Topic: Lyrics or no? (Read 8672 times)

Rawrbiquesauce · « **on:** 05 Nov 2007, 21:54 »

It recently became apparent to me that not everyone disregards lyrics when listening to music. In fact, as far as I know it's me and a few of my family members. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the messages behind the lyrics, I just listen to singers as another instrument rather than someone saying words, if that makes sense at all. Anyway it seems the majority cares for lyrics when they listen to music, are there any others of us out there? If so what sorts of music do you enjoy?

Edit: Except for Streetlight Manifesto lyrics, but I listen to those for the sake of memorizing them. Ska is fun to blare and sing along with driving at 60mph.

Johnny C · « **Reply #1 on:** 05 Nov 2007, 22:20 »

Er... it depends on the song?

Tom · « **Reply #2 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 01:14 »

Does it really matter?

Gridgm · « **Reply #3 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 02:33 »

and here i was thinking this was goign to be a thread on whether music should have lyrics in it or not...

in regards to the question...um...what johnny said

valley_parade · « **Reply #4 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 05:54 »

Depends. I mean like..if I'm listening to say..black metal..or The Casualties, I can't understand a word of it, so the lyrics really mean nothing to me. Other songs, yes.

And then you've got those instrumental post-rock bands that I listen to. Don't even need lyrics to be touching.

Rawrbiquesauce · « **Reply #5 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 06:39 »

no, it doesn't really matter, I was just curious

SeanBateman · « **Reply #6 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 06:51 »

I love lyrics. Good lyrics can elevate a song far above what it would be without them, and bad ones can ruin it. Listening to the lyrics just shows respect to the effort the songwritier put into them, I think.

Thrillho · « **Reply #7 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 09:20 »

Depends on the song, and the lyrics. This thread is liking asking...I actually can't think of a simile.

JimmyJazz · « **Reply #8 on:** 06 Nov 2007, 10:04 »

Like Dynamite kid says, it really does depend on the song. I think it also depends on the genre. The Ramones' "Judy As A Punk" may have not the genius lyrics like some of Bob Dylan's songs, but I still love 'em. They wouldn't work wel as poetry alone, but with the music it's great. That's why lyrics are lyrics; they're meant to be sung, not read. Music without lyrics is fine too though, but I generally prefer those with words.

qiZzer · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 15:11 »

I just see em as another instrument

BeoPuppy · « **Reply #10 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 16:42 »

Well-written lyrics are, sometimes, poetry. And poetry is a good thing. So, yeah, I listen to words. You know ... to find out whether it's poetry.

Rawrbiquesauce · « **Reply #11 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 21:20 »

Quote from: tommydski on 08 Nov 2007, 15:23

Surely you mean vocals.

Lyrics cannot be another instrument.

what he said

Ballard · « **Reply #12 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 21:58 »

Come on guys- board more strongly. Besides Dirk Hopeless and Shane, I don't see anyone putting any effort into what could be a good thread.

It think it depends on the band more than the song. For example, The Brian Jonestown Massacre has fairly simple lyrics, but I still enjoy them. Anton Newcombe's voice is amazing though, and I definitely pay attention to it as an instrument. My Bloody Valentine intended for the voice to be just another instrument. Jamiroquai, Jay Kay's voice is really interesting. Other bands, the lyrics are nice but the voice is generic.

thehollow · « **Reply #13 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 22:12 »

Agreed. I may have no damn clue what Icelandic gibberish Jonsi's singing, but his voice functions as an instrument in and of itself, making Sigur Ros' stuff that much better. Conversely, good lyrics can redeem crappier voices, ex. Smashing Pumpkins.

analogthought · « **Reply #14 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 22:18 »

I make my own music and usually end up sticking to vocals being seen more as instrument than a method of conveying a message. One person I often compare the idea to is Bjork, in that her voice is so distinct that it blends a lot of times and sounds like another instrument/layer in her music. At the same time, like her... there are other times where I want to make sure a message is conveyed. I think a lot of other bands work off of this idea. I think it's the difference between a vocalist and lyricist, to be obvious about it that is. Does this make sense?

Ballard · « **Reply #15 on:** 08 Nov 2007, 22:37 »

Quote from: thehollow on 08 Nov 2007, 22:12

Conversely, good lyrics can redeem crappier voices, ex. Smashing Pumpkins.

And even more so, Dinosaur Jr. J Mascis's voice isn't crappy so much as really, really thin. But it fits the music.

valley_parade · « **Reply #16 on:** 09 Nov 2007, 09:35 »

Quote from: thehollow on 08 Nov 2007, 22:12

Agreed. I may have no damn clue what Icelandic gibberish Jonsi's singing, but his voice functions as an instrument in and of itself, making Sigur Ros' stuff that much better.

I should start collecting royalties on that phrase.

Conversely, I think on Heim, his voice seems way less instrumental, and more like actual vocal work. It's wonderful.

Tom · « **Reply #17 on:** 09 Nov 2007, 23:52 »

Quote from: thehollow on 08 Nov 2007, 22:12

Conversely, good lyrics can redeem crappier voices, ex. Smashing Pumpkins.

Agreed nothing can save them ever, they will never be the Pixies or on slightly less numerous scale Black Francis.

Oh analoguethought didn't Bjork make an album that was entirely vocals?

Rawrbiquesauce · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Nov 2007, 22:56 »

where do bands like interpol or cake fit in on this equation? monotone(ish) vocals dont make for the best instruments, but i still enjoy the music, even if im not listening to lyrics

Rawrbiquesauce · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Nov 2007, 23:09 »

Also

Quote from: Ballard on 08 Nov 2007, 21:58

Come on guys- board more strongly. Besides Dirk Hopeless and Shane, I don't see anyone putting any effort into what could be a good thread.

<3

You have filled my once shame filled thread with life

IronOxide · « **Reply #20 on:** 10 Nov 2007, 23:30 »

Lyrics often come on the second or third listening for me, but they serve pretty great purpose in the music. Lyrics without singing can be very poetic and powerful (Slint, "The Gift", and Phil Ochs's "Talking _____" songs), while other people can just turn their voice into an instrument (Aforementioned Sigur Ros, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Steve Reich). Neither is particularly better than the other, they just provide different ways for the artist to emote or storytell onstage.

EDIT: That was really 2000? I kind of blew that.

Rawrbiquesauce · « **Reply #21 on:** 10 Nov 2007, 23:42 »

Quote from: IronOxide on 10 Nov 2007, 23:30

Lyrics often come on the second or third listening for me, but they serve pretty great purpose in the music. Lyrics without singing can be very poetic and powerful (Slint, "The Gift", and Phil Ochs's "Talking _____" songs), while other people can just turn their voice into an instrument (Aforementioned Sigur Ros, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Steve Reich). Neither is particularly better than the other, they just provide different ways for the artist to emote or storytell onstage.

EDIT: That was really 2000? I kind of blew that.

you know, you could bribe me and edit your poast to a more epic one. no one would need to know...

Thrillho · « **Reply #22 on:** 11 Nov 2007, 09:18 »

Quote from: Rawrbiquesauce on 10 Nov 2007, 22:56

where do bands like interpol or cake fit in on this equation? monotone(ish) vocals dont make for the best instruments, but i still enjoy the music, even if im not listening to lyrics

With Interpol it just becomes a drone. Plenty of bands use drones; although he has been getting better, on the last album there's much more melody. But for me Interpol have always been much more about the music.

Johnny C · « **Reply #23 on:** 11 Nov 2007, 12:36 »

Interpol were better when the vocals were droned.

SleeperCylon · « **Reply #24 on:** 11 Nov 2007, 14:19 »

The way I see it, the instruments and the melody are the first determiner of how good a song is, and great lyrics are a bonus.

Of course, sometimes when I learn what the lyrics are it makes the album less enjoyable because you start focusing on the lyrics instead of the sound. I had this experience with Jens Lekman. I saw him in concert, and many times he would preamble his songs with an explanation of the lyrics. So now when I hear "I'll be your boyfriend so you can keep seeing your girlfriend", I'm not focusing on the great melody. I'm focusing on the cuteness of the story.

But there's also the other side, like The National. If the lyrics were anything other than "Stay inside till somebody finds us, do whatever the TV tells us..." the song would be less enjoyable.

A lot of artists, of course, use the lyrics to show off how weird they think they are. People such as Brian Eno, Scott Walker, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart. It's almost impossible to imagine how you might listen to their music if the lyrics weren't so odd.

(Just try listening to 'We're Only In It For The Money' with different lyrics and say it's the same music!)

analogthought · « **Reply #25 on:** 11 Nov 2007, 23:16 »

n0t_r0bert_b0yle!!:
Bjork did make an album (Medulla) which was comprised almost entirely of vocals. She worked a lot with Rahzel, and did a track or two with Mike Patton. They both added layers to the songs, but Rahzel more did a lot of the beat (boxing) on it and other sounds to make the songs. Conceptually it was such a great idea.

I think the problem with lyricists tends to be that so many topics can come off as trite. One of my favorite lyric writers and song makers is Devendra Banhart. His songs are well crafted and his lyrics often tell stories in abstract and visual ways. Just opinions tho.

Ttam1210 · « **Reply #26 on:** 11 Nov 2007, 23:37 »

Quote from: Rawrbiquesauce on 05 Nov 2007, 21:54

It recently became apparent to me that not everyone disregards lyrics when listening to music. In fact, as far as I know it's me and a few of my family members. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the messages behind the lyrics, I just listen to singers as another instrument rather than someone saying words, if that makes sense at all. Anyway it seems the majority cares for lyrics when they listen to music, are there any others of us out there? If so what sorts of music do you enjoy?

Edit: Except for Streetlight Manifesto lyrics, but I listen to those for the sake of memorizing them. Ska is fun to blare and sing along with driving at 60mph.

i agree with johnny c to a point

im old fasioned in this respect that i like lyrics in songs
but its a joy to here a good instrumental
Pink floyd songs for example are a good combo of both

though if you choose to believe rob Paravonian then disregard most lyrics (esp sugar ray)
here's rob talking about it

Thrillho · « **Reply #27 on:** 12 Nov 2007, 01:58 »

Quote from: Rawrbiquesauce on 05 Nov 2007, 21:54

It recently became apparent to me that not everyone disregards lyrics when listening to music.

I find it difficult to believe you weren't already aware of this.

I don't really have a consistent system for lyrics. Some people I'm willing to ignore the lyrics - the pop music I listen to, for example, Ashlee Simpson and the like, or for the most part N.W.A. who with some notable exceptions have generic gangsta rap lyrics (even if they were one of the earliest groups to) - some people they're just so bad that I just can't listen to them when the lyrics are that bad. Gallows are a bizarre one in that because they're hardcore punk, I'd not be able to sing along anyway and so it doesn't matter how fucking awful Frank Carter's lyrics are when I'm listening to it, as long as I don't read them. Doesn't stop me ranting about them though.

Patrick · « **Reply #28 on:** 12 Nov 2007, 05:47 »

I agree with Gaz here. N.W.A.'s lyrics are SHIT. Doesn't stop them from being awesome.

One thing I keep worrying about when I write my own lyrics is the fact that they're TOTAL SHIT but now that I'm reminded of all of this I feel a lot better, because it means I'm in the same league as N.W. FUCKING A.

Rawrbiquesauce · « **Reply #29 on:** 12 Nov 2007, 12:28 »

Quote from: DynamiteKid on 12 Nov 2007, 01:58

I find it difficult to believe you weren't already aware of this.

Recent as in about a year and a half ago and i thought it would make for an interesting forum topic recent.

Quote from: KimJongSick on 12 Nov 2007, 05:47

One thing I keep worrying about when I write my own lyrics is the fact that they're TOTAL SHIT but now that I'm reminded of all of this I feel a lot better, because it means I'm in the same league as N.W. FUCKING A.

Minus the n and the a

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: Lyrics or no? (Read 8672 times)

Rawrbiquesauce

Rawrbiquesauce

SeanBateman

qiZzer

Rawrbiquesauce

analogthought

Rawrbiquesauce

Rawrbiquesauce

Rawrbiquesauce

analogthought

Ttam1210

Rawrbiquesauce