DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11053
Berkeley, CA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:36 AM
zak
DannySnyder
I think making such sweeping negative statements that dismiss tens if not hundreds of bands with one fell swoop is a little close minded - that's my opinion
My favorite expression has always been "if you're too open-minded your brains will fall out of your head" - and I always thought that at least 95% of any genre of music is uninteresting. It's finding that other 5% that's fun.
Different people have different expectations...some folks are perfectly happy listening to stuff that is of absolutely no interest to me, and that's just fine...for me, large amounts of reverb and glissandos or whatever - that's just not enough to make something interesting.
Zak, I'm in complete agreement with those statements. 
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
|
diceophonic
Joined: May 20, 2006
Posts: 2174
PacNW (Vancouver, Wa U.S.A.)
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:37 AM
doublecoil
Dont get me wrong. There are some decent bands out there but really nothing that blows me away. It almost seems that bands of today worry more about the costume they are going to wear than the music they play.
I grew up to the same surf period your talking about in the 90s! I'm from SoCal, and those in the 90s left thier stamp now it's our turn to leave our stamp as many other's have done before them in the 90s, IT'S OUR TURN NOW! we carry the torch now!
What are you talking about "Costumes" point out some bands that worry about this? you need to get out there and listen there's a bunch a of good shit out there, I know of surf bands that don't even wear costumes and there music wails! I think everyone that's envoled in a surf band in the present is doing a fine job of representing the genre, it would sure be a boring world if ever single band sounded like SP, Ghastly Ones, Bomboras, Phantom surfers, no offence we only need 1 of each, it's refreshing to hear everyones flavor of surf done thier way.
And we can not close the book to the surfbands of this decad history is being made as we speak, the ending has not been writing yet and I'm sure theres still more to come and I'm so excited to hear more music, to hear more surf bands!
— -Kyle
Beyond The Surf YouTube channel
Beyond The Surf Instagram
The Verbtones @ Instagram
The Verbtones @ Facebook
The Verbtones @ bandcamp
Last edited: Nov 09, 2007 11:44:22
|
zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:43 AM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 15:27:17
|
IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:45 AM
zak
Well, since 'doublecoil' seems to feel pretty much the same way I do on the matter, I don't see what doing "homework" has to do with someone's opinions on something as subjective as musical aesthetics. Slacktone is a perfect example of contemporary surf that puts me straight to sleep. Yes, they're very competent musicians who write original material but as far as my own tastes are concerned, it's boring as hell.
Zak, I would think you would really enjoy the Nebulas. They seem right up your alley. As far as the Madeira, well, I don't know, probably not.
If there's one thing that immediately turns me off surf music it's wide-eyed enthusiasm and sincerity.
I find it really bizarre when people judge music on the basis of the attitude of the musicians rather than on the basis of the music itself. I guess that's why I don't like punk - or the Phantom Surfers. THAT stuff puts me straight to sleep. Snore. How many times can you hear the same jokes on a Phantom Surfers album and find it amusing? But there you go, different strokes for different folks. That's what makes life interesting.
Well, anyway, we're getting away from the main topic. At no point did I say that every member should be doing reviews or talking up bands they don't like - absolutely not!! And at no point did I say that you should write negative reviews - if you don't feel comfortable with that, don't do it. All I'm saying is that if you actually really like something, write about it! Let others know. And try to explain why you like it, if you can - even better. But let's just have more conversation about bands and their music. Zak, you could write about the Royal Fingers, who are a fantastic, fantastic band. I wrote a review of one or two of their CDs a few years ago, but I'd bet ya anything that 90% of the members here don't remember ever even hearing about them. And that's a damn shame, cause the Royal Fingers should be in the hands of many more surf music fans. So, to recap: write about stuff you like and are enthusiastic about, and try to explain why you like it and are enthusiastic about it! Really, it's that simple. It doesn't have to be a formal, lengthy review, you don't have to say anything negative about it. This is what I would love to see more of around here.
Finally, I get the feeling that very few people check out the front page and the articles on the front page. So many of the reviews that are posted on the front page as a result get ignored - and certainly there's little encouragement to engage in further discussion when the review is presented in the closed article form (and there's limited space to comment below it). So, I think having reviews in the main discussion forum would be very helpful.
Ivan
— Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube
|
zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:52 AM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 15:27:32
|
IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:53 AM
zak
If there's one thing that immediately turns me off surf music it's wide-eyed enthusiasm and sincerity.
BTW, one more thing about this: I think wide-eyed enthusiasm and sincerity are definitely words to apply to the music of Jim Messina & the Jesters, the Fender IV and Eddie & the Showmen. Ironic....
Ivan
— Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube
|
IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:56 AM
zak
I honestly haven't heard enough of the Nebulas to say anything about 'em. I heard a few songs and saw a couple of youtube videos. What I heard sounded pretty good, but I'd like to hear more before I start writing any reviews.
Of course. But definitely check them out. They have 3 CDs out, and all three are really good, though the first one (now difficult to find) is the one that people seem the most enthusiastic about. I like their most recent a lot, too, and that one is easy to pick up from Double Crown.
I liked the Madeira stuff I heard too, but once again, it's just a few tunes. You know I always thought highly of your musicianship, Ivan, I would be really surprised if you did anything that I thought flat-out sucked.
I don't think you'd hate it, but it's not at all punky and garagey, you know, the stuff that seems to get your heart pumping. But if you want I'll send you a CD.
IvanP
I find it really bizarre when people judge music on the basis of the attitude of the musicians rather than on the basis of the music itself.
I think a really good band needs both. All attitude and no substance is rarely entertaining for more than a few minutes.
Amen to that.
Ivan
— Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube
|
zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:58 AM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 15:27:41
|
JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:58 AM
I think that I will want to write more reviews after I graduate. Writing a CD review is really quite similar to writing analyses of historical writings, which I have to do a lot.
First Paragraph-talk about the band and release and put them in their context.
Second Paragraph-Talk about the tracks and what is on the album.
Third Paragraph- Your opinion, why is the second paragraph important, does the first paragraph affect the second paragraph?, that is does the context of the band influence the sound? And where it deviates from history, slightly, what did you like about the music.
And that is how you write a analysis of a historical piece, preferably a primary source no more than a couple sentences, or paragraphs, or a picture/vase/relief.
|
Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:59 AM
I'm pretty stoked on the surf scene right now in general. Just being a member of this forum has turned me on to some fantastic bands that I really wasn't too familiar with before. Yeah, there's a ton of stuff in any genre that I'm not into... The '90s were a good time for surf bands, and I'm stoked to have contributed a little while in Surf Report. I'm pretty excited about the rest of the decade given the current bands on the scene.
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook
|
Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2683
Ventura, CA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:01 PM
If there's one thing that immediately turns me off surf music it's wide-eyed enthusiasm and sincerity.
I'm confused by this, is it a reference to Slacktone? Sounds very personal. Yeah, they are at the very least "competent".
|
JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:05 PM
I chuckled at Zak's "Aquatic References" quip. I personally abhor the water. I do enjoy scenic ocean landscapes, but I'll take of pass from anything over mid calf deep.
Stormtiger, I didn't see that aimed at Slacktone. In my opinion they are not wide-eyed. I think I know what Zak is talking about and Slacktone isn't it. Maybe certain of their fanbase, but not the band.
|
zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:07 PM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 15:27:50
|
Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2683
Ventura, CA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:17 PM
Huh? No, it's a general statement. I just used Slacktone as an example of a band that almost everyone seems to love - they don't do anything for me at all. I have nothing "personal" against them, whatever gave you that idea?
Sorry if I read anything into that, it followed your statement about them being boring as hell. Forgive me for being overprotective of Slacktone, they are my favorites and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything as remotely negative about them. I was in shock for a moment.
|
zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:23 PM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 27, 2009 22:32:32
|
tonybologna
Joined: Mar 06, 2006
Posts: 796
Oakland
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:26 PM
Wow, great thread. Reiterating what many have said, I have a problem with giving negative feedback or even constructive criticism because of touchy emotions and the overall sense of community here. But I sure if other started really digging into some of the new releases, I'd join in to give some critical analysis.
I think there is still a bunch of great surf music around today. Madiera, Ghastly Ones, Bambi Molesters, Bitch Boys, Satan's Pilgrims (technically still around?), Laika and the Cosmonauts(?)....A discussion of bands and their releases would be awesome.
 While I appreciate Slacktone's amazing musical talent (especially Dusty Watson's drumming) and live performance, nothing really grabs me about their songwriting. Just a little support zak 
— Science friction burns my fingers.
|
Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2683
Ventura, CA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:33 PM
That's kind of how I felt regarding your comments about the Jesters! Laughing Laughing Laughing
Obviously I have nothing "personal" against Slacktone, since the only member of that band I know is Dusty and I think very highly of him....even though he played with Lita Ford. Laughing
And I still feel bad about making that comment!
I have become pretty good friends with them, Sam lives about a mile from me. My only complaint about them is not recording a new CD in so many years. I do get some cool demos from Dave and when the time comes that they are available I will be happy to review them here.
|
zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:37 PM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 27, 2009 22:32:36
|
skeeter
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 2063
Virginia, USA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 12:54 PM
I come to SG101 mostly to read and share ideas and stuff with peers about gear, techniques etc. I don't really want to hear everyone's opinion of what bands they like and what bands they don't like. It's all subjective, so I usually stay out of those conversations.
That said, I do appreciate reviews of CDs, shows and the people who are willing to take the time to do it, so it would be cool to have a section devoted to reviews of CDs, shows etc.
— Paul
Atomic Mosquitos
Bug music for bug people is here!
Killers from Space
|
Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2683
Ventura, CA
|
Posted on Nov 09 2007 01:03 PM
Bob, act like you are a 23 year old kid, then you opinion will be the most important thing on the planet and you'll love to give it.
Jake, that gave me a good laugh.
It reminded me of a video store in Santa Barbara used to have a sign behind the counter that said "Hire a teenager while they still know everything."
|
January Birthdays 
