Topic: Collaborations: Yay or Nay?? (Read 5928 times)

ScrambledGregs · « **on:** 11 Dec 2006, 07:32 »

If you're anything like me, you spend a healthy chunk of your day, night, and dream time thinking about music. Sometimes, during my music thinking, I wonder what it would be like if such and such band collaborated with such and such band. What do you think in general about bands recording tracks or whole albums together, or even recording/touring together as a supergroup??

Sometimes this works best when the bands have similar (or, similar enough, let's say) styles. The first thing that comes to mind is Low and the Dirty Three. Their collaboration for the In The Fishtank series is a true gem of both bands' discographies.

Sometimes this work best when the bands have dissimilar styles. I think one of the best I've heard is the DJ Shadow/Thom Yorke collaboration on the first UNKLE album. It doesn't lean heavily toward either's style.

Also, what the hell is up with Johnny Marr joining Modest Mouse?? My first serious girlfriend's favorite band's guitarist is joining my last serious girlfriend's favorite band?? It's almost too much of a coincidence for me to bear!!

Ernest · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 11:10 »

I would say that you just attract a certain type of woman.

U2 and Green Day's "The Saints Are Coming" is like a pile of shit that decided to play white music for black people stranded on top of houses.

doki · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 11:20 »

it takes style to do a proper collaboration. Most of the Concert For George and Freddie Mercury tribute were good collabs, but on the flip side you have U2 and the once awesome Green Day's latest attrocity, and (puts on flame proof suit) Ebony and Ivory. you just have to work at it. Jay Z and LP went well, so did Queen and Paul Rogers

best collab ever?
Under Pressure

Ernest · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 11:49 »

Best collab ever was me singing into the mic with Al Barr.

Will · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 20:02 »

Since it's Christmastime, and my station's been playing this song for a few weeks, I'll say that the David Bowie/Nat King Cole mix of "Little Drummer Boy" is pretty awesome. Don't know if it counts, since I doubt they both recorded this together (I imagine some producer just added Bowie's takes to the already-existing NKC recordings) but it's further proof that almost anything that involves David Bowie is pretty awesome.

Another collaboration we play at work a lot is the song 'Whiskey Lullabye' with Brad Paisley and Alison Kraus. I generally hate a lot of mainstream "radio" country, but this song is actually pretty damned good. The vocals compliment each other perfectly, and the song is actually quite well written.

Out of my own personal collection, I'd have to say one of the best is Neurosis & Jarboe. I didn't know how I was going to feel about this one the first time I heard it, but holy fuckdamn is it good.

thepugs · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 20:03 »

I can't believe no one has mentioned Millenium Monsterwork by Fant?mas and The Melvins! It was good.

(Has the Mike Patton thing run its course yet?)

Will · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 20:09 »

My favorite out of all the Dillenger Escape Plan catalog is the EP they did with Patton...I don't think it has 100% to do with the Mike Patton vocals though; I just think they wrote their best songs in that time frame.

Der Golem · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 20:26 »

Mike Patton is the god of collaborations. General Patton vs. The Exocutioners was decent, the Dillinger ep better than Dillinger ever did on their own and th Peeping Tom album was amazing. His collaborations with John Zorn have also been fun, and I have yet to hear Millenium Monsterworks, but word has it it's good.

ImRonBurgundy? · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 20:30 »

I think Ensiferum should collaborate with Polysics.

Spinless · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 22:56 »

See, my favourite 'collaborations' are albums or projects that had musicians from multiple bands working on them, but using a new title. Define collaboration? Because right now I'm thinking 'Established musician's sideproject'.

Orbert · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 23:07 »

Quote from: 10101110 on 11 Dec 2006, 20:02

Since it's Christmastime, and my station's been playing this song for a few weeks, I'll say that the David Bowie/Nat King Cole mix of "Little Drummer Boy" is pretty awesome. Don't know if it counts, since I doubt they both recorded this together (I imagine some producer just added Bowie's takes to the already-existing NKC recordings) but it's further proof that almost anything that involves David Bowie is pretty awesome.

Actually, that's Bing Crosby with David Bowie. It's from a Bing Crosby Christmas Special many moons ago, and David was a guest. It was a genuine collaboration. There's a longer version of the recording with them talking a bit before doing the song, and the applause at the end is from the show itself.

Johnny C · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 23:26 »

Quote from: Spinless on 11 Dec 2006, 22:56

See, my favourite 'collaborations' are albums or projects that had musicians from multiple bands working on them, but using a new title. Define collaboration? Because right now I'm thinking 'Established musician's sideproject'.

What you're thinking is not collaboration, it is side projects. Collaborations are essentially albums or tracks with "featuring" or "and" in the title. Example: Tortoise & Bonnie "Prince" Billy.

Brian Majestic · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Dec 2006, 23:42 »

Johnny Cash + Bob Dylan doing "Girl From North County" for the win!

Will · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Dec 2006, 02:03 »

Quote from: Orbert on 11 Dec 2006, 23:07

Actually, that's Bing Crosby with David Bowie. It's from a Bing Crosby Christmas Special many moons ago, and David was a guest. It was a genuine collaboration. There's a longer version of the recording with them talking a bit before doing the song, and the applause at the end is from the show itself.

You're right, I should have known that it was Bing Crosby...actually, that's who I originally was going to post, but something made me think I was wrong and that it was Nat king Cole. I am an idiot...

Anyway, the song that just finished playing on my station reminds me of some of the more horrible collaborations that exist - everything Santana has done lately with:

Alex Band of The Calling
Rob Thomas
Michelle Branch
Steven Tyler...okay, this one is alright, but the others are just Santana doing a bunch of over-the-top and pointless noodling around the upper portions of his fretboard, while some bland pop star sings inspidid drivel behind him...these collaborations are very high at the top of the list of things that annoy the hell out of me.

Orbert · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Dec 2006, 02:17 »

I kinda like the Rob Thomas tune, and I'm not even a Matchbox 20 fan (or a Rob Thomas fan, for that matter). It may be because I've heard it enough times to get to like it, but not enough to get sick of it. I don't listen to radio that much, but there are certain songs you just can't avoid when they're "hot".

Your point about Santana is valid, but Carlos Santana himself said a long time ago that the only reason he has a band and records tunes is so he can take a guitar solo. He probably said it somewhat tongue in cheek, but it actually makes sense. All Santana songs have at least one guitar solo, and Carlos himself doesn't sing. But he loves to play, so he puts a band together, so he can play songs, so he can take a guitar solo. The guy's been at it for over 30 years, so he must be doing something right.

Will · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Dec 2006, 02:19 »

I don't actually dislike Santana...I think some of his solo stuff is pretty good. I just hate the pop collaborations with a passion.

Thrillho · « **Reply #16 on:** 12 Dec 2006, 05:07 »

I say 'yay.'

I'd list some, but I really can't be bothered.

ScrambledGregs · « **Reply #17 on:** 12 Dec 2006, 09:07 »

I haven't heard it, but Jeph "Jesus Christ" Jacques and my best and most trusted friend Dave assure me that Ellen Allien and Apparat's Orchestra of Bubbles is a god damn great.

Wentlyman · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 04:53 »

I definately say yay, but like the topic starter said (forgot his name X P ) they work out 99.9% better when the artists have similar styles. not that I mind bands mixing it up every once and awhile, but I go by the saying of, If it ain't broke, don't fix it. regarding changing styles.

But if I was to combine the music I'm listening to right now, I would say the ultimate band would be a huge colab between Dave Groll from Foo Fighters, Frank Iero and the other guitarist from My Chemical Romance, and the drummer from Queen (forgot his name too). Sounds like a match make in heaven to me!

kallisti · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 05:14 »

Quote from: doki on 11 Dec 2006, 11:20

best collab ever?
Under Pressure

Shit yes.

Also I really like Bowie and Marianne Faithful doing "I've Got You Babe" but a duet cover song is maybe subtly wrong for the topic.

Wentlyman · « **Reply #20 on:** 15 Dec 2006, 05:53 »

Quote from: tommydski on 15 Dec 2006, 05:00

Could Sir please stretch to informing me of one's chosen religion?

I need to ensure I do not qualify for the same afterlife as Sir.

ouch... I better soothe the pain in the only way I know how,

Ahhh, that's better : )

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Author Topic: Collaborations: Yay or Nay?? (Read 5928 times)

ScrambledGregs

doki

thepugs

Spinless

ScrambledGregs

Wentlyman

Wentlyman