Pain of Salvation "Be" DVD

[LadyEars]

I am probably going to be watching the Pain of Salvation "BE" DVD for the first time in a couple of weeks and my father will be watching it with me so I have a few questions...

1) Is there any vulgarity in it?
2) I've never heard them live other than a youtube clip here and there. Are they tight?
3) Are the songs on that release complex and musically impressive?

My 63 year old dad is a jazzhead (the heavy, complex, fusion-y stuff) and he appreciates good music. He's also a musician himself. Back in the day he was heavy into Frank Zappa and some other really good stuff that was definitely outside the mainstream. I've been trying to turn him on to prog metal, DT mostly, but he says they're "too cold and calculating and there's no spontaneity" for his taste. We have had some healthy debates about that. But anyway, I'm hoping he will enjoy POS.

Would "Be" be a good place to start with him?

[sonatafanica]

1) no vulgarity, but one song may have a background sample of a woman's love-making moans.

2) tighter than a nun's vagina

3) A good amount of the songs are complex. A good amount are simple as well.

[ClairvoyantCat]

It's fantastic.  But it would not be a good place to start with him.  Hell, the first time I saw it I wasn't sure if I liked it.  Start him off with 12:5 if he's not a metal guy, definitely.  BE dvd is amazing, but it is pretty freaking weird at first watch. 

But it is tighter than... well he already said it 

Also, if your expecting BE to turn him on to prog metal, it won't really work anyway, considering there is maybe 2 prog metal songs on the album... just a warning.

[LadyEars]

Also, if your expecting BE to turn him on to prog metal, it won't really work anyway, considering there is maybe 2 prog metal songs on the album... just a warning.

Straight prog is fine too. Actually it would probably be better because he has no love for metal at all (and has heard plenty through me over the years).

The 12:5 one, is that a DVD? I want him to have the visual. Last year when he visited I tried to turn him on to Score but that didn't go over too well. He said he appreciated the musicianship but felt no emotion from it. And I showed him SDOIT! I just find it funny how someone who is into jazz (which I find to be very cold and unemotional for the most part) can say that DT music has no emotion. 

no vulgarity, but one song may have a background sample of a woman's love-making moans.

Thanks for the heads up. Fortunately that won't be a problem.

[Volk9]

Well, Jazz >>>>>Prog

[ClairvoyantCat]

Also, if your expecting BE to turn him on to prog metal, it won't really work anyway, considering there is maybe 2 prog metal songs on the album... just a warning.

Straight prog is fine too. Actually it would probably be better because he has no love for metal at all (and has heard plenty through me over the years).

The 12:5 one, is that a DVD? I want him to have the visual. Last year when he visited I tried to turn him on to Score but that didn't go over too well. He said he appreciated the musicianship but felt no emotion from it. And I showed him SDOIT! I just find it funny how someone who is into jazz (which I find to be very cold and unemotional for the most part) can say that DT music has no emotion. 

no vulgarity, but one song may have a background sample of a woman's love-making moans.

Thanks for the heads up. Fortunately that won't be a problem.

Well there is not much prog rock either, that's what I was getting at.  I mean...  there are really hardly any prog elements involved, that's the idea of the album.  Expect more folk and blues and classical and gospel (if you've ever heard BE)  12:5 is a live album, but no, there is no visual.  I can see where he would come from saying Dream Theater has no emotion, but Pain of Salvation can sometimes have a little too much for the easy listener.  I'm just saying that most people will tell you BE dvd or album is definitely their least accessible work, and will probably not go over well with a jazz listener.  12:5 is an acoustic album with jazz and blues elements, and is probably the best introduction for a non-metal fan. 

[Arcaeus]

Well, Jazz >>>>>Prog

Why did you add the trollface as if that was controversial or debatable?

Anyways -- I agree with what the others said. Who knows, though? He may like it, but it's a very risky place to start.

[LadyEars]

Thanks for all the feedback. Hmmm... this is a tough call. Because if there are blues, folk, gospel and classical elements (whoa what a combo!?!) then he might actually like it because it's so diverse and different. I have never heard Be yet and can't wait to check it out.

If 12:5 is jazzy I'll definitely pick that up to listen to with him in the car. Although I'm really trying to get him to open up to other stuff outside of that genre.

Forgive my POS ignorance - I am just starting to get into them and only have 3 albums (on MP3 unfortunately because I can't find their CDs ANYWHERE - at least not for a reasonable price).

But anyway, he's a tough one to impress. The only bands he has ever really liked that I'm into are Primus and Mr. Bungle. He never got into them or anything but he definitely dug them when he heard them. Of course I avoided some playing some Mr. Bungle stuff... My Ass is on Fire and Girls of Porn would not have gone over too well.

[In The Name Of Rudess]

I just find it funny how someone who is into jazz (which I find to be very cold and unemotional for the most part) can say that DT music has no emotion. 

Jazz cold and unemotional?   Well, each to their own I guess.

[LadyEars]

Jazz cold and unemotional?   Well, each to their own I guess.

Well jazz is a pretty big genre so I guess it would be totally ignorant of me to classify all of it that way. And don't get me wrong, I love a LOT of jazz... mostly the crazy fusion, guitar heavy stuff that blows my mind (Tribal Tech, Mike Stern, John Scofield, etc). I listen to it for the technical aspects mostly though; that form of jazz does nothing for me emotionally.

But after years of listening to saxophones noodling endlessly, it kinda wore me out.

Now Keith Jarrett Koln Concert is a different story. That is extremely emotional. 

[ClairvoyantCat]

Stay on topic people. 

He sounds like he might actually like Road Salt One more than anything.  LOTS of Blues and jazz and classic rock and emotional and suprising elements involved, and most of the work is improvising, which is much different from the no-loose ends Dream Theater style. 

But really, hardly anyone likes BE on their first listen.  It's simply not that kind of album.  It's more of a "grower."  Same goes for the Dvd. 

[LadyEars]

He sounds like he might actually like Road Salt One more than anything.  LOTS of Blues and jazz and classic rock and emotional and suprising elements involved, and most of the work is improvising, which is much different from the no-loose ends Dream Theater style.

That does sound like a good one for him, thanks!

Ooh, that reminds me, I can show him one of the LTE DVDs! They do some improv on them, I think.

I really want to watch a Transatlantic DVD with him but MP has to go and curse on it. My dad isn't a prude but he always gets p-d when people drop f-bombs in music for no good reason. It's an instant turn off for him so I'm afraid it will overshadow the performance.

[Adami]

No clue what Dtismajesty is talking about, the BE dvd is pretty much what cemented my love for PoS. It's amazing in every way. Many songs have a pretty technical ellement to them, the styles range quite a bit, it's very very impressive as well. However it's a stage show, not a concert really. They are all acting parts and the atmosphere is conveyed equally visually as it is musically. If your dad has no interest in experieincing new music, then don't show him. If he is open and artistic, he should like it.

[InTheNameOfGod]

hmmm. As good as PoS are live, I would recommend giving Be a few spins before playing the DVD.

Trust me, you will love it so much more.

But you'll enjoy the DVD nonetheless.

[ClairvoyantCat]

No clue what Dtismajesty is talking about, the BE dvd is pretty much what cemented my love for PoS. It's amazing in every way. Many songs have a pretty technical ellement to them, the styles range quite a bit, it's very very impressive as well. However it's a stage show, not a concert really. They are all acting parts and the atmosphere is conveyed equally visually as it is musically. If your dad has no interest in experieincing new music, then don't show him. If he is open and artistic, he should like it.

Cemented, yes.  Met too.  But admit, having NEVER heard Pain of Salvation before, BE just might not click.  I'm talking FIRST LISTEN here.  If you understood the whole concept and ideas behind be at first glance, that's great.  Your smart.  But most people won't.  Just giving my opinion... I mean, I loved the Dvd first watch, but at that point, as I'm sure you had, I had had a good month of experience with the band.  Said "father" doesn't. 

[bodiesinflight]

BE is massively overrated and a really OTT, not particularly good album. I'd choose something else.

[Arcaeus]

I lol'd, now let's start being serious again, considering your father's tastes, I suggest you just play 3:18-3:24 of "To The End" on repeat a few dozen times.

[InTheNameOfGod]

BE is massively overrated and a really OTT, not particularly good album. I'd choose something else.

It's better than any of the albums you've reviewed in your blog.

[Ben_Jamin]

Your dad should like it if he like's concepts. Just show him it and don't worry with what he thinks if he like's it he like's it if not then oh well he's still your dad.

[LadyEars]

What does "OTT" mean?

Well, gathering all of the feedback here, I think I'll go ahead and take a chance on the Be Live DVD with him. The worst that can happen is he won't like it. And I'll pick up Road Salt and 12:5 to listen to with him in the car. 

I'll post here after it's all over and let you all know how it went. Thanks again for the feedback. Please feel free to keep it coming - the more I know about it beforehand the better.

Oh, I read a review that said there is a sex scene on the video screen in the background? Is that true?

[Arcaeus]

Oh yeah, I think it just shows some girl straddling a guy, I don't remember any nudity.

[LadyEars]

Your dad should like it if he like's concepts. Just show him it and don't worry with what he thinks if he like's it he like's it if not then oh well he's still your dad.

True. It certainly wouldn't be the first time he didn't like something I've played for him. Thing is, we have a very musical relationship - it's a big part of our conversations a lot of the time. So we're constantly trying to connect on that level. I haven't had a lot of luck getting him into my music. The jazz snob in him thinks metal is beneath him. Lol. (No offense to the jazzheads here - but you have to admit there is a certain degree of snobbery there.)

[ariich]

What does "OTT" mean?

It means 'over the top'.

[ClairvoyantCat]

What does "OTT" mean?

Well, gathering all of the feedback here, I think I'll go ahead and take a chance on the Be Live DVD with him. The worst that can happen is he won't like it. And I'll pick up Road Salt and 12:5 to listen to with him in the car. 

I'll post here after it's all over and let you all know how it went. Thanks again for the feedback. Please feel free to keep it coming - the more I know about it beforehand the better.

Oh, I read a review that said there is a sex scene on the video screen in the background? Is that true?

Father's should be worried about exposing their kid to explicit material........... not the other way around. 
It's nothing to bad, but there are some sexual undertones.


Pain of Salvation really isn't for anyone who consider themselves "jazz guys" or "metalheads" or "Folklovers" or "Rap hustlaz" or "Blues boys" or "Classical heads" or "Prog purists" or "Gospel guys" or whatever, because they do all of those styles.  So if your dad is strictly in to jazz then he won't like Pain of Salvation.

(Pretty sure I invented a term or two  )

[LadyEars]

Listened to a couple of songs from Be on Grooveshark (it's legal) and can already tell I'm gonna love it. Iter Impius... OMG... CHILLS!

Really psyched for the DVD now.

Pain of Salvation really isn't for anyone who consider themselves "jazz guys" or "metalheads" or "Folklovers" or "Rap hustlaz" or "Blues boys" or "Classical heads" or "Prog purists" or "Gospel guys" or whatever, because they do all of those styles.  So if your dad is strictly in to jazz then he won't like Pain of Salvation.

If they are really all of those things then that is pretty unique to say the least. I think it's worth a shot.

[InTheNameOfGod]

Iter Impius is an absolute gem of a song.

[ClairvoyantCat]

But Martius/Nauticus II, Pluvius Aestivus, and Dea Pecunia are even better!

[LadyEars]

Not to get too off topic but I'm listening to The Perfect Element right now and man this band is really growing on me. There are so many goosebump parts, one after another. Morning on Earth is really blowing my mind right now. 

I hope this doesn't get me in trouble but does anyone else hear Geoff Tate in DG's voice? It's not constant but certain parts sound just like him to me.

[ClairvoyantCat]

Yeah, it's been pointed out loads of times.  Only on the high notes really, and I think Daniel has much better tone and control and range anyway...

[LadyEars]

Yeah, it's been pointed out loads of times.  Only on the high notes really, and I think Daniel has much better tone and control and range anyway...

I'm hearing it in the low notes too, like in Ashes.

[ariich]

I hope this doesn't get me in trouble but does anyone else hear Geoff Tate in DG's voice?

*kills*

[Arcaeus]

Daniel Gildenlow is my favorite vocalist in metal and yet he always seems to get compared to metal vocalists I largely despise

[Zantera]

Daniel Gildenlow is my favorite vocalist in metal and yet he always seems to get compared to metal vocalists I largely despise

what is this i dont even...

[LadyEars]

I hope this doesn't get me in trouble but does anyone else hear Geoff Tate in DG's voice?

*kills*

Yeah, I thought there might be some pushback from the Q-ryche haters. I really don't get that. DT is hugely influenced by them, along with so many other bands. Back in the day when Q-Ryche were in their prime, they were waaaaay ahead of their time and I still think their music is fresh and timeless.

[wolfking]

Any Pre Promised Land Ryche is a MUSIC WIN!