Guy's Gallivant Into Music

Bulldog · 09-20-2009, 06:40 AM

Ah, so you've given Conan's album a listen too. Nice one! Nice review too - basically sums up exactly what I thought of it too. Definitely a good piece of work at the very least.

And I see you've given Lateralus a spin too. That's the only Tool album i ever had. Bought it on CD years ago and lost it in a move and I haven't listened to Tool since. They're not really my thing anymore, but I can definitely appreciate them every so often.

zeppy111 · 09-26-2009, 01:54 AM

Album: 1. The White Stripes – Elephant
Year: 2003
Genre: Alternative Rock

Arguably the best output by one of my favourite bands, The White Stripes. The band are similar to Death personally, as throughout their catalogue of albums there are no black sheep, all quality. If you have yet to listen to TWS then I would recommend this album first.

To begin with it contains the defining moment in the bands commercial history, Seven Nation Army. Although, the album has a lot more to offer so don’t just think this is a one hit wonder album. A true case of keeping it simple can work to make good music. Case in point, Meg is not the most proficient drummer by a long shot, but the role she plays in the band is vital and her overall simplistic yet unique style of drumming is what I have grown to love the most about the band.

The final track off the album is a really fine finish to the album, showing the sense of humour and enjoyment of making such a record, even though the overall tone of the album is of depression and darker than any of their other work, by including what I would refer to as a dialogue between Meg, Jack and Holly.

Highlight: Odd choice but “Its True That We Love One Another”

Album: 2. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – Lick My Decals off, Baby!
Year: 1970
Genre: Avant-garde/Experimental

The grand-daddy of avant-garde music, Captain Beefheart, once again graces the world with another gem of music that one wouldn’t expect to be made by a human but rather buy a sheet of aluminium or something non-living. You could pick from a handful of his albums as the best albums he has, this is just my preference. 1. Lick My Decals Off, Baby, 2. Safe As Milk, 3. Trout Mask Replica

I would highly recommend this to anyone who feels that the music they are listening to lacks any panache or mojo to it, as this album will certainly blow your socks off. Before you even listen to the album you know you are in for an experience with a title like that, “Lick My Decals Off, Baby.”

There is not much to be said about the actual music that in on the album, I cannot find any words to describe it other that ‘different.’

Highlight: Lick My Decals Off, Baby

Album: 3. 10000 Maniacs – MTV Unplugged
Year: 1993
Genre: Rock

I have to admit upfront that this album has been played so many times in my household since I was born that we have had to buy a new copy 3 times, so we can see the bias to this album could override true reflections.

A collection of the most beautiful music that I have heard so far, which never seems to fail to thrill me. There is so much going on in this album that you need to listen to it a few times to piece all the various parts together. To name a few: We have a mini-orchestral set in the background containing bassoons, a banjo, cello, viola, violin, mandolin, organ, guitars (Acoustic, slide), pianos and organs. If that is not enough to set the seen there is the 10000 Maniacs band who between them utilize over 10 instruments and work perfectly with the additional musicians…. You thought I was finished? Oh no, I save the best for last…. NATALIE MERCHANT! Natalie fronted the and at this time and was 10000 Maniacs in my opinion, as after she left it was foolish to carry on without her. She plays piano during the show and also she is the lead vocalist, both of which she really grips you with.

On a side-note, I would advise that you check out her solo album, “Ophelia.”

Highlight: Because The Night

Bulldog · 09-26-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppy111

Album: 2. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – Lick My Decals off, Baby!
Year: 1970
Genre: Avant-garde/Experimental

This thread never ceases to impress me. Great shout for this ^ album as well. Possibly my favourite of his but, as you say, once you've clicked with the Good Captain, it takes a lot more to-ing and fro-ing to truly decide. If you haven't got Doc At the Radar Station and Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) I couldn't recommend them enough - they're a couple of his comeback albums from the late 70s, and a couple of my personal favourites too.

zeppy111 · 09-28-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

This thread never ceases to impress me. Great shout for this ^ album as well. Possibly my favourite of his but, as you say, once you've clicked with the Good Captain, it takes a lot more to-ing and fro-ing to truly decide. If you haven't got Doc At the Radar Station and Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) I couldn't recommend them enough - they're a couple of his comeback albums from the late 70s, and a couple of my personal favourites too.

Cheers, thanks for the nice comments. I will certainly check them out as soon as the new month comes around. Suffering from a case of less than 30MB of internet cap at the moment

zeppy111 · 09-30-2009, 01:50 AM

Radiohead - Thinking About You

This song is off Radiohead's first album, Pablo Honey from the 93/94 period. Highly disregarded as an album in my opinion as it is the only of their albums so far that I have taken a liking to, after being an EXTREME RADIOHEAD-HATER!!!

My favourite song off of the album, basically summarises all that I like about the band: easy to listen to, sounds fairly good, catchy lines, original and some pretty hard hitting lyrics.

Enjoy!

Astronomer · 10-04-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppy111

Radiohead - Thinking About You

This song is off Radiohead's first album, Pablo Honey from the 93/94 period. Highly disregarded as an album in my opinion as it is the only of their albums so far that I have taken a liking to, after being an EXTREME RADIOHEAD-HATER!!!

My favourite song off of the album, basically summarises all that I like about the band: easy to listen to, sounds fairly good, catchy lines, original and some pretty hard hitting lyrics.

Enjoy!

I've always been secretly obsessed with this song while many other Radiohead fans I know tend to dislike it. I think it's catchy, nice, a little cute... I really enjoy it.

zeppy111 · 10-11-2009, 06:53 AM

Album: 1. Those Poor Bastards – Satan Is Watching
Year: 2008
Genre: Gothic Country

This was the first album tagged with the label of “gothic country” that I have acquired and it definitely served as a fine introduction to the genre. The album portrays the sadness, hard times and difficulties that I have learnt to be the cornerstone of the music in a manner that hit me really deep. Some stretches of the album contain lyrics that are almost spoken instead of sung and personally that was one of the most interesting parts to an album I have heard in months. The one draw back is that the final two songs haven’t hit home yet after 3 listens but I am sure they will come around. 9/10

Highlight: This World Is Evil

Album: 2. Gram Parsons - GP
Year: 1973
Genre: Country

After closely following Bulldogg’s thread on Gram Parsons I felt I had to hear this music for myself as it sounded so interesting. Well, to begin with the album failed to live up to my expectations after even a couple of listens it just didn’t do anything for me. The only aspect that saved the album is the female vocals, especially in the first couple songs. I can see why people vote them as a great duet. I would recommend Sweetheart Of The Rodeo (A definite 9 or 9.5/10) any day though, that is a perfect album, obviously The Byrds though, not GP. 6/10

Highlight: Still Feeling Blue

Album: 3. Ween – GodWeenSatan: The Oneness
Year: 1990
Genre: Alternative Madness

What a mish-mash of music, WOW!!!! My first thoughts when I listened to the album as an untrained listener was that it was a concoction of a few bands, seeing as I haven’t heard anything like it before, I tried to compare them to someone else. What I came up with was: 1 part Capt. Beefheart, 1 Part Fugazi, 1 part The Fall and 1 part complete neglect for the human mind. Although I would not recommend it to anyone who does not enjoy their ears being bashed continuously from all angles and by various blunt objects, anyone looking for something new or to get out of a rut, this is definitely for you. The first track could arguably be the best break-up song ever. 8.5/10

Highlight: You ****ed Up

This week’s was a bit short due to exams at school and the new sporting season kicking off. I’m thinking of changing it up for next week, this format is getting a touch boring. If anyone has any suggestions then do shout, my mind is blank.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lateralus

I've always been secretly obsessed with this song while many other Radiohead fans I know tend to dislike it. I think it's catchy, nice, a little cute... I really enjoy it.

I understand the obsession, it is a great song. I don't know why Pablo Honey doesn't get more love.

NumberNineDream · 10-18-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppy111

I understand the obsession, it is a great song. I don't know why Pablo Honey doesn't get more love.

I got obsessed with this song too ! The lyrics are really good in that one. Pessimistic without giving a drama-queenish feel (à la Creep)

zeppy111 · 11-28-2009, 06:13 AM

Top 15 of the past decade (2000-2009)

Well it seems like the new thing is all about the your favourite albums from the past decade, so now due to lack of anything else that comes to mind, I will jump on the bandwagon too.

These albums will not necessarily be the "best" but my favourites for whatever reason in the past 10 years. At the end I might include some of my fav South African releases too, we will see though. Short write ups and illiterate ramblings to follow shortly.
__________________________________________________ _____________

15. Mastodon - Leviathan
Year: 2004
Genre: Progressive Metal

One thing you will notice about my list is that a few concept albums will appear on it. I am an absolute sucker for them, and this instance is no different.

It possibly contains the coolest intro to any song of this decade, with the intro to "Blood and Thunder", which is also the first case that you know this is going to be good... or is it? The album bands out some awesome riffs, comprehendable lyrics and a taste of diversity. However, there is one draw back to the album, being that no track on the album can live up to the beastly-ness of the first track.

The concept of the album revolves around Capt Ahab and his never-ending obsession with the White Whale, which the members of Mastodon have stated many times is alike to their musical journey. The storyline comes from the novel, "Moby ****."

Antonio · 11-29-2009, 04:42 AM

this was the first Mastodon album i ever had and one that's very near and dear to my heart, right after Blood Mountain. as for the rest of the album as opposed to the first track, i felt that songs I Am Ahab and Island really lived up to it, but you said yourself that the cd's full of diversity, so wouldn't it be a good thing to not have every song sound the same?

really there's alot that i love about this album, from the aquatic feel of the songs Seabeast and Naked Burn, the attacking intro on Aqua Dementia, not to mention the epic Hearts Alive and the beautiful acoustic closer Joseph Merrick.

also, the guitar part in Megalodon (you know the one i'm talking about) makes me cream my pants.

hehe, it feels like i'm reviewing it too

09-26-2009, 01:54 AM	#32 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Weekly Albums #11 Album: 1. The White Stripes – Elephant Year: 2003 Genre: Alternative Rock Arguably the best output by one of my favourite bands, The White Stripes. The band are similar to Death personally, as throughout their catalogue of albums there are no black sheep, all quality. If you have yet to listen to TWS then I would recommend this album first. To begin with it contains the defining moment in the bands commercial history, Seven Nation Army. Although, the album has a lot more to offer so don’t just think this is a one hit wonder album. A true case of keeping it simple can work to make good music. Case in point, Meg is not the most proficient drummer by a long shot, but the role she plays in the band is vital and her overall simplistic yet unique style of drumming is what I have grown to love the most about the band. The final track off the album is a really fine finish to the album, showing the sense of humour and enjoyment of making such a record, even though the overall tone of the album is of depression and darker than any of their other work, by including what I would refer to as a dialogue between Meg, Jack and Holly. Highlight: Odd choice but “Its True That We Love One Another” Album: 2. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – Lick My Decals off, Baby! Year: 1970 Genre: Avant-garde/Experimental The grand-daddy of avant-garde music, Captain Beefheart, once again graces the world with another gem of music that one wouldn’t expect to be made by a human but rather buy a sheet of aluminium or something non-living. You could pick from a handful of his albums as the best albums he has, this is just my preference. 1. Lick My Decals Off, Baby, 2. Safe As Milk, 3. Trout Mask Replica I would highly recommend this to anyone who feels that the music they are listening to lacks any panache or mojo to it, as this album will certainly blow your socks off. Before you even listen to the album you know you are in for an experience with a title like that, “Lick My Decals Off, Baby.” There is not much to be said about the actual music that in on the album, I cannot find any words to describe it other that ‘different.’ Highlight: Lick My Decals Off, Baby Album: 3. 10000 Maniacs – MTV Unplugged Year: 1993 Genre: Rock I have to admit upfront that this album has been played so many times in my household since I was born that we have had to buy a new copy 3 times, so we can see the bias to this album could override true reflections. A collection of the most beautiful music that I have heard so far, which never seems to fail to thrill me. There is so much going on in this album that you need to listen to it a few times to piece all the various parts together. To name a few: We have a mini-orchestral set in the background containing bassoons, a banjo, cello, viola, violin, mandolin, organ, guitars (Acoustic, slide), pianos and organs. If that is not enough to set the seen there is the 10000 Maniacs band who between them utilize over 10 instruments and work perfectly with the additional musicians…. You thought I was finished? Oh no, I save the best for last…. NATALIE MERCHANT! Natalie fronted the and at this time and was 10000 Maniacs in my opinion, as after she left it was foolish to carry on without her. She plays piano during the show and also she is the lead vocalist, both of which she really grips you with. On a side-note, I would advise that you check out her solo album, “Ophelia.” Highlight: Because The Night __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

09-30-2009, 01:50 AM	#35 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Song #3 Radiohead - Thinking About You This song is off Radiohead's first album, Pablo Honey from the 93/94 period. Highly disregarded as an album in my opinion as it is the only of their albums so far that I have taken a liking to, after being an EXTREME RADIOHEAD-HATER!!! My favourite song off of the album, basically summarises all that I like about the band: easy to listen to, sounds fairly good, catchy lines, original and some pretty hard hitting lyrics. Enjoy! __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

11-28-2009, 06:13 AM	#39 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Top 15 of the past decade (2000-2009) Well it seems like the new thing is all about the your favourite albums from the past decade, so now due to lack of anything else that comes to mind, I will jump on the bandwagon too. These albums will not necessarily be the "best" but my favourites for whatever reason in the past 10 years. At the end I might include some of my fav South African releases too, we will see though. Short write ups and illiterate ramblings to follow shortly. __________________________________________________ _____________ 15. Mastodon - Leviathan Year: 2004 Genre: Progressive Metal One thing you will notice about my list is that a few concept albums will appear on it. I am an absolute sucker for them, and this instance is no different. It possibly contains the coolest intro to any song of this decade, with the intro to "Blood and Thunder", which is also the first case that you know this is going to be good... or is it? The album bands out some awesome riffs, comprehendable lyrics and a taste of diversity. However, there is one draw back to the album, being that no track on the album can live up to the beastly-ness of the first track. The concept of the album revolves around Capt Ahab and his never-ending obsession with the White Whale, which the members of Mastodon have stated many times is alike to their musical journey. The storyline comes from the novel, "Moby ." __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

09-20-2009, 06:40 AM	#31 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Ah, so you've given Conan's album a listen too. Nice one! Nice review too - basically sums up exactly what I thought of it too. Definitely a good piece of work at the very least. And I see you've given Lateralus a spin too. That's the only Tool album i ever had. Bought it on CD years ago and lost it in a move and I haven't listened to Tool since. They're not really my thing anymore, but I can definitely appreciate them every so often.