Author Topic: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards  (Read 3338 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« on: October 10, 2010, 04:27:25 AM »
Picked up the new album from Satch today.

Listening through it for the first time, and it rather impressive.  Very melodic, groovy, catchy and some nice melodies.  Way better than the crap he put out on the last record.  Any fans should check it out.


Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline The Letter M

  • Posts: 15494
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2010, 06:36:01 AM »
I don't listen to his music at all, but the title caught my eye - is this a play on Black Clouds & Silver Linings, which in itself was sort of a play on Black Holes And Revelations? First half titled with "Black" followed by a single syllable word, then an "and", followed by four more syllables.  :lol

-Marc.
ATTENTION - HAKEN FANS! The HAKEN SURVIVOR 2023 has begun! You can check it out in the Polls/Survivors Forum!!!

Offline ReaperKK

  • Sweeter After Difficulty
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 17718
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2010, 07:26:53 AM »
Didn't know it came out yet but as with most Satch records I'll check it out. Will report back later.

Offline Pyroph

  • Posts: 1468
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2010, 10:18:20 AM »
I feel sorry for you if you think Andalusia is crap.

Offline antigoon

  • Not Elvis
  • DT.net Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 10293
  • Gender: Male
  • This was a triumph.
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2010, 12:37:28 PM »
I might check this out. I actually liked Professor Satch

Offline PixelDream

  • Posts: 2891
  • Gender: Male
  • Maestro
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2010, 03:18:57 PM »
In my opinion Satch has been getting less interesting in his studio affairs since 'Is There Love In Space?'. I liked that record, but 'Strange Beautiful Music' was just awesome.

Joe has been getting a bit more jammy, which was resulting in a couple of songs that didn't have that good songwriting you know Joe can do.

This new record however, I think I like it almost as much as 'Crystal Planet' or 'The Extremist'. Great songs, melodies, nice mix of styles, and the songs really groove. Adding to that, it sounds great sonically (unlike Professor Satchafunkilus).
Not 'Down To F***', but 'Dream Theater Forums' .

Offline jsem

  • Posts: 4912
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2010, 03:48:40 PM »
Joe always delivers.

Offline LTE

  • Posts: 617
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2010, 04:49:21 PM »
I feel sorry for you if you think Andalusia is crap.

One of his best songs imo.

Prof. Satch wasn't that bad. I was extremely into Satch when it came out so I would have loved whatever he had put out. Now I see it as a good effort, his style has also evolved a bit with each record, and the new one was interesting. When you view his songs at a purely technical and theory heavy level, he really is a brilliant songwriter. His songs always have incredibly musical melodies, progressions, choruses etc.


 :hat
« Last Edit: October 10, 2010, 05:17:22 PM by LTE »
We are a way for the universe to know itself.
 I suffer from moderate/severe Depersonalization.

Offline Nick

  • A doctor.
  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 20050
  • Gender: Male
  • But not the medical kind.
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2010, 05:42:59 PM »
Should have this Tuesday or Wednesday. :D
For the best online progressive radio: ProgRock.com
For the best in progressive news, reviews, and interviews: SonicPerspectives.com
For a trove of older podcasts and interviews: WPaPU.com
Awesome Majesty Pendant Club: Member #1

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2010, 05:04:44 AM »
I feel sorry for you if you think Andalusia is crap.

I don't think that, it's the best song.  But on a whole the record is very ordinary.  I Just Wanna Rock, I'd say is Satch's worst track ever.



In my opinion Satch has been getting less interesting in his studio affairs since 'Is There Love In Space?'. I liked that record, but 'Strange Beautiful Music' was just awesome.

Joe has been getting a bit more jammy, which was resulting in a couple of songs that didn't have that good songwriting you know Joe can do.

This new record however, I think I like it almost as much as 'Crystal Planet' or 'The Extremist'. Great songs, melodies, nice mix of styles, and the songs really groove. Adding to that, it sounds great sonically (unlike Professor Satchafunkilus).

Yeah I agree.  SBM was really amazing, and Is There Love in Space was good too.  Super Colossal didn't do anything for me either.  It's great to see him step it up and deliver an album of this great quality so far in his career.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline Pyroph

  • Posts: 1468
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2010, 08:52:23 AM »
I can't argue with that. That is a terrible song. lol

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2010, 02:20:13 PM »
I can't argue with that. That is a terrible song. lol

I seriously thought it was a joke when it was released, I cringe just thinking about it.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #12 on: October 11, 2010, 02:21:23 PM »
Gotta say, Wormhole Wizards and Wind in the Trees are two of the best things Satch has ever done.  This is a really great record.  I would have liked a couple more upbeat numbers, but the strength of the songs on offer here is fantastic.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline PixelDream

  • Posts: 2891
  • Gender: Male
  • Maestro
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #13 on: October 11, 2010, 07:20:39 PM »
Gotta say, Wormhole Wizards and Wind in the Trees are two of the best things Satch has ever done.  This is a really great record.  I would have liked a couple more upbeat numbers, but the strength of the songs on offer here is fantastic.

The best thing about this album: There is no filler. It's awesome to listen to, front to back. And he writes real songs again, which is beneficial.

Love the dramatic melody over the funky groove in Wormhole Wizards. I'm still in love with Premonition and God is Crying though. Lots of really anthemic stuff throughout the album, and I think it's balanced quite nicely between heavy rockers and atmospheric/mellow stuff. Adding to that, Satch really sounds invigorated again after playing in Chickenfoot. I don't really like that band very much, but it's got the creative juices flowing again!

Two previous albums were good, but not special. This one is, it's marvellous.
Not 'Down To F***', but 'Dream Theater Forums' .

Offline Lowdz

  • Posts: 10378
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #14 on: October 13, 2010, 04:14:28 AM »
satch's recent albums have sort of passed me by. Too much filler, too jammy, as others have said. I just want Satch to play catchy songs rather than be "progressive". FIABD is still the pinnacle for me. And I like his vocal tracks. Wasn't impressed with chickenfoot and I really thought I would be.
Getting back to the OP, I really like this album so far. hope it stands the test of time.

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #15 on: October 13, 2010, 04:37:26 AM »
I must say, I wasn't impressed with Chickenfoot at all also.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline LTE

  • Posts: 617
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #16 on: October 13, 2010, 10:36:42 AM »
I never really gave Chickenfoot a shot. I've heard the singles but it's just too cheesy to me. I respect Satch for wanting to get away from his melodic playing and just be in a "rock band" but this is his calling. Plus I don't like Sammy Hagar. Crystal Planet has always been my favorite album from him. Although Engines of Creation is sooooo underrated, it's not even fair.
We are a way for the universe to know itself.
 I suffer from moderate/severe Depersonalization.

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #17 on: October 13, 2010, 02:45:25 PM »
I never really gave Chickenfoot a shot. I've heard the singles but it's just too cheesy to me. I respect Satch for wanting to get away from his melodic playing and just be in a "rock band" but this is his calling. Plus I don't like Sammy Hagar. Crystal Planet has always been my favorite album from him. Although Engines of Creation is sooooo underrated, it's not even fair.

Crystal Planet >>>>>> All other Satch albums.

Engines of Creation = underrated.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline Nick

  • A doctor.
  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 20050
  • Gender: Male
  • But not the medical kind.
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #18 on: October 15, 2010, 04:36:43 PM »
Two listens in this is a really good awesome.
For the best online progressive radio: ProgRock.com
For the best in progressive news, reviews, and interviews: SonicPerspectives.com
For a trove of older podcasts and interviews: WPaPU.com
Awesome Majesty Pendant Club: Member #1

Offline ReaperKK

  • Sweeter After Difficulty
  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 17718
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #19 on: October 15, 2010, 09:01:11 PM »
Still haven't given it a go around, prolly sometime tomorrow I'll make time to listen to the album.

In the meantime I'm jamming out to Andalusia, the best song of Prof. Satch IMO.

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #20 on: October 16, 2010, 05:57:31 AM »
Still haven't given it a go around, prolly sometime tomorrow I'll make time to listen to the album.

In the meantime I'm jamming out to Andalusia, the best song of Prof. Satch IMO.

Dude, scrap that average album and put on the new one, it's well worth it.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline dreamday

  • Posts: 5
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #21 on: October 16, 2010, 09:26:33 AM »
Satch never fails to deliver. I'm really going crazy with The Golden Room right now.  :tup

Offline antigoon

  • Not Elvis
  • DT.net Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 10293
  • Gender: Male
  • This was a triumph.
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #22 on: October 16, 2010, 09:57:42 AM »
So Littleworth Lane... Kinda love it. I'm not too familiar with his catalog, but this is the closest to straight up blues that I've heard him play.

The album is great, by the way. His playing is just so smooth and lyrical.

Offline PixelDream

  • Posts: 2891
  • Gender: Male
  • Maestro
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #23 on: October 16, 2010, 10:13:23 PM »
'God is Crying' is apparently a song that was left off of 'Professor Satchafunkilus' because his collaborators thought it wasn't good enough. Hell, this song is one of his most exciting tunes in years. WTF.
Not 'Down To F***', but 'Dream Theater Forums' .

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #24 on: October 17, 2010, 04:33:03 AM »
'God is Crying' is apparently a song that was left off of 'Professor Satchafunkilus' because his collaborators thought it wasn't good enough. Hell, this song is one of his most exciting tunes in years. WTF.

Yeah, it's better than most of the crap that made that album.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.

Offline PixelDream

  • Posts: 2891
  • Gender: Male
  • Maestro
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #25 on: October 17, 2010, 05:15:08 PM »
'God is Crying' is apparently a song that was left off of 'Professor Satchafunkilus' because his collaborators thought it wasn't good enough. Hell, this song is one of his most exciting tunes in years. WTF.

Yeah, it's better than most of the crap that made that album.

I don't think it's crap, obviously the guitar playing is good, it's Satch. But the songs are mostly boring, unexciting and the production kinda sucks balls. I don't know, there's nothing that grabs me. What a difference with 'Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards'.

BTW, autotune effect in 'Wind in the Trees' FTW. I don't even recognize it as autotune, it's so Satch-y. Great stuff. What a nice, mellow, dreamy tune.
Not 'Down To F***', but 'Dream Theater Forums' .

Offline wolfking

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 46293
  • Gender: Male
Re: Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
« Reply #26 on: October 17, 2010, 05:37:44 PM »
On Satch's standards I think it's poor.

Wind in the Trees is indeed a highlight.
Everyone else, except Wolfking is wrong.