3.29
I have to say, this is pretty ****. Well, it's pretty ordinary at least. I've no interest at all. Well, not much anyway. “Lifted” has a nice relaxed reggae feel, and “Simon Says” has an almost trap feel to it, quite dramatic and epic in its scope. I like “Old Habits Die Hard” too: this is definitely taking an upswing after a really lacklustre opening. Hmm. “That's So Us” is very twee and annoying though, but then “Downtown” makes up for that with a much more mature, brooding track and the closer is good too, so yeah, started badly but got a whole lot better as it went on.
Check out more from this artist? Might
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Actual Rating:

Trollheart · 03-11-2018, 05:23 PM

Album title: The Optimist
Artist: Anathema
Genre: Alt-Rock/Post Rock/Progressive Rock
Nationality: English
Release date: June 9
Position in Discography: Eleventh
Estimated Rating:

Have I heard of this artist? Yes
Have I heard anything by this artist? Yes
Average RYM Score: 3.22
Apparently this album is a concept based loosely around another of Anathema's albums, which I don't know of, so I hope that lack of knowledge won't infringe on my enjoyment of this album. “Endless Ways” is a great track, starts off like a ballad then comes into life on the back of some chugging guitar (seems to be a female vocal, whom I guess is Lee Douglas) and powers along really well. The title track is great too, as is the instrumental “San Francisco” and Lee Douglas is back to take the vocal for the slowburning “Springfield”. Almost ethereal, this one, very haunting, builds to a powerful climax. Shut up, Batty.

“Can't Let Go” is probably the most uptempo song on this album so far, and again it's Lee on the mic; she sings so much on this it's a wonder she's not credited as lead vocalist. Of course, being a prog album there has to be an epic, and it's the closer, almost twelve minutes of “Back to the Start”. This album is one of the real prog finds of 2017. Of course, I haven't exactly had much time for prog-looking, either in 2017 or this year, but this is definitely going on the keeper list. Superb.

Check out more from this artist? Oh yeah
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Always

Actual Rating:

Trollheart · 03-12-2018, 07:10 PM

Album title: Binary
Artist: Ani DiFranco
Genre: Indie Rock
Nationality: American
Release date: June 9
Position in Discography: Nineteenth
Estimated Rating:

Have I heard of this artist? Yes
Have I heard anything by this artist? Yes
Average RYM Score: 3.08
I only heard one album by DiFranco before, and I remember not being very impressed by it, and the opening, and title, track does nothing to change that opinion. “Pacifist's Lament” is better, though not really that much, and I have to say I'm feeling the same kind of apathy that I did when I listened to the other album of hers, Which Side Are You On? Just really not interested. Can't find anything to latch onto. Well, having said that, “Sasquatch” has a nice jazzy piano beat, which is very pleasing, and a fairly low-key vocal on which she often slides into scat vocalise, and that's quite a good track. Mind you, this is track nine of eleven, so a little late. Let's see what the last two are like. Okay, “Terrifying Sight” is not without its charm, but the closer is weak to the max. No, not really impressed.

Check out more from this artist? No
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Actual Rating:

Trollheart · 03-12-2018, 07:36 PM

Album title: Under Your Spell
Artist: The Birthday Massacre
Genre: Electronic/Gothic Rock
Nationality: Canadian
Release date: June 9
Position in Discography: Seventh
Estimated Rating:

Have I heard of this artist? No
Average RYM Score: 3.18
In total contrast to the previous album, this clicks with me from the first minute. I think I'd class this as more synthpop, new wave or darkwave maybe, but Wiki knows all, huh? Anyway, the female vocal is initially strangely flat but not emotionless, with as it goes along a definite undercurrent of warmth detectable at all times. Great keyboard work, though the guitars take over on “Counterpane” when the band rock out in an almost metal vein. Nice. This is all gold so far. Initiate discography download ... stand by ... execute! Yeah, this is fantastic stuff. More, please.
Check out more from this artist? Indeed
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Actual Rating:

Trollheart · 03-13-2018, 11:25 AM

Album title: GiANT KiLLERS
Artist: BiSH
Genre: Punk Rock/Garage Rock/Pop Punk/Alt Rock
Nationality: Japanese
Release date: June 9
Position in Discography: Debut
Estimated Rating:

Have I heard of this artist? No
Average RYM Score: 3.20
I suppose you have to admire a band (well, their manager/corporate director) who takes a name which is an acronym for Brand New Idol Shit, and maybe this is an attempt to break out of the often restricted scope, the near stranglehold exercised upon “Idol” groups in Japan, Korea and elsewhere. Or, maybe the EP will live up to the last word in the band's name. Either way, it's short, only five tracks, so it'll go by quickly at least. Meh, it has energy but it's essentially just sped-up K-pop (or J-pop I guess) as far as I can see. I had hoped for dirtier, angrier, more different. Ah well.

Check out more from this artist? No
Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes

Actual Rating:

03-11-2018, 12:17 PM	#2084 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	Album title: Manuscript Artist: Vic Mensa Genre: Hip-hop Nationality: American Release date: June 8 Position in Discography: Second EP; fourth overall Estimated Rating: Have I heard of this artist? No Average RYM Score: 2.46 Yet another EP, though at least not K-pop this time. Four tracks only, but they're all good. “OMG” is a particular standout, with some sort of rocky guitar backing track/sample, although I think “Rage” just about beats it out. Excellent EP; must hear more of this. Check out more from this artist? Yes Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Actual Rating: __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

03-11-2018, 12:19 PM	#2085 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	I think it's great, and really shows the diversity of the forum that, in the one thread, we have two people talking about horror/punk/shlock/metal while two others are discussing the virtues of the classical greats. Talk about both ends of the scale! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

03-11-2018, 03:29 PM	#2086 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	Album title: CollXtion II Artist: Allie X Genre: Synthpop Nationality: Canadian Release date: June 9 Position in Discography: Debut Estimated Rating: Have I heard of this artist? No Average RYM Score: 3.29 I have to say, this is pretty **. Well, it's pretty ordinary at least. I've no interest at all. Well, not much anyway. “Lifted” has a nice relaxed reggae feel, and “Simon Says” has an almost trap feel to it, quite dramatic and epic in its scope. I like “Old Habits Die Hard” too: this is definitely taking an upswing after a really lacklustre opening. Hmm. “That's So Us” is very twee and annoying though, but then “Downtown” makes up for that with a much more mature, brooding track and the closer is good too, so yeah, started badly but got a whole lot better as it went on. Check out more from this artist? Might Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Actual Rating:** __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

03-11-2018, 05:23 PM	#2087 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	Album title: The Optimist Artist: Anathema Genre: Alt-Rock/Post Rock/Progressive Rock Nationality: English Release date: June 9 Position in Discography: Eleventh Estimated Rating: Have I heard of this artist? Yes Have I heard anything by this artist? Yes Average RYM Score: 3.22 Apparently this album is a concept based loosely around another of Anathema's albums, which I don't know of, so I hope that lack of knowledge won't infringe on my enjoyment of this album. “Endless Ways” is a great track, starts off like a ballad then comes into life on the back of some chugging guitar (seems to be a female vocal, whom I guess is Lee Douglas) and powers along really well. The title track is great too, as is the instrumental “San Francisco” and Lee Douglas is back to take the vocal for the slowburning “Springfield”. Almost ethereal, this one, very haunting, builds to a powerful climax. Shut up, Batty. “Can't Let Go” is probably the most uptempo song on this album so far, and again it's Lee on the mic; she sings so much on this it's a wonder she's not credited as lead vocalist. Of course, being a prog album there has to be an epic, and it's the closer, almost twelve minutes of “Back to the Start”. This album is one of the real prog finds of 2017. Of course, I haven't exactly had much time for prog-looking, either in 2017 or this year, but this is definitely going on the keeper list. Superb. Check out more from this artist? Oh yeah Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Always Actual Rating: __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

03-12-2018, 07:10 PM	#2088 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	Album title: Binary Artist: Ani DiFranco Genre: Indie Rock Nationality: American Release date: June 9 Position in Discography: Nineteenth Estimated Rating: Have I heard of this artist? Yes Have I heard anything by this artist? Yes Average RYM Score: 3.08 I only heard one album by DiFranco before, and I remember not being very impressed by it, and the opening, and title, track does nothing to change that opinion. “Pacifist's Lament” is better, though not really that much, and I have to say I'm feeling the same kind of apathy that I did when I listened to the other album of hers, Which Side Are You On? Just really not interested. Can't find anything to latch onto. Well, having said that, “Sasquatch” has a nice jazzy piano beat, which is very pleasing, and a fairly low-key vocal on which she often slides into scat vocalise, and that's quite a good track. Mind you, this is track nine of eleven, so a little late. Let's see what the last two are like. Okay, “Terrifying Sight” is not without its charm, but the closer is weak to the max. No, not really impressed. Check out more from this artist? No Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Actual Rating: __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

03-12-2018, 07:36 PM	#2089 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	Album title: Under Your Spell Artist: The Birthday Massacre Genre: Electronic/Gothic Rock Nationality: Canadian Release date: June 9 Position in Discography: Seventh Estimated Rating: Have I heard of this artist? No Average RYM Score: 3.18 In total contrast to the previous album, this clicks with me from the first minute. I think I'd class this as more synthpop, new wave or darkwave maybe, but Wiki knows all, huh? Anyway, the female vocal is initially strangely flat but not emotionless, with as it goes along a definite undercurrent of warmth detectable at all times. Great keyboard work, though the guitars take over on “Counterpane” when the band rock out in an almost metal vein. Nice. This is all gold so far. Initiate discography download ... stand by ... execute! Yeah, this is fantastic stuff. More, please. Check out more from this artist? Indeed Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Actual Rating: __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

03-13-2018, 11:25 AM	#2090 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	Album title: GiANT KiLLERS Artist: BiSH Genre: Punk Rock/Garage Rock/Pop Punk/Alt Rock Nationality: Japanese Release date: June 9 Position in Discography: Debut Estimated Rating: Have I heard of this artist? No Average RYM Score: 3.20 I suppose you have to admire a band (well, their manager/corporate director) who takes a name which is an acronym for Brand New Idol Shit, and maybe this is an attempt to break out of the often restricted scope, the near stranglehold exercised upon “Idol” groups in Japan, Korea and elsewhere. Or, maybe the EP will live up to the last word in the band's name. Either way, it's short, only five tracks, so it'll go by quickly at least. Meh, it has energy but it's essentially just sped-up K-pop (or J-pop I guess) as far as I can see. I had hoped for dirtier, angrier, more different. Ah well. Check out more from this artist? No Check out more from this genre or subgenre? Yes Actual Rating: __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018