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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: robwebster on February 08, 2010, 08:23:04 PM

Title: Rob Webster's Rootin' Tootin' Musical Odyssey
Post by: robwebster on February 08, 2010, 08:23:04 PM
Right, there's probably fifty dozen threads like this, but here we go!

I've just been musing that I haven't really had any major band discoveries in 2009. This needs to change. I found Frost* in 2008 and was disgusted that I'd not listened to them sooner. I'm sure there are more out there. More fantastic bands that I've been stupid not to check out yet. Point 'em out to me!

MY TASTES
1. I love big, boisterous music. Anthemic is brilliant. Subtlety is really grand too, don't get me wrong, but I like to have my music full of flavour. Songs like Uprising or Knights of Cydonia (Muse) that rouse with spirit, and exude raw power.
2. To that end, I like heavy music, but only if it's relatively melodic. I love dirty riffs (see also, The Dark Eternal Night) but I'm not much of a metalhead. Opeth sometimes get a bit samey, much as I like them. Death metal doesn't do it for me.
3. Choruses are fantastic. I love a strong chorus. Drown With Me (Porcupine Tree), Supermassive Black Hole (Muse), Dear Dead Days (Frost*), In Aurelia (Pure Reason Revolution), The First Man on Earth (Ayreon), Witness (Screaming Trees), By the Way era RHCP, ...
4. Creepy is good. The Incident and Sleep Together are two of my favourite Porcupine Tree tracks. I love the sludginess. It's very pure and visceral. Again, it makes a bold statement. Very certain of its tone.
5. I do like music to be a bit modern. Transatlantic are fantastic in places, and I really dig Bridge Across Forever, but The Whirlwind was a bit retro for my tastes. As are IQ and It Bites, from what I've heard (both of their most recent albums). That said, Bigelf completely do it for me, so hey!
6. Solos are great, but I'm usually listening to the rhythm section underneath them.
7. I quite like hybrids. Therion are fantastic, I love the union of classical music and metal - meanwhile Disco Queen and Supermassive Black Hole were among my favourite songs on their respective albums. Amor Vincit Omnia and Addicted really impressed me last year, I quite like the synthetic edge that they both had. A bit synthier than their previous output, both in completely different ways.
8. I like versatility. A bit of variety on an album is a very good thing. Eclectic albums tend to do more for me than unified albums. Lightbulb Sun, Octavarium, Be, Synchestra (PT, DT, POS, Devin Townsend) etc. are in my top two for each of their bands. That's partially down to the fantastic number of styles.
9. I like bands to sound quite individual. Frost* do something very interesting with the poppy edge. That really appeals to me. Devin Townsend's wall of sound thing. Porcupine Tree's pop hybrid on Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun. Tool's dirty, grimy edge. Almost oily. I like a signature sound.
10. I like music to sound surprising. If I can tell roughly where it's going, I'm not quite as interested.
11. That said, there's a balance. I've tried The Mars Volta and while I really like aspects, they're a little too "all over the place" for me. Diablo Swing Orchestra, on the other hand, is madcap but in a way that adheres to music rules to an extent. I like to hear the rules bent a lot, but not thrown out entirely!
12. Genesis and Yes are often too cheesy for me. Old school prog sounds kinda dated. I dig Rush and Floyd though.

Spirit, feeling, intelligence, musicianship and originality. There we go.



Er, if I wanted to try and encapsulate the kinda stuff I like with a small selection of albums...

Dream Theater - Octavarium
Frost* - Experiments in Mass Appeal
Pain of Salvation - Be
Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors
Therion - Lemuria & Sirius B
Pure Reason Revolution - Amor Vincit Omnia
Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun
Coldplay - Viva la Vida
Nightwish - Once
A Perfect Circle - Thirteenth Step
Orphaned Land - Mabool

...something like that might cover it!

I don't have much else by the following bands, but these songs have been doing it for me in a major way, lately...

Zero 7 - In the Waiting Line
Sia - Buttons
Screaming Trees - Witness
U2 - Get On Your Boots
Scissorfight - Appalachian Chain
Wuthering Heights - Tree
Florence and the Machine - Drumming Song



My favourite five bands are Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Muse, Frost* and Kamelot.

So... yeah! Massive self-indulgent rant, but HOPEFULLY you guys get a rough gist of what I'm about... so what fantastic bands should I be listening to? Even if it seems like a really obvious choice.



Couple of ideas...
I really like Life on Mars by David Bowie. I know it from hearing it in the (original UK) TV series, and I thought "that's a fantastic song." Might I be interested in his other stuff?
And, I really like Epic and From Out of Nowhere by Faith No More. What are they like?



Sorry, humourless and really self-indulgent. I usually like to throw in at least a cheeky joke or two, break up the text, but blah. Plus I've not been asleep in hours upon hours so my written prose really isn't up to scratch, but if any of you reckon you can think of any bands I should really be checking out, please go on! Or if I should further investigate any of the bands I've already mentioned. Cheers if you read through all this trite!
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Ultimetalhead on February 08, 2010, 08:27:41 PM
Buckethead


All of it.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: skydivingninja on February 08, 2010, 08:36:50 PM
I'll just throw out a couple of good albums that seem to fit your tastes:

-Queen
-The Decemberists-The Hazards of Love
-Coheed & Cambria-Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV Volume I: From Fear Through The Eyes of Madness
-Mew-No More Stories...
-Radiohead-O.K. Computer or In Rainbows
-Riverside-Second Life Syndrome
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: PixelDream on February 08, 2010, 08:43:07 PM
Karnivool - Sound Awake

Get this album now, I saw it on Steven Wilson's playlist, and he's totally right about this album. Totally epic, powerful, emotional, and textured. Sick grooves, progressive, but they're actually making catchy songs out of them.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: ReaperKK on February 08, 2010, 09:11:42 PM
You and I seem to share a lot of the same music tastes, I'm going to check out some of the stuff you mentioned and I'll post some stuff a little later.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Portrucci on February 08, 2010, 09:14:26 PM
The Dear Hunter. Get Act III: Life and Death right now!
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Starkweather on February 08, 2010, 09:21:43 PM
Bit simplistic, but try Brand New.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Phantasmatron on February 08, 2010, 09:23:04 PM
Get Ultima Ratio by Superior.

It's full of flavor, heavy but melodic, has truckloads of strong choruses, isn't too all-over-the-place, and is only 8 years old.  And the band is unique enough (or hybrid enough) that it's hard to really assign them one genre.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: orcus116 on February 08, 2010, 09:35:33 PM
I really wanna help out but for right now if you like versatility and you wanna try Faith No More get Angel Dust. Tons of different song styles that are kinda quirky but have a lot of personality.

Oh and I dunno if this band is what you're looking for with point 1 but try that band The Heavy I mentioned last week. Just nonstop, raw fun music. Link is:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=10076.0
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: ZKX-2099 on February 08, 2010, 09:37:19 PM
Coheed and Between The Buried & Me.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Arcaeus on February 08, 2010, 09:38:18 PM
I really wanna help out but for right now if you like versatility and you wanna try Faith No More get Angel Dust. Tons of different song styles that are kinda quirky but have a lot of personality.

I second this.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: j on February 08, 2010, 09:46:15 PM
Karnivool - Sound Awake

Get this album now, I saw it on Steven Wilson's playlist, and he's totally right about this album. Totally epic, powerful, emotional, and textured. Sick grooves, progressive, but they're actually making catchy songs out of them.

I'm terrible at music and don't generally endorse the opinions of Steven Wilson, but this is a very good album.  One of a few pleasant surprises of 2009 for me.

-J
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Dr. DTVT on February 08, 2010, 09:52:53 PM
Redemption -  Start with the most recent album, Snowfall on Judgement Day.  You'll find a small group of us here at DTF who think the world of this band.

Enchant - A band not talked about a lot on here, but they really strike a chord with me.  My favorite album is Wounded, but you probably want to start with Tug of War (aside - they need to release a new album soon, its been almost 6 years!)

Devin Townsend if you want heavy and melodic.  Start with Terria

And as others have said, Faith No More is awesome, start with The Real Thing and Angel Dust
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Nic35 on February 08, 2010, 10:07:39 PM
Presto Ballet. The Lost Art of Time Travel is amazing.

www.myspace.com/prestoballet
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Xanthul on February 08, 2010, 11:56:44 PM
The Dear Hunter. Get Act III: Life and Death right now!

This, many times. Great riffs, lots of energy and awesome choruses. I haven't listened to Act III much yet but I and II are definitely incredible (and most people say III is even better, so...)
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: tri.ad on February 09, 2010, 12:08:34 AM
Marillion. Try out Clutching At Straws, Seasons End and Afraid Of Sunlight.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Zantera on February 09, 2010, 02:41:45 AM
In your list i saw several bands i love myself, so i would recommend some of my other favorite bands that i discovered afterward... like:

Anathema - Judgement (they mix great melodies with great music)
Radiohead - In Rainbows (generally softer then PT, but still great music)
Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion (amazing band that mixes prog/alternative rock with pop)
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: orcus116 on February 09, 2010, 03:50:05 AM
Man I would never start someone on Radiohead with In Rainbows.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Zantera on February 09, 2010, 05:41:29 AM
Man I would never start someone on Radiohead with In Rainbows.

Well, i think starting with the latest album is in most cases the best to do, since that's the direction the band is heading.
And in this case, it's also the best album.. by far.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on February 09, 2010, 05:44:52 AM
Sounds like you need some Amorphis.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: skydivingninja on February 09, 2010, 05:55:47 AM
second'd.  That and Tri.ad's Marillion suggestion.  Clutching at Straws and Marbles are great albums.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: GuineaPig on February 09, 2010, 07:32:01 AM
I see no mention of Maiden in your post.  Is it the teensiest bit possible that you haven't given the masters of metal a listen?
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: RobD on February 09, 2010, 07:42:36 AM
I see no mention of Maiden in your post.  Is it the teensiest bit possible that you haven't given the masters of metal a listen?

If you do, try Brave New World, Powerslave and 7th Son of a 7th Son.

Also try Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding by their frontman Bruce Dickinson if you want something more progressive and a touch heavier with just as epic choruses.

I agree with the Faith No More suggestions, get Angel Dust and The Real Thing.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: tri.ad on February 09, 2010, 08:22:07 AM
second'd.  That and Tri.ad's Marillion suggestion.  Clutching at Straws and Marbles are great albums.

Agreed on Marbles. If you have the chance to get the double-CD version, don't hesitate. Ocean Cloud alone makes it totally worth the effort of looking for it.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: orcus116 on February 09, 2010, 08:32:44 AM
Man I would never start someone on Radiohead with In Rainbows.

Well, i think starting with the latest album is in most cases the best to do, since that's the direction the band is heading.
And in this case, it's also the best album.. by far.

Eh, I'd point them towards The Bends, OK Computer, and Kid A first. Aside from IR being a textbook 3.5/5 album it just doesn't sound much like the stuff Radiohead is known for.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Zantera on February 09, 2010, 10:43:47 AM

Eh, I'd point them towards The Bends, OK Computer, and Kid A first. Aside from IR being a textbook 3.5/5 album it just doesn't sound much like the stuff Radiohead is known for.

Well, seeing what a variety Radiohead has overall, it's really hard to pick just one album to start with.
In that case you would at least have to pick Kid A and The Bends/OK Computer, since just one of those albums wouldn't be enough. ;)
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: lordxizor on February 09, 2010, 10:57:20 AM
The Dear Hunter. Get Act III: Life and Death right now!
And Act II while you're at it.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 09, 2010, 12:00:17 PM
Aha! Plenty to get my teeth stuck into here. Cheers. Keep 'em coming!

Quote from: RobD
Quote from: GuineaPig
I see no mention of Maiden in your post.  Is it the teensiest bit possible that you haven't given the masters of metal a listen?

If you do, try Brave New World, Powerslave and 7th Son of a 7th Son.
Naturally I'm familiar with Iron Maiden, and pretty fond of 'em, but I've never bought an album by them! See this is the kind of prodding I need, hahaha. I even used to cover The Wicker Man in my old band (brilliant song, btw). But yeah, I know their staples pretty well. Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, The Wicker Man, Rainmaker... and they're all fantastic. I wasn't sure if they might have been essentially the only interesting songs. Ah well, only one way to find out - to Amazon!

Angel Dust by Faith No More sounds like a must (three recs is enough for me!), and I'm pretty impressed by the description of Karnivool, so I'll throw that onto a shopping list somewhere.

@Zantera, Orcus & skydivingninja re: Radiohead
 A friend of mine lent me OK Computer and Hail to the Thief, once. I've still got them on a computer at my parents' house, so I sometimes get blasts of it, but I don't use that computer much so I've not really familiarised myself with them. Hail to the Thief doesn't do too much for me, but I really like Lucky and Paranoid Android from OKC. What are The Bends and Kid A like, compared to OK Computer? I'll copy OKC across next I'm back at the rents'.

Quote from: skydivingninja
Queen
I'm torn on Queen. Again, they're one of those bands that I have a basic familiarity with but not much beyond that. Don't Stop Me Now and the medley on BCSL do the trick for me, but I'm a little bored of Bohemian Rhapsody, and Radio Gaga actually annoys me, so I'm in two minds. What kind of era should I be looking into?

Other suggestions: I picked up that C&C album for £3 in a charity shop a few weeks ago, it's damn cool. Definitely approve. Needs a bit of time to grow but I'm enjoying it. I've got the latest Riverside and really dig it, so I'll be checking SLS out. I can't say I know anything about Mew and The Decemberists, though. What are they like?

Quote from: Zantera
Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion (amazing band that mixes prog/alternative rock with pop)
How is it compared to Catch Without Arms? I bought that on a whim, and really dug the music on it, but couldn't stand the vocals for a second. Would I still be interested in checking out the rest of their catalogue?

Quote from: Phantasmatron
Get Ultima Ratio by Superior.

It's full of flavor, heavy but melodic, has truckloads of strong choruses, isn't too all-over-the-place, and is only 8 years old.  And the band is unique enough (or hybrid enough) that it's hard to really assign them one genre.
Beautiful! Sounds right up my street. Count me in.

Orcus: The Heavy sound interesting, not sure if they're my bag but they've gotta be worth a shot. I'll check out the YouTube links you posted.

Quote from: dreamtheatervt
Redemption -  Start with the most recent album, Snowfall on Judgement Day.  You'll find a small group of us here at DTF who think the world of this band.

Enchant - A band not talked about a lot on here, but they really strike a chord with me.  My favorite album is Wounded, but you probably want to start with Tug of War (aside - they need to release a new album soon, its been almost 6 years!)

Devin Townsend if you want heavy and melodic.  Start with Terria
I love Devin Townsend already (but good call!), and am interested in Redemption. I really, really dislike Fates Warning - I've tried them four different times, and not really found anything to love once - but a friend of mine sent me a Redemption song, saying that the FW guys aren't ALL bad. And I really liked it. So I've got that on my To Buy list too, now. Cheers! What style are Enchant? Progressive metal?

Quote from: lordxizor
Quote from: Portrucci
The Dear Hunter. Get Act III: Life and Death right now!
And Act II while you're at it.
I've always been put off these guys because they have a dumb name (silly, I know!), but checking samples they do sound right up my street. Goodo!

I'll check into Marillion, Buckethead Presto Ballet and Amorphis, too. I'm sure I've been given a free Marillion CD at some point in time, I've seen it floating around somewhere so I'll dig around for that. I've already heard a bit of Buckethead and he's damn impressive, so that's a good avenue too. Don't know much about the other two but it'll be fun discovering!
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: rogerdil on February 09, 2010, 12:18:25 PM
The Pineapple Thief - described as a cross between Porcupine Tree and Radiohead

Nemo - dynamic hard rock, with some DT influence.  Sung in French.

As for Queen, I'd recommend the first three albums; many people seem to go for Queen II, with good reason.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Gorille85 on February 09, 2010, 12:34:19 PM
Get In a Flesh Aquarium and Tightly Unwound.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: skydivingninja on February 09, 2010, 01:33:06 PM
The Decemberists are a pretty folky indie band, but on the album I suggested they go in a bit more of a prog direction without sounding dated.  Its very cool.  Mew is a very wintery-sounding band, and play around with weird arrangements a lot, so I guess experimental/alternative?  Both are very good bands/albums.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: YtseBitsySpider on February 09, 2010, 02:07:01 PM
that buckethead suggestion will keep you busy for a while...and many other suggestions in this thread are great.

I still haven't tried that karnivool cd....hmmmmmm
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on February 09, 2010, 02:24:05 PM
Quote
I've kinda hit a musical wall

Did it look like this?

(https://api.ning.com/files/dO4IumWXUnr5iIlXUYRIFmN7PBkbSI0K12HZYZ4nSKS6XExOHvUbsB95jgpGw8FGuli*f-Al4LlTLcGVCtdaFHVGkix8IYAt/pinkfloydthewall.jpg)





:neverusethis:
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Zantera on February 09, 2010, 03:25:41 PM
robwebster @

1. The Bends is pretty similar to OK Computer soundwise, biggest difference i guess is that it has a bit rawer sound, but overall it's a solid rock-album.

2. Kid A is more electronic, and even though it has some characteristics from OK Computer/The Bends, the album overall is eletronic.

3. The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion by Dredg is imo their best, and the album that floats the best.
Catch Without Arms has awesome songs, but overall i think TPTPTD and El Cielo by Dredg are better, because they're more "wow-albums". (aka. albums that you wanna listen to from start to end, skipping tracks is hard)
Overall this album also has amazing production, and the sound is great.

Hopefully that cleared out some of your thoughts. :)
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: ariich on February 09, 2010, 03:30:49 PM
Rob, I think I know your tastes pretty well, and they've often seriously overlapped with mine in the past. Of the bands suggested in this thread so far, I'd say The Dear Hunter (Act III is my favourite album ever) and Amorphis (get any of their three albums) would be great!

Also, if you don't know it already, get After Forever's self-titled album.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: PixelDream on February 09, 2010, 03:56:08 PM
'In Rainbows' is in my opinion indeed Radiohead's best album. It's flawless, not a bad song on there.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 09, 2010, 04:47:30 PM
RIGHT. OKAY. I'm drunk, so I'm going to buy some albums now before I have second thoughts and realise that it's a very bad idea on my budget.

I'm currently thinking: Karnivool, The Dear Hunter, Brave New World, Powerslave, and Angel Dust. Everyone reckon that's a good place to start? Might drop BNW if the price is cranking up a bit.

The Decemberists are a pretty folky indie band, but on the album I suggested they go in a bit more of a prog direction without sounding dated.  Its very cool.  Mew is a very wintery-sounding band, and play around with weird arrangements a lot, so I guess experimental/alternative?  Both are very good bands/albums.
I do like wintry music! I like having music to match the seasons, really. Black Holes and Revelations is a summer album, so I won't be listening to that for a while yet. I'll check samples of both, I like both of their names, which is a very shallow reason to give priority, but I've gotta work through in some order!

Get In a Flesh Aquarium and Tightly Unwound.
I have both! Flesh is fantastic, Tightly is a little too derivative but I might listen to it a little more on your suggestion. In fact, I'll listen to it now.

The Pineapple Thief - described as a cross between Porcupine Tree and Radiohead

Nemo - dynamic hard rock, with some DT influence.  Sung in French.

As for Queen, I'd recommend the first three albums; many people seem to go for Queen II, with good reason.
Alright, that's pretty cool. I have wanted to listen to some music in foreign languages for a while - forgot what it was that got me onto the idea, but it's one I'm keen on. I don't like how English has the priority, it feels more like it belongs to a different culture if it's sung in a different language, like you've been invited into someone else's little club, and that appeals to me. :D So yes, definitely interested in Nemo!

robwebster @

1. The Bends is pretty similar to OK Computer soundwise, biggest difference i guess is that it has a bit rawer sound, but overall it's a solid rock-album.

2. Kid A is more electronic, and even though it has some characteristics from OK Computer/The Bends, the album overall is eletronic.

3. The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion by Dredg is imo their best, and the album that floats the best.
Catch Without Arms has awesome songs, but overall i think TPTPTD and El Cielo by Dredg are better, because they're more "wow-albums". (aka. albums that you wanna listen to from start to end, skipping tracks is hard)
Overall this album also has amazing production, and the sound is great.

Hopefully that cleared out some of your thoughts. :)
How is TPTPTD vocally? CWA did feel like a group of songs, rather than a consistent album, so I get what you mean. I think I would prefer The Parrot. I quite like the sound of The Bends, I might give that a little listen, next.

Is Kid A basically a mix between HTTT and OK Computer? Hail sounded kinda like the noise of a synthesiser committing suicide.

Rob, I think I know your tastes pretty well, and they've often seriously overlapped with mine in the past. Of the bands suggested in this thread so far, I'd say The Dear Hunter (Act III is my favourite album ever) and Amorphis (get any of their three albums) would be great!

Also, if you don't know it already, get After Forever's self-titled album.
Aha! Yes, I'd agree with that. You do have very good taste. And on that behalf I've decided TDH is one of the albums I'm gonna buy tonight.

What are Amorphis like? I remember 6:00 used to dig them, I think? Or 9:00 or ROH. Christ, there are a lot of cool people who disappeared. I kinda grouped those guys together and I'm sure one of them really liked them. I've got Sky is Mine on my tooter, I wouldn't like to say where I got it from (I might have a friend who was impressed by a song!) but I remember digging it. Really cool artwork, too.



Again, cheers a billion, dudes!
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on February 09, 2010, 04:56:31 PM
1. They're big, boisterous, rouse with spirit and exude raw power.

2. They're the most melodic heavy band in the world.

3. They write some of the catchiest choruses in metal.

4. They're not creepy.

5. Their last three albums sound very modern.

6. They care approximately 230x more about rhythm than soloing.

7. They combine folk, metal and prog.

8. Lots of variety between albums. Not as much on them.

9. No band sounds like Amorphis I've ever heard.

10. The songs are very simple so you can usually tell where they're going. Except on Elegy. Which is one of the great metal albums ever.

11. Like I said, there's lots of variety between albums, but they've always emphasized melody.

12. They're kind of cheesy.

/fanboi
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 09, 2010, 05:24:06 PM
Haha, wow - good work! Is Skyforger a good place to start?!
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: skydivingninja on February 09, 2010, 05:27:45 PM
I started with Eclipse, but Skyforger is better, IMO.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 09, 2010, 05:29:20 PM
Perfect. I've got Sky is Mine on now, and I can definitely see myself listening to these guys.

They're a bit more power metal than I would have expected. They've got a bit of that edge. Which is good! I started out on power metal.

Currently thinking Sound Awake, Life and Death, Skyforger, Powerslave, and Angel Dust. Karnivool, Dear Hunter, Amorphis, Iron Maiden and Faith No More. That looks like a very strong haul from where I'm standing. Should I grab 'em before I sober up?
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: reneranucci on February 09, 2010, 05:33:05 PM
1. They're big, boisterous, rouse with spirit and exude raw power.

2. They're the most melodic heavy band in the world.

3. They write some of the catchiest choruses in metal.

4. They're not creepy.

5. Their last three albums sound very modern.

6. They care approximately 230x more about rhythm than soloing.

7. They combine folk, metal and prog.

8. Lots of variety between albums. Not as much on them.

9. No band sounds like Amorphis I've ever heard.

10. The songs are very simple so you can usually tell where they're going. Except on Elegy. Which is one of the great metal albums ever.

11. Like I said, there's lots of variety between albums, but they've always emphasized melody.

12. They're kind of cheesy.

/fanboi
/the truth

And I would start with Eclipse (my favorite of them) and them move to Elegy and then Silent Waters and then Tales From Topographic Oceans and then Am Universum (for a little refreshment) and then Skyforger.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: setrataeso on February 09, 2010, 05:55:33 PM
Rush and dredg
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: King Postwhore on February 09, 2010, 06:21:04 PM
Karnivool is the way to go.  I can't get enough of the new album.  Heavy, yet melodic, spacious, and driving.  The singer has a great voice.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: antigoon on February 09, 2010, 06:46:29 PM
I just need to add to the recommendations to Act III by The Dear Hunter. It's an amazing record.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Nic35 on February 09, 2010, 08:23:03 PM
You must to buy The Lost Art of Time Travel.


YOU MUST
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: skydivingninja on February 09, 2010, 08:50:37 PM
No you don't.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Scurvy!Dreams on February 09, 2010, 09:24:00 PM
Suggestions I second:
I'll just throw out a couple of good albums that seem to fit your tastes:

-Queen
-The Decemberists (Last 2 albums)
-Coheed & Cambria (Last 2 albums)
The Dear Hunter.
Sounds like you need some Amorphis.


For the love of God, don't bother getting any Maiden. Everything beyond the staple songs you've heard ranges from middling to crap.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Zantera on February 10, 2010, 02:54:33 AM
robwebster @

Well, vocally i think on TPTPTD Gavin doesn't have as high pitched voice compared to CWA.
I think this album has more of a variety when it comes to different type of songs.

And about Radiohead, Hail To The Thief is kinda a mix between the electronic stuff (Kid A/Amnesiac) and the rock-stuff (OK Computer/The Bends), but apart from a few songs, i think Kid A/Amnesiac are better then HTTT. :)
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: cthrubuoy on February 10, 2010, 03:05:53 AM
Circus Maximus - Isolate
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: YtseBitsySpider on February 10, 2010, 05:09:35 AM
^^^OOOooooo Good one^^^^^

Might as well throw Pagan's Mind in there.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: GuineaPig on February 10, 2010, 05:46:49 AM

For the love of God, don't bother getting any Maiden. Everything beyond the staple songs you've heard ranges from middling to crap.
wut

The band has the most glorious back-catalogue of any metal group.

And I wouldn't recommend Pagan's Mind; they're too unoriginal, and the novelty wears off by the 4th or 5th song.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 10, 2010, 10:37:40 AM
Already got some Pagan's Mind, but Circus Maximus are one that I've still yet to check out.

Went to HMV today, and they had Karnivool and Faith No More. No Dear Hunter, though. I'll report back once I've listened.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 11, 2010, 09:19:53 AM
RIGHT. Karnivool, first spin. I've just reached 5:00 on New Day, and I'm starting to see what the fuss is. This is a fantastic passage. Starting to "get" what these guys are about now. First two songs were "quite good", but this is getting very impressive very fast. Building up very, very well.

The vocals aren't sitting too well with me, but there's lots of cool stuff going on so I'm not too bothered about them. They'll take some getting used to, but yes. Quite optimistic so far.

I'll edit this post as I continue the album / listen to the others.

EDIT: I really like All I Know.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: EstyMaJ on February 11, 2010, 09:48:05 AM
Check out myrath , both albums Hope and desert call
The second album is totaly differant than the first , also second album has a new singer 
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: YtseBitsySpider on February 11, 2010, 09:52:47 AM
Cloudscape
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: j on February 11, 2010, 10:24:41 AM
RIGHT. Karnivool, first spin. I've just reached 5:00 on New Day, and I'm starting to see what the fuss is. This is a fantastic passage. Starting to "get" what these guys are about now. First two songs were "quite good", but this is getting very impressive very fast. Building up very, very well.

The vocals aren't sitting too well with me, but there's lots of cool stuff going on so I'm not too bothered about them. They'll take some getting used to, but yes. Quite optimistic so far.

I'll edit this post as I continue the album / listen to the others.

EDIT: I really like All I Know.

I can see how the vocals could take some getting used to, but I liked 'em okay from the outset.  What did you think of Deadman, rob?  That's definitely one of my favorite tracks from the album (the ones you named are great too).

-J
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: ariich on February 11, 2010, 10:55:41 AM
You'll probably need to order Dear Hunter from amazon or play, but you should do it right now. Unfortunately I wasn't online last night to demand that you order it while drunk! :P
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on February 11, 2010, 11:13:54 AM
Is it REALLY bad that when I saw the name of this thread, my first thought was "Then you should change your username to 'Nickelback'".

Although I guess he'd have had to change it about what, 10 years ago?
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 11, 2010, 11:50:21 AM
RIGHT. Karnivool, first spin. I've just reached 5:00 on New Day, and I'm starting to see what the fuss is. This is a fantastic passage. Starting to "get" what these guys are about now. First two songs were "quite good", but this is getting very impressive very fast. Building up very, very well.

The vocals aren't sitting too well with me, but there's lots of cool stuff going on so I'm not too bothered about them. They'll take some getting used to, but yes. Quite optimistic so far.

I'll edit this post as I continue the album / listen to the others.

EDIT: I really like All I Know.

I can see how the vocals could take some getting used to, but I liked 'em okay from the outset.  What did you think of Deadman, rob?  That's definitely one of my favorite tracks from the album (the ones you named are great too).

-J
I was keen, although I am a sucker for long songs! I think Karnivool will take a little getting into as the tracks don't stand out quite so much on their own, immediately, but I can see myself quite enjoying them. They're kinda like the band that I wanted Dredg to be, hahaha. There's a fair bit of Tool influence, which is a good thing imo. My curiosity is piqued.

Quote from: ariich
You'll probably need to order Dear Hunter from amazon or play, but you should do it right now. Unfortunately I wasn't online last night to demand that you order it while drunk!
You bastard!

Aha, I spent a lot of money yesterday, on clothes, CDs and drink, so I might give it a teeny while before my next spree, but TDH is gonna be the first thing I get. I don't like spending too much in one go. But given the success rate so far, I can see good things a'coming.



I'm listening to Faith No More right now, and I'm instantly loving it. I've been a fool! Why haven't I listened to more of them sooner?! I'm on Everything's Ruined and it's beautiful. The album sounds slightly retro in some ways, but also very new and exciting. ER is reminding me a bit of Images and Words in places, curiously. Not a massive way, but in general vibe and chord sounds. Wasn't expecting that.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: mizzl on February 11, 2010, 12:16:44 PM
ALICE IN CHAINS!!!
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: thecrowing on February 11, 2010, 01:23:45 PM
I just need to add to the recommendations to Act III by The Dear Hunter. It's an amazing record.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: j on February 11, 2010, 02:08:56 PM
I was keen, although I am a sucker for long songs! I think Karnivool will take a little getting into as the tracks don't stand out quite so much on their own, immediately, but I can see myself quite enjoying them. They're kinda like the band that I wanted Dredg to be, hahaha. There's a fair bit of Tool influence, which is a good thing imo. My curiosity is piqued.

The Tool influences are definitely noticeable.  The album took me a couple listens to start fully enjoying it, but I like it a lot now (although I tend to skip Set Fire to the Hive).  Haven't been able to get into their other album as much yet, although it's not bad by any means.

Faith No More is great too, glad to see you're liking 'em.

-J
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 11, 2010, 08:04:36 PM
ALICE IN CHAINS!!!
I really like "Would?"

This seems to be a good avenue to pursue.

Quote from: j
The Tool influences are definitely noticeable.  The album took me a couple listens to start fully enjoying it, but I like it a lot now (although I tend to skip Set Fire to the Hive).  Haven't been able to get into their other album as much yet, although it's not bad by any means.

Faith No More is great too, glad to see you're liking 'em.

-J
Ahh, I quite liked Set Fire to the Hive! Although that might just be because it has an excellent title. Give it some time.



PS i'm really FUKYING drunk. oh i need more nights like this
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 11, 2010, 09:29:31 PM
Just got to the last track of Faith No More (went out drinking in between)...

It's a cover of Easy?!

Hahahahaha. That's fantastic. Just when I thought they'd exhausted all their supply of surprises. What a way to end an album.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: BlobVanDam on February 11, 2010, 09:31:38 PM
You didn't know they did a cover of Easy?! If there's any FNM song that people seem to know it's usually Easy (or Epic).
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: KevShmev on February 11, 2010, 11:05:27 PM
rob, regarding Queen, start with any of the following albums:

A Night at the Opera (even if you are sick of "Bohemian Rhapsody," the rest of the CD is killer)
Sheer Heart Attack
II
Innuendo
A Day at the Races

Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: Arcaeus on February 11, 2010, 11:08:18 PM
I just need to add to the recommendations to Act III by The Dear Hunter. It's an amazing record.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: austin on February 14, 2010, 08:57:15 AM
The Dear Hunter. Get Act III: Life and Death right now!
I just need to add to the recommendations to Act III by The Dear Hunter. It's an amazing record.

also, I'd try Act II if I were you- It has more prominent choruses I think
Both incredibly wonderful albums and I cannot stress that enough
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: shadowfex on February 16, 2010, 04:50:55 AM
I'm very pleased about the amount of attention Karnivool are getting in this thread! They are the ONLY good band we have in Australia lol.

Also, get yourself The Dear Hunter and Dredg TPTPTD as soon as possible.
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: austin on February 16, 2010, 04:34:55 PM
Also, get yourself The Dear Hunter and Dredg TPTPTD as soon as possible.
Also one of my favorites. Excellent record in basically every way
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: robwebster on February 16, 2010, 07:22:08 PM
Listening to Karnivool still, there's one point in The Caudal Lure which sounds a LOT like if Frost*'s Pocket Sun were thrown out of the evil tree, hit every branch along the way, and then Adolf Hitler came along and gave it a golden shower (just for good measure).
Title: Re: I've kinda hit a musical wall
Post by: King Postwhore on February 16, 2010, 07:24:39 PM
Listening to Karnivool still, there's one point in The Caudal Lure which sounds a LOT like if Frost*'s Pocket Sun were thrown out of the evil tree, hit every branch along the way, and then Adolf Hitler came along and gave it a golden shower (just for good measure).

I'm glad some of the younger DT boardmembers turned me onto this band.  I love sonic sounding bands.
Title: Re: Rob Webster's Rootin' Tootin' Musical Odyssey
Post by: robwebster on May 06, 2010, 12:44:12 PM
First things first, changed the title of the thread.

Second things second, bump.

Right, now that's over and done with... muzak!

I've had some time to digest a lot of the suggestions I bought back in February, and I've bought music by a few more of the bands that were recommended. So here are my thoughts now they've settled in a bit.

Faith No More
Love them. Cheers a billion. I've got The Real Thing and Angel Dust, now, and they've both got pride of place in my CD collection. Both magical, diverse little albums, and a tad twisted - which I like. Catchy and bizarre with just a hint of darkness. Fantastic.

Karnivool
I'm quite fond of them, but I don't find myself reaching for 'em very often. Nice when I put them on, but they've got quite a lot of dense gloom - tricky to listen to and I think they've got a bit of growing to do, but like I say, I'm fond.

Reason I've bumped this though is 'cause I'm still checking it whenever I go out buying music, and Skyforger, by Amorphis arrived today. I'm just starting to listen to it now. And whoa, nelly. VERY, very good. Only up to From the Heaven of my Heart, but they're really rekindling my love of metal. I'd forgotten how good this genre was. There's just a pinch of power metal in there, but they're a lot cleverer and more creative than all that. Excellent.

So, yes! Thank you, boys and girls. Any more for any more?! Good success rate so far.



(Also, I can't remember if it was recommended in this thread, but I've just got Bigelf's last album, too. Absolutely stellar. One of those bands which makes me go "WHY did I not get into them sooner?!" Maddeningly good. Really, really like the David Bowie vibe. Incredibly theatrical, what a fun band.)
Title: Re: Rob Webster's Rootin' Tootin' Musical Odyssey
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2010, 01:42:48 PM

Faith No More
Love them. Cheers a billion. I've got The Real Thing and Angel Dust, now, and they've both got pride of place in my CD collection. Both magical, diverse little albums, and a tad twisted - which I like. Catchy and bizarre with just a hint of darkness. Fantastic.

Very nice!  I love both of those albums, too.  I haven't been too crazy about anything else I have heard by FNM thus far, but those two records are both aces. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Rob Webster's Rootin' Tootin' Musical Odyssey
Post by: ariich on May 06, 2010, 01:57:26 PM
Angel Dust is friggin' awesome. :tup

Glad you're liking Skyforger so much as well, I knew you'd like Amorphis!

Now go and get Act III by The Dear Hunter! :P