Topic: Like a Book Club, but with Records: 2nd Group (Read 39723 times)

Scytale · « **Reply #50 on:** 05 Feb 2007, 04:03 »

I've listened to it twice now, I dunno how to put it, probably need to give it a few more listens, but it seems to have its moments of awesomeness, but mostly these get burried in awkward generic sounding passages. Track 7, "Year 9, Yeah!" was the standout for me, it the was the only track that really jumped out and grabbed my attention. I liked the riff on this track, sounds a bit more inspired then the rest of the album and the ending wow, I like... Only dissapointment and maybe it's the Prog and metal bias in me but when the tempo picks up at about 2:05 mark I was getting geared up for a nice long instrumental passage maybe a couple of solos, then it just cuts out just as the song was really getting good, like sitting through a whole bunch of foreplay for no sex...

Track 3 "Franz" was ok as well but the riff reminded me a lot of a Refused song.

anyway given that this isn't what I normally listen too I'm not going to be too critical. Cheers for uploading it.

Valdemar · « **Reply #51 on:** 05 Feb 2007, 09:48 »

My experience so far with Die! Die! Die!(I really dislike the name btw) is somewhat similar to Scytale's.
I think most of the songs are underdeveloped and not very memorable. This is in part due to their length but also because most of them lack meaty hooks. Granted, the EP has a great sound, as the others have said, but their songwriting is lacking. This is especially the case in the first part where songs like Diappear Here and Franz just hurry by without making an impression. There are good ideas but they don't really form into memorable songs. Nothing really gets stuck in your head after end listening. It is the longer tracks that are best in this selection I think, here their ideas are given some breathing space and allowed to grow. Auckland is Burning for example. But the biggest problem I have with Diex3 is their singer. I really can't stand him when he is being shrill and in my opinion obnoxious. A song like Shyness Will Get You Nowhere is interesting musically but his voice ruins it. He is passable in his calmer moments. Another thing is that their subject matter isn't really that interesting, they lack a uniform concept I would think. If they had another singer, I would probably be more positive towards them. They are certainly not bad but merely mediocre in my opinion.

Kai · « **Reply #52 on:** 05 Feb 2007, 21:06 »

Quote from: BrittanyMarie on 04 Feb 2007, 22:20

I expected GY!BE or something, but instead we get fast, honest, good music.

fish across face · « **Reply #53 on:** 06 Feb 2007, 14:28 »

I meant to say about the Die! Die! Die! record that the first time I listened to it I kept thinking a song had stopped briefly and come back with a slight twist - a coda/outro/whatever - when actually it was just the end of one 1 1/2 minute song and the start of the next one.

MusicScribbles · « **Reply #54 on:** 06 Feb 2007, 20:20 »

Wow. It's totally too late to join this. Shit. I wanted to upload some Deerhunter.

Valdemar · « **Reply #55 on:** 07 Feb 2007, 07:29 »

That is precisely my point, the songs could use some fleshing out. I am not saying they should be epic or anything but 1.50 min. is a very short timeframe to work in and few bands can pull it off and get something meaningful out of it.

Perhaps we should upload more often? Seeing as how this hasn't generated that much discussion.

thepugs · « **Reply #56 on:** 07 Feb 2007, 19:42 »

I didn't mind this. It felt a little hasty and immature, and I totally agree that they could have spent a little while longer working on the album. Sounded a little like IMA Robot. I didn't think their vocals were as annoying as some people have, but I would say they would definitely benefit from a second vocalist, or one with a broader range.

amok · « **Reply #57 on:** 08 Feb 2007, 07:58 »

This is a pretty good CD. Not the kind of music I'd listen to normally but for what it is (whatever it is) it's fairly well-executed. The vocals are a bit grating and it's hard to make out more than the odd line of the lyrics, but then they fit the style of the album, so it's not too much of an issue. As for the rest of the band, the music's got really good frantic pace and energy, but I still found myself enjoying the songs where they did something melodic and interesting the most (the third song is pretty good).

I agree with the verdict that they didn't really pack enough interesting things into most of the songs to justify the short lengths; the second track sounded like an intro and a couple of others sound either like random clips of whole songs from the band's website, or undeveloped song ideas without a real beginning and end to them. Just as I feel a song could go somewhere if they threw in an interesting riff or such, it ends.

Having said that, the snippets of songs here are top notch in places, and given a bit of work this could make a solid album. As it stands it's more of a blueprint of a potentially awesome finished CD, or a manically assembled collection of good song ideas, than a consistent offering in itself.

Quote

Perhaps we should upload more often? Seeing as how this hasn't generated that much discussion.

I'll put something up in the next couple days if people want, but I don't wanna steal the first guy's thunder so only if people agree really.

Will · « **Reply #58 on:** 08 Feb 2007, 08:11 »

I have my contribution ripped, zipped, and saved to my desktop, so as soon as someone tells me to do so, I'm ready to host it.

Valdemar · « **Reply #59 on:** 08 Feb 2007, 09:15 »

Fine by me. I think about all that can be said about the EP has been.

valley_parade · « **Reply #60 on:** 08 Feb 2007, 09:22 »

Well, it is Thursday, so go ahead, Will.

And I will be ready for next week, everyone. So it's..yknow, all good.

Will · « **Reply #61 on:** 08 Feb 2007, 17:21 »

Alright, well here's my contribution: The Violet Burning's 2006 release "Drop-Dead." The singer has one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard. Hope at least a couple of you guys enjoy it!

Code: [Select]

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9DBV1N57
Again, copy/paste the link so we keep this project secret, and safe!

Caspian · « **Reply #62 on:** 09 Feb 2007, 06:26 »

Should be good. I've got my Broadband back on Friday, so I'm downloading this now. I'll give it a listen, and review/comment on Sunday.

Looking forward to when it's my turn to upload. I like forcing my opinions on people

. I'll try to make it something real unique.

Valdemar · « **Reply #63 on:** 09 Feb 2007, 06:41 »

I am less than thrilled with the album after this first listen. Here's hoping it might grow

amok · « **Reply #64 on:** 09 Feb 2007, 09:16 »

Good ol' Megaupload

Lookin forward to hearing another one, will post a review if it ever makes it through the tubes...

Caspian · « **Reply #65 on:** 09 Feb 2007, 21:14 »

Well, I definitely don't hate this record. It's not my kind of music, but it's real catchy, and there's some good tunes here. I'm loving Humm, The Ends Begin, and Swan Sea is also real solid. While I'm not a big fan of their more uptempo numbers, their slower, more delicate stuff is real nice. THe arrangements are good, a bit of U2 worship in my opinion, but it's done quite well and it's not that overt. The layering's done really well, and the singer really delivers on the slower numbers.

Yeah, I'm digging these slower tunes. 1000 years is great too. I guess the problem is that the faster tunes really suck compared to the ballads. The singer's voice doesn't work,(especcially on Already Gone

) and the whole thing sounds real contrived. Luckily there's not a huge amount of them. I guess you need some stuff to break up the slower tunes, but still...

Final verdict: Lots of good songs. Some crap songs. Mostly though, quite enjoyable. Thanks for the upload! 7/10

BrittanyMarie · « **Reply #66 on:** 09 Feb 2007, 23:48 »

This whole Violet Burning album reminds me of all the Tragically Hip songs that I don't like.

Maybe it takes some growing? I'm only on my second listen. I do like the beginning to More, actually I think it rocks until 2:40 when the vocals kick in. The guy can sing but it's so boring. I could see this as being more of a mood album though... maybe driving through a city at night kind of music?

Scytale · « **Reply #67 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 05:01 »

Yeah that was ok, the slower stuff reminded me a bit of newer Anathema had that same sort of non threatening almost soothing vibe to it, Nothing really jumped out at me though, I agree with BrittanyMarie, it does seem to be sort of background music, something you listen to when you're doing something else, I can see myself studying to this band.

Valdemar · « **Reply #68 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 05:41 »

I feel quite repulsed after listening to it. To me it sounds like vaguely british mid-90's alt. poprock with clich? lyrics. A far cry from anything I normally listen to. It is well-made as in professional but right now I feel it is devoid of anything compelling, for me at least. Some of it is reminiscent of New Order, only without catchy melodies. His vocals are oddly forced, especially in the rocky parts e.g. Do You Love Me? My problem is not so much his voice as it is what he is saying. The lyrics to my ears fall completely short of their purpose and end up being hollow confessionals.

Gridgm · « **Reply #69 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 06:21 »

it's definatly interesting...i'm reminded of emo singers without the angst added it didn't really seem to be very easily cornered into a genre and although that does work with some bands it didn't seem to go down well here with me i'l give a more in depth listen when it's not 1 in the morning later

fish across face · « **Reply #70 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 07:14 »

Mostly The Violet Burning sounded to me like a lot of chart rock I used to listen to in the early 90s which I have to admit now was 80s bands past their best-before date. 80s bands who got in young, hip producers and made a weird amalgam of earnest stadium rock and dancey sounds, e.g. U2 around 'Achtung Baby', Simple Minds around 'Real Life', even INXS's 'Welcome To Wherever You Are'.

There were bits that reminded me of bands like the Cult (again, early 90s stuff when they were being remixed by dance producers) and even the Cure (that one song that lifted the progression and basic rhythm pattern from Forest). So that made me wonder whether the band either see themselves as something a little darker (or are marketed as such)? I don't know anything about them, so not sure what their image is.

The singer reminded me a lot of Bono on the slow songs, which I actually don't mind much, but I really did find his voice a little bit sickening on the upbeat songs. When he did the "oo" bits on some of the fast numbers it honestly sounded to me like a kid going "ewww" like "ewww gross!" rather than a rock thing and it made me ... somewhat cross.

amok · « **Reply #71 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 11:13 »

This is sounding kinda like a cross between Keane and Snow Patrol. Wouldn't sound out of place on chart radio, although the album as a whole is stronger rather than a collection of singles and filler like those 2.

So far (I'm only halfway through) I'm thinking this is the kind of music I'd put on if I was really, really stoned and just wanted some pleasant noise in the background as opposed to intense music I have to pay attention to. Having said that, even though the lyrics aren't exactly groundbreakingly original, some of the more upbeat numbers are really quite fun in a sing-a-long kinda way. It's not a bad record by any means but I'm having trouble putting my finger on what exactly it is I do enjoy about it.

Valrus · « **Reply #72 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 15:10 »

"Rewind" and "The Ends Begin" are totally Cure + U2. I don't know if either of those were the song you were talking about, f.a.f., but I hope so. Especially the lyrics in "The Ends Begin." My God, they're like boilerplate The Cure.

About 90% of the way through my first listen I'd say it sounds respectable but there's absolutely nothing about it that stands out or excites me in any way. Pretty middle-of-the-road.

fish across face · « **Reply #73 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 15:22 »

Yeah, Rewind is the one that uses the same underlying progression as The Cure's Forest and the opening music of The Ends Begin is very like them too, you're right.

I hope these comments aren't disheartening for Will or whoever's next. I want to hear music I wouldn't otherwise know about. I'm going to try not to second-guess anyone's tastes when it comes to my turn to upload.

Don't know why it was nagging me, but I had to hit the interweb and confirm that they're Christian Music (scene-wise). There's something about the sound... I haven't been able to put my finger on what it is, cos it's actually not the lyrics. I mean, that one Swan Sea could be a clearly Christian message, but singing about something from a Christian viewpoint and being part of the scene are pretty different things.

amok · « **Reply #74 on:** 13 Feb 2007, 22:31 »

What's the story, is this dead already? Don't make me upload scary German synthpop.

Seriously I don't want to jump the shark (sharks are easily angered and liable to bite when jumped) and steal someone else's spot but I'll put something up if no one else wants to go next?

Caspian · « **Reply #75 on:** 13 Feb 2007, 23:14 »

It gets updated every Thursday.

Valdemar · « **Reply #76 on:** 16 Feb 2007, 07:00 »

Valley Parade's up next. If he is around?

valley_parade · « **Reply #77 on:** 16 Feb 2007, 09:05 »

Someone doesn't want me to update.

I've been snowed in, guys, give me a break. 25 inches of snow, no innarwib connection at home and the snowblower WOULDN'T START.

fish across face · « **Reply #78 on:** 16 Feb 2007, 14:26 »

Take your time, I say... I don't see why this should be a big rush.

MusicScribbles · « **Reply #79 on:** 16 Feb 2007, 14:35 »

OMFGZORZ, WHYZ IT NOT UPDATEDEDZ!
I'm sorry, that was unnecessary...take your time. Honestly.

Gridgm · « **Reply #80 on:** 17 Feb 2007, 04:34 »

if you don't hurry up i will put up the new die! die! die!

Valdemar · « **Reply #81 on:** 17 Feb 2007, 04:43 »

Dark Flame could upload something I suppose. I just think that to keep the thread alive we have to upload every Thursday. Of course we should cut people some slack but if the person knows he can't make it, he should perhaps pm/email the guy who is next on the list to keep it going.

valley_parade · « **Reply #82 on:** 17 Feb 2007, 10:51 »

http://download.yousendit.com/F6142D012F96FAB1

I decided to upload Mission of Burma's 1985 live album "The Horrible Truth About Burma". In all fairness, I think they sound better live 20 years later.

Caspian · « **Reply #83 on:** 17 Feb 2007, 19:17 »

sounds interesting! Looking forward to it.

BrittanyMarie · « **Reply #84 on:** 17 Feb 2007, 23:19 »

Quote

You must be logged in to download this file.

wah!

Paulefinch · « **Reply #85 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 09:20 »

Can any more people join?

Mobius_Logic · « **Reply #86 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 13:31 »

I really didn't like the Violet Burning record, it pretty much sounded like a band with no identity of it's own and just ripped off a bunch of Rock N Roll stereotypes, it has its Indie song, it's Emo song, it's Garage song. It just reminded me too much of Jet.

And sorry I'm an Album behind I havent been home a lot lately.

ps. Can I upload an album sometime?

fish across face · « **Reply #87 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 14:21 »

You can in 3 months' time, right?

Caspian · « **Reply #88 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 22:48 »

Hey, this stuff is pretty good. I'd like to hear the studio versions first, but this has a fair bit of energy, it's nice and sloppy, and it's a nice entertaining record. I like it how these guys occaisonally drop some experimentation (especcially in stuff like Tremelo), but rock out for the most part. Will I look further into this band? Well, probably not.. But if I see a CD of theres somewhere I may well buy it. I liked Reach for my Revolver a fair bit, He is She is, and Heart of Darkness the most, but I enjoyed most of the other track.

7.5/10

Is anyone else going to have a look at this album? I don't want this thread to die until after everyone's commented on my release

amok · « **Reply #89 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 23:21 »

Oops, I somehow skimmed past the latest upload last time I checked this topic.

Placeholder, I've got it downloaded and will listen & review now.

Scytale · « **Reply #90 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 23:45 »

Quote from: BrittanyMarie on 17 Feb 2007, 23:19

Quote
You must be logged in to download this file.

wah!

I just tried then got the same message, how'd you guys download this?

amok · « **Reply #91 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 00:23 »

Register an account. It's free and takes a good 20 seconds.

Scytale · « **Reply #92 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 00:36 »

my bad, didn't see the sign up button

Scytale · « **Reply #93 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 02:47 »

Sorry to be double posting but wow, just finished listening to this and woah, I like, it has everything I enjoy, the low low-fi production, muffled drums, the hypnotic, droning and repetitive guitars. I wasn't expecting much when last-fm told me they were "post punk" but wow if it wasn't for the vocals I'd think I was listening to something like Nargaroth in places. I was going to complain about the vocals but as I got through a few tracks I realised they suit the music quite well. Only thing I'd really want them to get rid off is the backing vocals that pop up from time to time but other then that, thats just about perfect. 8.5/10 from me.

How raw is their production in the studio? That rawness is one of the really appealing things to me.

I'd say this is the best album in the thread so far. Favorite songs were "Dirt", "Red" and "Heart of Darkness" (this track really reminded me of the 1349 track "Hellfire")

As far as their sound it's like Bathory meets The Mars Volta and thats not meant as a bad thing either I'm a huge fan of both those bands...

fish across face · « **Reply #94 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 05:44 »

Yeah, I like this Mission of Burma stuff too... they're one of those bands whose name gets thrown around a lot when people start talking 80s alternative business (with things like The Minutemen), but I've never bothered to check any of that stuff out. I don't listen to much punk type stuff, so don't have much to say about it, but of course it's the energy and rawness that I find appealing... can't imagine what other reason someone would have for liking it?

I like how sloppy some of it gets, I hate technical performances in general. And I really love the weird live sampling or whatever's going on...? Like it sounds like there're loops of vocals or whatever shifting around in pitch in really crazy ways... e.g. on Red. It's an awesome oddity to have that over the top of the completely shocking / shoddy recording. Love how it's all out of tune, out of time, generally mad.

I don't think every song works by any means, but, man, most music is complete poo.

valley_parade · « **Reply #95 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 06:31 »

Fish, it is looping and what not. They actually have a fourth band member (Martin Swope on here, currently Bob Weston) who's band title is "tape manipulator".

amok · « **Reply #96 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 22:37 »

This is going to be a crap review because I really can't think how to put this into more words than: I really enjoyed this. Not my usual kind of thing so beyond that I'm a bit stumped.

It's not the most complex music around - and as faf said, not every song works perfectly. However, the singing is top-notch and suits the music well, and the music's interesting and engaging without being needlessly complicated. It's got a good simple sound to it and moves along at an energetic pace. I don't usually listen to live albums but this is one of the very few that makes me want to go to one of the band's shows, instead of just wishing I was listening to the version of the song without the crappy sound quality and people shouting over the quiet bits.

edit: I'm guessing someone else is uploading tomorrow, if there isn't a queue already, I call next week's.

Gridgm · « **Reply #97 on:** 22 Feb 2007, 00:38 »

list is very first post on the thread it's in order...except i'm not cause i went first to ven tfrustration for no one else doing it

i havn't had time to download this weeks effort but after those reviews i may have to

Gridgm · « **Reply #98 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 03:13 »

not my link but i will keep posting albums in replace of people if they don't have an album up by sunday that is my warning post on thursday everyone please keep this thread running
uploading morcheeba's album charango...quite mellow slightly trippy

Code: [Select]

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NBLEQE5A

Code: [Select]

http://www.uploading.com/es/files/VZ7871IA/MorChar12.rar.html
please people be dilligent if i have to do this again you will be receiving the loudest grind album i own

you are warned

amok · « **Reply #99 on:** 27 Feb 2007, 07:47 »

Morcheeba are awesome.

If the next list guy isn't active by Thursday I'ma stealin' his spot and uploading something to appease Gridgm, because I hate grindcore.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: Like a Book Club, but with Records: 2nd Group (Read 39723 times)

Scytale

Valdemar

Valdemar

thepugs

Valdemar

Valdemar

Scytale

Valdemar

Valdemar

Valdemar

Paulefinch

Scytale

Scytale

Scytale