A Stranger's music :: #46 Lemetre, Antlers and more Radiohead [video reviews]
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[img_inline caption="Plastic Beach by Gorillaz" align="left" width="250" height="245"]http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm214/Decadance_haircut100/gorillaz-plastic-beach.jpg[/img_inline][HEADING=1]A Stranger reviews[/HEADING]
[HEADING=1]Plastic Beach[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]__by Gorillaz[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Genre:____________ Alternative
Number of Songs:__ 16
Highlights:________- Empire Ants, On Melancholy Hill + Plastic Beach[/HEADING]
[hr]
I've put off reviewing this album for a very good reason, I could have been one of the first to review it (I got it early you see, in disk form) so I would have reaped the benefits of adoration, views and more popularity. The problem was/is that I could never really get my head around "Plastic Beach". It is, in technical terms, a complete clusterfuck. I'm all for variety and trying something new, but Gorillaz completely alienated me with the direction they went in. That being said, there are still some good songs on the album.
Sadly, these good songs come after Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach, possibly the worst opener (not including the orchestral intro, that was pretty good but wasn't really a song) that has even been released by anyone in living memory. "Why is it so bad?" You may well ask. Well, it's bad because it is essentially Snoop Dog talking over an expensive sounding backing track. I can see that some may like this choice, but personally I cannot stand Mr. Dogg. Feelings aside, I think everyone can agree that he has no place in a Gorillaz album. The rest of the first half carries on much the same, for me it spelt disappointment after disappointment. All I wanted was another Feel Good Inc. or El Manana but I was given Stylo, a boring and somewhat pretentious song that repeats itself again, and again... and again.
Just when I thought about giving up on the album, Empire Ants finally began to play. It'a a laid back song and keeps to a Mediterranean aesthetic which soft percussion, gently strummed guitars and chimes in the background. There isn't anything incredibly special about it but it's calming and well put together, which is good enough for me. However, a beat comes in at around the half way mark which completely butchers the feel of the song, Empire Ants does improve towards the end but you can't help but wonder why Gorillaz decided to ruin what was a perfectly decent song.
This is the main problem with this album, Gorillaz just try to do too much and in most cases it simply doesn't work. The closest it gets to working is in Plastic Beach, the title track. Once again, this song is calming and would be much the same as Empire Ants if it wasn't for the electronic effects layered on top. It definitely sounds good but it just seems a bit much, with things seeming out of place. In my opinion, it would have been an amazing song if it weren't for maybe the 22nd or 23rd layer of effects.
The best song on the album is On Melancholy Hill, possibly because it's the least complicated song on the album. I won't tell you what it is like since you're already listening to it (or should be anyhow!) but even this song contains some seemingly randomly placed effects. Luckily they are quiet for the most part so blend in with the rest of the song.
"Plastic Beach" has been hailed by many more notable reviewers as genius, sadly I just can't agree with that. Sure, there are some good spots here and there but overall "Plastic Beech" fairs pretty badly with all the terrible songs it contains. Maybe I'm missing something, but I doubt it. Maybe others were just made high by the "euphoria" of a new Gorillaz album and they forgot the different doesn't equal good. I'll leave you to make your own mind up about it but what I see in this album is pretentious nonsense.
[hr]
Exams are over (horrah!), so I can finally do some more of these. I'll try and do another random one (including the Fake Blood EP) tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
[HEADING=1]Plastic Beach[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]__by Gorillaz[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Genre:____________ Alternative
Number of Songs:__ 16
Highlights:________- Empire Ants, On Melancholy Hill + Plastic Beach[/HEADING]
[hr]
I've put off reviewing this album for a very good reason, I could have been one of the first to review it (I got it early you see, in disk form) so I would have reaped the benefits of adoration, views and more popularity. The problem was/is that I could never really get my head around "Plastic Beach". It is, in technical terms, a complete clusterfuck. I'm all for variety and trying something new, but Gorillaz completely alienated me with the direction they went in. That being said, there are still some good songs on the album.
Sadly, these good songs come after Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach, possibly the worst opener (not including the orchestral intro, that was pretty good but wasn't really a song) that has even been released by anyone in living memory. "Why is it so bad?" You may well ask. Well, it's bad because it is essentially Snoop Dog talking over an expensive sounding backing track. I can see that some may like this choice, but personally I cannot stand Mr. Dogg. Feelings aside, I think everyone can agree that he has no place in a Gorillaz album. The rest of the first half carries on much the same, for me it spelt disappointment after disappointment. All I wanted was another Feel Good Inc. or El Manana but I was given Stylo, a boring and somewhat pretentious song that repeats itself again, and again... and again.
Just when I thought about giving up on the album, Empire Ants finally began to play. It'a a laid back song and keeps to a Mediterranean aesthetic which soft percussion, gently strummed guitars and chimes in the background. There isn't anything incredibly special about it but it's calming and well put together, which is good enough for me. However, a beat comes in at around the half way mark which completely butchers the feel of the song, Empire Ants does improve towards the end but you can't help but wonder why Gorillaz decided to ruin what was a perfectly decent song.
This is the main problem with this album, Gorillaz just try to do too much and in most cases it simply doesn't work. The closest it gets to working is in Plastic Beach, the title track. Once again, this song is calming and would be much the same as Empire Ants if it wasn't for the electronic effects layered on top. It definitely sounds good but it just seems a bit much, with things seeming out of place. In my opinion, it would have been an amazing song if it weren't for maybe the 22nd or 23rd layer of effects.
The best song on the album is On Melancholy Hill, possibly because it's the least complicated song on the album. I won't tell you what it is like since you're already listening to it (or should be anyhow!) but even this song contains some seemingly randomly placed effects. Luckily they are quiet for the most part so blend in with the rest of the song.
"Plastic Beach" has been hailed by many more notable reviewers as genius, sadly I just can't agree with that. Sure, there are some good spots here and there but overall "Plastic Beech" fairs pretty badly with all the terrible songs it contains. Maybe I'm missing something, but I doubt it. Maybe others were just made high by the "euphoria" of a new Gorillaz album and they forgot the different doesn't equal good. I'll leave you to make your own mind up about it but what I see in this album is pretentious nonsense.
[hr]
Exams are over (horrah!), so I can finally do some more of these. I'll try and do another random one (including the Fake Blood EP) tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
Aww you didn't like Some Kind of Nature or Glitter Freeze? Those were the best including On Melancholy Hill and Superfast Jellyfish.
Only two (that I know of).joethekoeller said:
I was going to link this review with the Fake Blood EP but I ran out of steam. It's a shame since they have the same problems.
But yeh, all to their own, this is only my opinion after all.
Superfast Jellyfish never really caught my attention and I've never been one for Jonny Cash I'm afraid.
It's coming soon don't you worry. I have enough time after all.Novskij said:No Pink Floyd review yet?
Id be interested in your view of it.
It probably did not help much that I interrupted my sonic journey through Opeth's sublime Damnation album to listen to that track you selected Stranger, nor that I'd been listening to Katatonia's exquisite Night is the New Day immediately prior to the Opeth album[footnote]Those are sort of tough acts to follow, and albums I think you would probably love by the way.[/footnote], but holy crap:
This is very useful information, because if that's the "best" that Gorillaz have to offer with their latest outing, I'm clearly not missing anything - that song was completely soulless and boring! There was no depth, no emotionality, no drive, just boring low-key cheerful delivered over canned drum-beats (hate those so much, blargh). I didn't even make it past the halfway point before I was forced to ask myself why the hell I was listening to Britpop pablum instead of Opeth, whereupon I promptly resumed doing so (winner = my ears).
In the interest of full disclosure, I did fully expect to hate it before I clicked play, as my previous run-ins with Gorillaz have only further reinforced my deep suspicion of anything that could be classified even partially as electronic hip-hop, but since I fully expect to hate all the music you review that I haven't already formed an opinion on via prior first hand experience, that doesn't really make much difference. Color me distinctly unimpressed.
So apparently we agree on the album as a whole, ha ha! There are just no bright points at all from my perspective - pretentious nonsense indeed.[footnote]There is just something deeply hilarious about a pop album decrying rampant consumerism.[/footnote]
You thought that was the best song on the album.
This is very useful information, because if that's the "best" that Gorillaz have to offer with their latest outing, I'm clearly not missing anything - that song was completely soulless and boring! There was no depth, no emotionality, no drive, just boring low-key cheerful delivered over canned drum-beats (hate those so much, blargh). I didn't even make it past the halfway point before I was forced to ask myself why the hell I was listening to Britpop pablum instead of Opeth, whereupon I promptly resumed doing so (winner = my ears).
In the interest of full disclosure, I did fully expect to hate it before I clicked play, as my previous run-ins with Gorillaz have only further reinforced my deep suspicion of anything that could be classified even partially as electronic hip-hop, but since I fully expect to hate all the music you review that I haven't already formed an opinion on via prior first hand experience, that doesn't really make much difference. Color me distinctly unimpressed.
So apparently we agree on the album as a whole, ha ha! There are just no bright points at all from my perspective - pretentious nonsense indeed.[footnote]There is just something deeply hilarious about a pop album decrying rampant consumerism.[/footnote]
I saw that!Gildan Bladeborn said:
It's especially funny if you read the youtube comments and the highest rated song is someone saying how the song "means so much" to them. Certainly made me laugh.
Gorillaz have actually done some good stuff though, like the previously mentioned El Manana.
If it makes you feel any better, that's got more to do with my default pessimistic stance on anything I go into blind than you per se - I'm of the mindset that it's far better to be pleasantly surprised sometimes than disappointed all the time, so I expect everything to suck going in. You've managed to surprise me a few times though!Stranger of Sorts said:
Ah, that's good. Anyway, I should probably get on to another review in a bit.Gildan Bladeborn said:
[img_inline caption="Fix Your Accent EP by Fake Blood" align="left" height="247" width="250"]http://www.hostanyimage.com/files/56965275185272884142.jpg[/img_inline]
[HEADING=1]A Stranger reviews[/HEADING][HEADING=1]Random stuff![/HEADING]
[HEADING=1]Fix your Accent EP[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]___by Fake Blood[/HEADING]
For reference, go and read my previous review of "Plastic Beach" by Gorillaz before you start reading this one as I don't want to repeat myself word for word. Let it also be known that this genre of music is completely new to me so I'm not sure if I'm commenting on the genre itself or Fake Blood.
Some of you may have guessed (probably the ones who read my last review) that I'm not too fond of Fake Blood and those people would be right... kind of. See, the thing is that "Fix Your Accent EP" suffers from the same disease of over complicating things and being too experimental like "Plastic Beach" did. As before, this means that there is bound to be some good stuff in the mix but overall you're likely to be left with a pretty poor collection of songs. This is no exception.
When I first listened to this EP I waited contently as the rolling percussion began the first song, Fix Your Accent, but began to cringe increasingly as more and more effects were added. The parts just don't seem to blend together at all and are all battling for your attention, it comes across as quite messy if anything. Furthermore, there just doesn't seem to be a proper rest. Oh sure, there are parts were only 3 instruments are playing but that isn't really enough. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, it isn't a terrible song but it would be so much better if a few dozen parts were dropped. The last song is The Dozens and falls in the same trap of including effects that don't seem to fit, however this one is made even worse with the inclusion of a deep bass line that harasses your ears while somehow managing to not make you want to dance.
Now before [user]slipknot4[/user] (the guy who asked me to review this) comes round to my house and kills me in my sleep I would like to point out that I am quite fond of I Think I Like It. It's simpler, catchy and contains some great parts, notably the string section after each verse that, in my humble opinion, is fantastic. What's more is that this song actually makes me want to dance, which is a lot more than I can say for the others. Also, it has a breakdown and build up, a move that works on me in almost any song it's used in.
Fake Blood seems pretty big already, so I doubt that anyone really interested in the genre has missed this EP. If you have then sure, go ahead and get it but those who are not interested in this genre shouldn't worry about purchasing it too much.
[hr]
[HEADING=2]___by Paper Tiger[/HEADING]
Just the one song in this section, from an album that hasn't come out yet. Isn't half good though, the piano works very well with the rest of the percussion and the vocals serve as just a pleasant space filler. Even so, it's a soothing song that I've fallen asleep to twice during the day and a half that I've owned it.
I'm pretty sure the parts where it goes a bit peculiar are the other parts in reverse but I may be mistaken. It bodes very well for the new album as I haven't really been a fan of Paper Tiger's previous work.
[hr]
Mt Eden again? Yes, I'm afraid. But this is a special occasion, I have found a Drum and Bass song I like. Probably because the bass does not take centre stage and there's an orchestra. It's weird that I feel calmed by what is essentially a very loud and fast paced song. Anyway, I can't really talk about it more without telling you what it sounds like exactly and you have a video for that.
Mt Eden have done it again.
[hr]
Thanks for reading.
And suggestions are welcome.
Pink Floyd next time and hopefully Fear Factory after that.
[HEADING=1]A Stranger reviews[/HEADING][HEADING=1]Random stuff![/HEADING]
[HEADING=1]Fix your Accent EP[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]___by Fake Blood[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Genre:___________________________ Dance/ House
Number of Songs:____________________________ 3
Highlight:________________________ I Think I Like It[/HEADING]
Number of Songs:____________________________ 3
Highlight:________________________ I Think I Like It[/HEADING]
For reference, go and read my previous review of "Plastic Beach" by Gorillaz before you start reading this one as I don't want to repeat myself word for word. Let it also be known that this genre of music is completely new to me so I'm not sure if I'm commenting on the genre itself or Fake Blood.
Some of you may have guessed (probably the ones who read my last review) that I'm not too fond of Fake Blood and those people would be right... kind of. See, the thing is that "Fix Your Accent EP" suffers from the same disease of over complicating things and being too experimental like "Plastic Beach" did. As before, this means that there is bound to be some good stuff in the mix but overall you're likely to be left with a pretty poor collection of songs. This is no exception.
When I first listened to this EP I waited contently as the rolling percussion began the first song, Fix Your Accent, but began to cringe increasingly as more and more effects were added. The parts just don't seem to blend together at all and are all battling for your attention, it comes across as quite messy if anything. Furthermore, there just doesn't seem to be a proper rest. Oh sure, there are parts were only 3 instruments are playing but that isn't really enough. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, it isn't a terrible song but it would be so much better if a few dozen parts were dropped. The last song is The Dozens and falls in the same trap of including effects that don't seem to fit, however this one is made even worse with the inclusion of a deep bass line that harasses your ears while somehow managing to not make you want to dance.
Now before [user]slipknot4[/user] (the guy who asked me to review this) comes round to my house and kills me in my sleep I would like to point out that I am quite fond of I Think I Like It. It's simpler, catchy and contains some great parts, notably the string section after each verse that, in my humble opinion, is fantastic. What's more is that this song actually makes me want to dance, which is a lot more than I can say for the others. Also, it has a breakdown and build up, a move that works on me in almost any song it's used in.
Fake Blood seems pretty big already, so I doubt that anyone really interested in the genre has missed this EP. If you have then sure, go ahead and get it but those who are not interested in this genre shouldn't worry about purchasing it too much.
[hr]
[HEADING=1]The Bully Plank[/HEADING][HEADING=2]___by Paper Tiger[/HEADING]
Just the one song in this section, from an album that hasn't come out yet. Isn't half good though, the piano works very well with the rest of the percussion and the vocals serve as just a pleasant space filler. Even so, it's a soothing song that I've fallen asleep to twice during the day and a half that I've owned it.
I'm pretty sure the parts where it goes a bit peculiar are the other parts in reverse but I may be mistaken. It bodes very well for the new album as I haven't really been a fan of Paper Tiger's previous work.
[hr]
[HEADING=1]Into the Light[/HEADING][HEADING=2]___by Mt Eden[/HEADING]Mt Eden again? Yes, I'm afraid. But this is a special occasion, I have found a Drum and Bass song I like. Probably because the bass does not take centre stage and there's an orchestra. It's weird that I feel calmed by what is essentially a very loud and fast paced song. Anyway, I can't really talk about it more without telling you what it sounds like exactly and you have a video for that.
Mt Eden have done it again.
[hr]
Thanks for reading.
And suggestions are welcome.
Pink Floyd next time and hopefully Fear Factory after that.
Very nice read of Plastic Beach and Fix Your Accent, Stranger.
I haven't actually listened to the two in question but I am thinking about getting Plastic Beach when I can. It depends on whether or not the only music store that isn't a train ride away has closed down again or not. But yeah, an entertaining read.
And as for the suggestions, can it be anything we like?
BecauseI'm feeling quite evil tonight... I have a suggestion for a genre of music that has gone woefully un-noticed.
And also, any tips for writing music reviews?
As I'm looking to move out of movies and games once in a while and have a shit ton of albums, thanks to my friend importing his iTunes onto my laptop.
I haven't actually listened to the two in question but I am thinking about getting Plastic Beach when I can. It depends on whether or not the only music store that isn't a train ride away has closed down again or not. But yeah, an entertaining read.
And as for the suggestions, can it be anything we like?
Because
And also, any tips for writing music reviews?
As I'm looking to move out of movies and games once in a while and have a shit ton of albums, thanks to my friend importing his iTunes onto my laptop.
As long as it's legal then yes, go ahead.Sassafrass said:
I'll say what I said to Freebird when he asked me a similar question. On one hand music reviewing is hard as there is no set structure to it like there is when reviewing games and music. You can't talk about a plot or the graphics and I doubt many people will want to know specific facts about the music (exactly what instruments are used/ tempo and whatnot). But this also makes it easy as you can review music however you like. Personally, I like the delve into a few songs and give an overview of the whole album along the way but I know that both [user]Gildan Bladeborn[/user] and [user]UnableToThinkOfName[/user] do it completely differently.
My advice is to just to write a music review in the style that you want to read them. As in, think of what you want to read when looking at a music review and write that.
Cool. I was going to suggest the Bleach OST but instead decided on the following.Stranger of Sorts said:
What would you think about Fallen by Evanescence?
Just found it on my iTunes, started listening and it'd be interesting to see what others think of it. It'll probably be hated, I'd imagine.
And thanks for the advice, I shall note that.