Guy's Gallivant Into Music

Arya Stark · 09-09-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppy111

Album: 3. Placebo - Placebo
Year: 1996
Genre: Alternative Rock

This album is the debut album from the band and arguably their finest input. After a recent binge on their music due to the new album being released not so long ago, I have concluded my favourite 3 albums of theirs to be:

1. Placebo 1996
2. Black Market Music 2000
3. Sleeping With Ghosts 2003

There is something that intrigues me when it comes to a bands debut album, 90-95% of the time the debut captures all of what is good about the band and showcases what music they really do play. A more pure, true, un-touched version of a band and their sound.

This album is case-in-point as it captures all of what draws me to Placebo, whether it is the droned out guitar or the extraordinary vocals, everything just sits hand in hand with each other. Although it may not be the most talented music or band, this album is a fine release with many really entertaining and easy to get into. 7.6/10

I discovered this band through a friend a few years ago and fell in love with them. As soon as I began complaining about the lack of a new album, "Battle for the Sun" came out, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

"Placebo" does capture the heart of the band. I would love to know what you thought about "Battle for the Sun," though. Whether you review it or just reply doesn't matter. [=

Good choice.

zeppy111 · 09-10-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piss Me Off

Some really great choices throughout this thread, especially in the last 2 posts. Doolittle is nothing less than indispensable for any music fan. Sorted the videos for you!

Thank you. I have my parents playing that album now, who are into their 50's, as well as a friend who had absolutely no musical interest at all. She didn't know who they Beatles or Coldplay were

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier

Just been reading your journal and its a great read, especially liked reading about the South African bands, who probably like most people on here I`d never heard of before.

Placebo`s first album is certainly one of the great debut albums in the 90`s with its glam rock and cerebral metal feel, but for me the essence of its greatness is Robert Schultzberg`s drumming, very reminiscent of Jimmy Chamberlin with is dense powerful sound that`s kept on a leesh.

I am glad you enjoyed the thread. I only really posted one South African band here but I do think I reviewed a couple prominent bands and albums in the album reviews section. (Goldfish, Underbelly, Fokofpolisiekar)

I am compiling a compo of some South African stuff and will have it up within the next day or so, so if you are interested DL that and share your comments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwwSugar

I discovered this band through a friend a few years ago and fell in love with them. As soon as I began complaining about the lack of a new album, "Battle for the Sun" came out, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

"Placebo" does capture the heart of the band. I would love to know what you thought about "Battle for the Sun," though. Whether you review it or just reply doesn't matter. [=

Good choice.

I can certainly see why you love them, they do sound rather spectacular at times. I will try my up-most to have a little something about it up over the weekend. Cheers for stopping by.

zeppy111 · 09-11-2009, 09:21 AM

Intro To 21st Century South Africa

This is a mix of songs that I have made that show some of the various musical scenes we have in SA ranging all over the country and into various genres. There are a mix of some major bands/artists and some more lesser known bands just to keep everything interesting.

If you do care to download and listen, please do leave your comments about the music if you wish. It would be nice to hear some opinions from non-South Africans. I will try to include the year and genre that they belong to but some I know are not accurate already, so just use them as a guideline.

Tracklisting:

1. 7th Son - These Days (2006) Reggae/Dub
2. 16th Stitch - Anyone (2007) Alternative Rock/Metal
3. Dj Mujava - Township Funk (2007) House/Elctronica
4. Fokofpolisiekar - Prioriteseer (2005) Alternative/Punk Rock
5. Fuzigish - Bombs Away (2006) Ska Punk
6. Goldfish - Fort Knox (2008) Electronica/Jazz
7. Gonzo Republic - Jeniffer (2008) Blues Rock
8. Lark - Bionic Mind (2006) Electronica
9. Mandoza - Nkalakatha (2002) Kwaito
10. Misled - Not Worth Your Weight In Spit (2006) Hard Rock
11. Parlotones - Colourful (2005) Alternative
12. Prime Circle - She Always Gets What She Wants (2008) Rock
13. Rail - Procrastination/Delussion (2006) Progressive
14. The Slashdogs - Psycho Killer On Parole (2006) Blues/Rock
15. Underbelly - Analyse Aim (2007) Nu-Metal
16. Unit R - Clap (2006) Dance/Electronica

On a personal note, my favourite tracks are: 4, 5, 7, 13 and 16.
Enjoy!

Intro To Sa.rar

Bulldog · 09-11-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppy111

Intro To 21st Century South Africa

Nice one

I'm off out for the night shortly, but I'll definitely be making a priority out of this when I'm back.

Thanks for the link!

zeppy111 · 09-20-2009, 12:37 AM

Album: 1. Sonace – Wiretones Jazztap
Year: 2009
Genre: Jazz/Instrumental

By now I am sure most people know that Sonace is a member of MB, Conan actually, and this is an output of his that I managed to get my hands on. (Thanks bulldog)

Overall, I felt the album was a lovely album to listen to although there were certain songs that don’t seem to have much direction, (A village in particular), the songs that do grab you and you enjoy certainly do outweigh the lack-lustre.

The highlight to the album is definitely the musicianship on the bass. This aspect is the one that hits you hard as it gives the music its roots and its tempo and throughout is always where it should be. Definitely a very good played, which we can see in your music. A solid work all round and I would advise everyone to give this a spin, even though it may not be your usual. I will definitely be looking out for the next output. 8.3/10

Highlight: Swing Back Jack/Jazz Twins *This song is not the video below, I couldn’t find a video for it*

Album: 2. Tool - Lateralus
Year: 2001
Genre: Progressive Metal/Art Rock (just agree)

This is the only Tool album I had owned up until this week, and my media player just told me that I hadn’t played it since June 2007. WHAT A SHAME!

Firstly, if you are going to enjoy the music, or at least give the album/band a chance o be listened to, forget who the band members are or how much you don’t like them.

This is another album that showcases what a band is all about to me, I love it from back to front. The album never seems to get boring or stagnant even though there are no major turning points or changes in direction, which to me is pretty special. This is probably due to them only releasing a new album every century. (Slight exaggeration)

I find the most interesting aspects to be the composition of the music, which in most cases seems to have more layers than you could possibly imagine to find and the musicianship from all the members, in particular the drummer, who I feel could rank right up there in an list. 8.8/10

Highlight: Schism

Album: 3. Travel Now Journey Infinitely
Year: 2008
Genre: Black Metal/Noise Metal

Considered by many to be a super group of some sought, they clearly weren’t wrong.
The band consist of members from bands such as: Enslaved, Audrey Horne and Fe-Mail.

The album creates an atmosphere that I have yet felt from any other album. Throughout the whole album you feel captivated by the music and your surroundings with no where to go, but to listen. One moment you here the harsh sounds and growls right up in your face, only to be followed by beautiful soft pieces of music, without even realising that the scenery has changed.

One of the most unusual albums you could think of contrasting odd growls or hums to sorrowful female vocals, only for her to be tossed over the edge into a series of shrieks.

Even though this genre is not one I have much experience with, only having about 6 albums of it, this is one of the finer albums I have heard and I would easily recommend it to anyone from hardcore fanatics to those who have not been braced with such music. 9.5/10

Highlight: Travel Now Journey Infinitely

Bulldog · 09-20-2009, 05:40 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, 12:54 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

09-11-2009, 09:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Intro To 21st Century South Africa Mix Intro To 21st Century South Africa This is a mix of songs that I have made that show some of the various musical scenes we have in SA ranging all over the country and into various genres. There are a mix of some major bands/artists and some more lesser known bands just to keep everything interesting. If you do care to download and listen, please do leave your comments about the music if you wish. It would be nice to hear some opinions from non-South Africans. I will try to include the year and genre that they belong to but some I know are not accurate already, so just use them as a guideline. Tracklisting: 1. 7th Son - These Days (2006) Reggae/Dub 2. 16th Stitch - Anyone (2007) Alternative Rock/Metal 3. Dj Mujava - Township Funk (2007) House/Elctronica 4. Fokofpolisiekar - Prioriteseer (2005) Alternative/Punk Rock 5. Fuzigish - Bombs Away (2006) Ska Punk 6. Goldfish - Fort Knox (2008) Electronica/Jazz 7. Gonzo Republic - Jeniffer (2008) Blues Rock 8. Lark - Bionic Mind (2006) Electronica 9. Mandoza - Nkalakatha (2002) Kwaito 10. Misled - Not Worth Your Weight In Spit (2006) Hard Rock 11. Parlotones - Colourful (2005) Alternative 12. Prime Circle - She Always Gets What She Wants (2008) Rock 13. Rail - Procrastination/Delussion (2006) Progressive 14. The Slashdogs - Psycho Killer On Parole (2006) Blues/Rock 15. Underbelly - Analyse Aim (2007) Nu-Metal 16. Unit R - Clap (2006) Dance/Electronica On a personal note, my favourite tracks are: 4, 5, 7, 13 and 16. Enjoy! Intro To Sa.rar __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

09-20-2009, 12:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Weekly Albums #10 Album: 1. Sonace – Wiretones Jazztap Year: 2009 Genre: Jazz/Instrumental By now I am sure most people know that Sonace is a member of MB, Conan actually, and this is an output of his that I managed to get my hands on. (Thanks bulldog) Overall, I felt the album was a lovely album to listen to although there were certain songs that don’t seem to have much direction, (A village in particular), the songs that do grab you and you enjoy certainly do outweigh the lack-lustre. The highlight to the album is definitely the musicianship on the bass. This aspect is the one that hits you hard as it gives the music its roots and its tempo and throughout is always where it should be. Definitely a very good played, which we can see in your music. A solid work all round and I would advise everyone to give this a spin, even though it may not be your usual. I will definitely be looking out for the next output. 8.3/10 Highlight: Swing Back Jack/Jazz Twins This song is not the video below, I couldn’t find a video for it Album: 2. Tool - Lateralus Year: 2001 Genre: Progressive Metal/Art Rock (just agree) This is the only Tool album I had owned up until this week, and my media player just told me that I hadn’t played it since June 2007. WHAT A SHAME! Firstly, if you are going to enjoy the music, or at least give the album/band a chance o be listened to, forget who the band members are or how much you don’t like them. This is another album that showcases what a band is all about to me, I love it from back to front. The album never seems to get boring or stagnant even though there are no major turning points or changes in direction, which to me is pretty special. This is probably due to them only releasing a new album every century. (Slight exaggeration) I find the most interesting aspects to be the composition of the music, which in most cases seems to have more layers than you could possibly imagine to find and the musicianship from all the members, in particular the drummer, who I feel could rank right up there in an list. 8.8/10 Highlight: Schism Album: 3. Travel Now Journey Infinitely Year: 2008 Genre: Black Metal/Noise Metal Considered by many to be a super group of some sought, they clearly weren’t wrong. The band consist of members from bands such as: Enslaved, Audrey Horne and Fe-Mail. The album creates an atmosphere that I have yet felt from any other album. Throughout the whole album you feel captivated by the music and your surroundings with no where to go, but to listen. One moment you here the harsh sounds and growls right up in your face, only to be followed by beautiful soft pieces of music, without even realising that the scenery has changed. One of the most unusual albums you could think of contrasting odd growls or hums to sorrowful female vocals, only for her to be tossed over the edge into a series of shrieks. Even though this genre is not one I have much experience with, only having about 6 albums of it, this is one of the finer albums I have heard and I would easily recommend it to anyone from hardcore fanatics to those who have not been braced with such music. 9.5/10 Highlight: Travel Now Journey Infinitely __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

09-26-2009, 12:54 AM	#7 (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

09-20-2009, 05:40 AM	#6 (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.