Well to be honest with you this album took my world by storm, as an acoustic guitar player and schizophrenic song writer it is easy for me to appreciate the amount of work and genius that has been engraved into this CD.
Hmm. I find myself agreeing with your friends - the guitar playing is nice enough, and the lyrical content is interesting, but his voice is the deal breaker. I've certainly heard worse, but the moment he started singing my brain instantly filed him away into the "earnest but terrible vocalists" category, and I make a point of not actually listening to anything that has that quality to it.
It'd be interesting hearing somebody with a better voice singing his songs I imagine.
Well to be honest with you this album took my world by storm, as an acoustic guitar player and schizophrenic song writer it is easy for me to appreciate the amount of work and genius that has been engraved into this CD.
Nah not really, i'm just into this sort of smallish venue brilliant music stuff, and that's the kinda stuff you tend to review , i've only met him, manchester orchestra and bloc party off of your reviews though. I intend to meet more
Nah not really, i'm just into this sort of smallish venue brilliant music stuff, and that's the kinda stuff you tend to review , i've only met him, manchester orchestra and bloc party off of your reviews though. I intend to meet more [/quote]
You've met Bloc Party? Lucky man, I remember seeing them live and it was insane, will enlighten more in the next review though
Nah not really, i'm just into this sort of smallish venue brilliant music stuff, and that's the kinda stuff you tend to review , i've only met him, manchester orchestra and bloc party off of your reviews though. I intend to meet more
[HEADING=2]20. The standard and my 50th review ever [/HEADING]
"What the hell? The title has changed!" Don't worry, I'll change it back for the next review, but the occasion warranted something special. Yes, that is right, somehow I have managed a total of 50 reviews on this site, that is including re-writes (all three of them) and the ones that are no longer listed in my "other reviews" box. It also coincides with the 20th review on this thread alone, so it's doubly special. I'd like to take this opportunity to see just how far I have come since my first stab at reviewing.
I distinctly remember my first review, well it wasn't really a review, more of a rant that I posted in the review section. It was on the subject of the Escapist forums and consisted of a few paragraphs of quick insults and attempted satire, but even with such a controversial topic I amassed a total of fifty views and two replies, one of which was someone telling me how much I sucked and the other was encouraging me to do another one. So all in all, not too good, even for a first "review".
So a month or so later, still giddy after one faint throw of encouragement I tried another review, this time making it less of a rant and actually useful to someone reading it. The review was a first impressions of the new Borderlands DLC, once again I came back a day later to find 50 views and 2 replies, although this time they were both positive. "Success!" is what I thought at the time. So I carried on reviewing, sure the earlier ones were never that special, they were usually short and rushed but to me they felt huge, especially when compared to the off-topic threads that I used to spew out.
Slowly but surely things started to change, after a while I could expect nearly 80 views and 3 replies, it's safe to say that things were looking good. My writing style was changing and I was getting quite a bit more confident about the whole business, the earliest review that I can find is this [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.176510-Review-Battlefield-Bad-Company-2-multiplayer-demo] and it's a good example of what I was churning out at the time.
Then something happened [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.182355-A-Stranger-reviews-The-Escapist-Forums], something that would push my out into the harsh and blinding limelight. It cames about because I was looking at my first review in a nostalgic way and the words of "try another one of these" was echoing through my head much like Peter Parker did with the power and responsibility phrase. So, once again I had a go at reviewing the Escapist again, though this time I was a bit more conservative about my thoughts. At first nothing happened so after 2 hours I bumped the review (got a warning for that one). A day later the review had 3 pages of replies and a thousand views. In that day I managed to piss off quite a few people (namely the person who told me to "try another one of these") but I was happy with the generally positive response to it.
By far the best thing that I've done is to start this thread, although I think the title "Music for Dummies" is a bit too aggressive now that I look at it. I prefer to call it "the juggernaut", mainly because that sounds cool but also because the sheer number of reviews I've done on this thread alone is quite staggering.
I really don't know why I continue to write at the pace that I do at the moment, I guess I would have to say that I enjoy it. Hopefully I've improved immeasurably from those first ranting paragraphs, since otherwise there would be little point to it. Little point that is, besides the entertainment of the rag-tag group of people that continually read these reviews. To those people I will ever be grateful, even the ones who don't make themselves known (I know there are some of you.... somewhere...). I've always been interested in the number of people there are but since there isn't anyway of finding that out I guess I will never know. Anyway, enough of these ramblings, here's the review.
[HEADING=1]A Weekend in the City[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]_by Bloc Party[/HEADING]
[h4] Genre = Rock/ Indie
Number of Songs = 11
Highlights = N/A[/h4]
My history with Bloc Party is a strange and slow one, when I was a cool-kid I bought this album for no reason other to jump on the latest bandwagon. I gave it a spin but didn't relate to it at all since my music taste at the time was very metal orientated. A few months later a friend asked if I wanted to go and see Bloc Party live, I accepted and on the day I had what can only be described as an epiphany. Looking around at the time I wasn't the only one either. As soon as I got home I replayed this CD and have never put it down since.
What A Weekend in the City did so well to drag me from metal was to start off very heavily, Song for Clay is a fast paced song with heavy guitar and a pumping rhythm, but it does this while maintaining a rather surreal and drifting quality. This is due to the multiple layers of instruments and the calming versus. The bridge of "East London is a vampire, it sucks the life right out of me" provides a contrast by getting rid of the instruments, making it all the more powerful when they return. The next song Hunting for Witches continues the trend with loud instruments but adds an even louder chorus for emphasis. But, while these songs are great, I don't listen to them nearly as much as the rest.
See, what this album does is to get progressively quieter and more melodic from this point, the songs focus less on quiet verses and loud choruses but more on the build up of the songs. The first example is Uniform, a song that starts of fairly quiet and quite downbeat, even the first "choruses" are pretty depressing. Slowly, but surely, it builds up into a fairly heavy rock song by the end. The thing that stands out the most for me in this song is the lyrics, they are an observation on youth culture and the hopelessness of it all. I slowly found myself relating to these for their honesty and truth. Uniform however, isn't the best example of these factors at work. The best song on A Weekend in the City is Kreuzberg, a song that I listed as my favourite of all time. Again it starts out slow and with lyrics of desperation but is made all the more perfect by the inclusion of the catchy but chilling keyboard tune in the chorus and the outro. The build-up is slow yet noticeable and the overall effect is astounding.
The problem I had with choosing the highlights for this album is that every song is a highlight, there isn't a bad song to be found in, or anywhere near this album. Even the b-sides are spectacular. One other that stands out though, is SRXT, this song is also one that builds up but it does it pretty drastically: starting off incredibly quietly but ending with something that could easily blow your ear drums if you aren't careful.
You can probably tell by now that I am in love with this album, it is probably the thing that has most shaped my personality and it started me off on the long winding path that found me with my current music taste. While I do not expect this album to effect anyone else as much as it did me, I would highly recommend it to anyone, whatever their musical background.
Most recent review: The Butterfly Effect [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.191275-A-Review-of-Sorts-The-Butterfly-Effect]
It's About Time! Resistance 2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.190001-Its-About-Time-Resistance-2] Resistance:Fall of Man [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.189272-Its-About-Time-Resistance-Fall-of-Man] Final Fantasy XII [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.188075-Poll-Its-About-Time-Final-Fantasy-XII] Fallout 3 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.186956-Its-About-Time-Fallout-3-version-1-2] Dragon Age: Origins [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.185708-Its-About-Time-Dragon-Age-Origins] Little Big Planet [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.184065-Its-About-Time-Little-Big-Planet] Games Peekaboo [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.188855-A-Review-of-Sorts-Peekaboo-complete-re-write] Cel Damage Overdrive [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.187437-A-Stranger-reviews-Cel-Damage-Overdrive] The Fall(en) [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.183414-A-Stranger-reviews-The-Fall-en-updated], Plants Vs Zombies [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.183040-Plants-Vs-Zombies-In-a-Nutshell], Borderlands DLC: Secret Armoury [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.179437-A-Stranger-Reviews-Borderlands-Secret-Armoury-Get-you-one],Cod: Modern Warfare 2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.181561-A-Stranger-reviews-CoD-Modern-Warfare-2-a-review-to-end-all-others-well-hopefully], B:BC2 demo [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.176510-Review-Battlefield-Bad-Company-2-multiplayer-demo] Movies The Butterfly Effect [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.191275-A-Review-of-Sorts-The-Butterfly-Effect] 2001: A Space Odyssey [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.179870-2001-A-Space-Odyssey-A-Strangers-verdict] Music [url-http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.183857-Music-for-Dummies-A-collection-of-music-reviews-7-Technicolour-Health-by-Harlem-Shakes]The Music Thread[/url] My Dinosaur Life [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.182845-A-Stranger-reviews-music-My-Dinosaur-Life-by-MCS], Cajun Dance Party [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.181141-Cajun-Dance-Party-A-Strangers-Music-Review], Bloc Party [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.178462-A-Music-Review-Bloc-Party] Random The Escapist forums [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.182355-A-Stranger-reviews-The-Escapist-Forums] Progress Wars [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.185328-Poll-A-Stranger-reviews-Progress-Wars]
This review may seem rushed but come on, I had just written a load of crap about reviewing before hand!
[HEADING=1]Here's to 50 reviews, and all those that are sure to follow![/HEADING]
[HEADING=1]Total Life Forever[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]____by Foals[/HEADING]
_
Holy crap the format has changed! Was there any need for me to do this? No there was not. So why did I do it? Well I thought that since I've done 20 reviews with the exact same format I should try and spruce things up a bit. Although if this is badly received I may just change it right back. And while we're on the subject of things not too relevant I have to say the Google Chrome is a life saver, my computer decided to crash twice during this review and both times I clicked restore and it had saved what I had written for me.
Now it should be known that this album doesn't actually come out until the 10th of May, and being that it is the 30th April today you've probably guessed that I pirated it. This is true, but as with the Jonsi album I intend to buy a hard copy of Total Life Forever as soon as I can. And with good reason as for once a band have gone in the exact direction I wanted them to go in.
See, Foals last album was a mix of up-beat and shallow, but ultimately catchy pop tunes with a mix of more downbeat, surreal stuff. It was the latter that I enjoyed the most, particularly the song "Big Big Love", one of the best songs I've ever heard. So for those who haven't quite caught on yet, Total Life Forever completely ditches the pop aspect and takes a Radiohead-esque turn for the mellow and dreamlike. This is fitting really since some of Foals went to the same school as the members of Radiohead, which incidentally is the school I go to now.
Many would expect the single of an album to be the most mainstream song the band could mash together in time, with Total Life Forver this is not the case. Spanish Sahara is a song that starts off incredibly quiet and slowly but eventually builds up into something audible. The song is not upbeat, that complicated or even catchy; what it is is emotional, calm and (eventually) pretty epic. I didn't find myself singing along to this song, instead I lay back on my bed and just let it wash over me, "Spanish Sahara" really maintains that flowing, even liquid quality that is all too rare nowadays.
[HEADING=3]____________"The future isn't what it used to be." - Black Gold[/HEADING]
Now I mentioned Radiohead earlier because the two bands seem to be getting increasingly similar. Foals have completely ditched what is usually expected of a song, in some of the songs on Total Life Forever there isn't even a chorus. The decision is refreshing and, I think, a good one. That being said Foals are still distinctly unique, the interesting background guitar, the soft vocals and repeating parts are things that they always use in some form or another. However, their style has changed immensely from the days of Antidotes, if I were to pick one song to personify this change it would have to be "2 Trees".
"2 Trees" is by far my favourite song on this album, well for the moment anyway, with this type of album you are continuously finding new things that grab your attention. But the reason that "2 Trees" is my momentary favourite is because it is everything Foals are, but better. The soft verses, with interesting guitar and repeating parts give way to an amazingly surreal 'chorus'. I use the word surreal because it is weird (as in different) yet enticing and incredibly relaxing. You feel as though you could easily fall asleep to it. What's more is that the song slowly subsides with the same repeated tune that is the epitome of relaxing.
I could easily pick out other songs on this album, they are all good yet some are better than others. Other commendable songs include "Black Gold" and "What Remains", but at the moment they are completely blown away by "2 Trees". Should you purchase this album? Yes, yes you should. Especially if you like trying out new types of music and don't feel as though music has to assault your ears.
[HEADING=1][small]_[/small][/HEADING]
Funny(ish) story, I've met people in Foals on two separate occasions: on one they were sheltering from the rain in a bus stop in a small village and another time I saw the drummer doing the weekly shop in Sainsbury's.
Anyway feel free to leave a comment about anything you want, concerning any review I've done or whatever. If you have any suggestions I will definitely listen to what is recommended, but I can't guarantee that I'll review it.
Another thing, I'm currently compiling something I call The Scumbags' Way of getting people to read your reviews, though I don't think telling people some of the things we be a good idea.
[sup][sup][sup][sup][sup]It's probably a good idea to not mention that you've pirated things. Just sayin'.[/sup][/sup][/sup][/sup][/sup]
OT: I shall keep my presence here brief. I'm not really into today's music scene, or really any music of the past 50 years (granted, I'll listen to it, but only on the radio). So it's rather hard for me to feel swayed into getting this album.
I will say, however, that's it's probably a good idea to not throws phrases like "o for those without higher brain functions" in your reviews, as it can either come of insulting and/or diminish your credibility. If you're going to say something, just say it, instead of using transitions like this; a better alternative would be something like "as you may have guessed."
Another thing I have deals with formatting. Leave the band names alone, or bold them for easy identification, italicize the name of the album, and identify each individual song using "quotes." This is the same formatting used for books of essays, short stories, and poetry, and it can be applied to albums, as well.
[sup][sup][sup][sup][sup]It's probably a good idea to not mention that you've pirated things. Just sayin'.[/sup][/sup][/sup][/sup][/sup]
OT: I shall keep my presence here brief. I'm not really into today's music scene, or really any music of the past 50 years (granted, I'll listen to it, but only on the radio). So it's rather hard for me to feel swayed into getting this album.
I will say, however, that's it's probably a good idea to not throws phrases like "o for those without higher brain functions" in your reviews, as it can either come of insulting and/or diminish your credibility. If you're going to say something, just say it, instead of using transitions like this; a better alternative would be something like "as you may have guessed."
Another thing I have deals with formatting. Leave the band names alone, or bold them for easy identification, italicize the name of the album, and identify each individual song using "quotes." This is the same formatting used for books of essays, short stories, and poetry, and it can be applied to albums, as well.
If you don't listen to music that's new can I ask what it is that you actually listen to?
I admit when I wrote that line I thought it was a little bit to risky and didn't quite fit in properly. I decided to use it anyway but I've changed it to something that means the same but is less offensive. It is now more of a jibe than a direct insult, which was what I was going for in the first place. Also, I've gone through the review and changed all the formatting in accordance to what you said.
Let me rephrase. I DO listen to newer music, but only on the radio. I don't buy albums, I don't own an iPod, and I don't use Pandora. I prefer video game music, classical/pre 1950's, and writing my own instead. This also means that, while I can identify melodies, I can't tie them together with song names or the names of bands without seeming like a total noob, and usually only when someone tells me what it's called and who plays it.
... Yeah, this further reinforces that our respective tastes in music do not overlap much Stranger of Sorts, as that Spanish Sahara song you selected as your example of a "must buy album" was painfully boring. Don't get me wrong, I like quiet contemplative music just fine - heck, I listen to and enjoy stuff like say... this:
But that song? First it's too plodding, and then it's too loud and repetitive, and the vocals, while not bad enough to be actually offensive, are so firmly in the "generic high pitched British indie band guy" category that it's not even funny. I have to thank you though for pointing out the similarity to Radiohead, as that gives me further reason to continue not ever listening to Radiohead (though now it will be by choice rather than apathy).
But as for the review itself, the switcheroo with the formatting seems to work fine, if you like it better this way I certainly won't be complaining. I am still wondering when you plan on reviewing Paradise Lost though, as you mentioned you were going to do that more than a few reviews back and yet, no Symphony X!
As I've said Spanish Sahara is not the best song on the album, it's just the only one with a video on youtube. Though personally, I still like it as the voice doesn't feel separate from the instruments as it's basically used as one. But I can see why many wouldn't like it but hey, music is subjective. What I can't seem to understand is why you deny yourself the chance of listening to Radiohead, they've done some great stuff.
Well here we are again, but this time with something different; no, not just the format. Enter Shikari are a band far away from my normal musical tastes, they are not mellow (well, not really), they do not sing about killing themselves and they're pretty loud and scream-y. Does this satisfy as something different? 'Cos it better, or else.
Now I remember listening to Enter Shikari since when they were still obscure, since then they have gone onto become pretty renowned, receiving the attention they deserved. But then they went and ruined it all with a mediocre second album. What "Take to the Skies" consists of is pounding guitar riffs overlayed by mostly techno keyboard and just a bit of growling, however the album is fairly versatile so labelling every song like this isn't fair. Sometimes the songs will border on pop-rock while in one particular song (note: only one) Enter Shikari deliver an acoustic ballad.
The most popular song on the album is Sorry You're not a Winner, and with good reason too. There's a brief interlude before the song which helps with the build up but when the song starts proper a very loud and heavy guitar. The thing that strikes me most with this song is the transition between the verse and the chorus, in the verse you have guitars and shouting but the chorus brings with it a more melodic voice and a keyboard riff on top. It's proper head banging music and really gets your blood pumping, not to mention the breakdown borders on orgasmic.
Jonny Sniper is a song that dragged me in for four principle reasons, firstly my name is Jonny, secondly I like to snipe on FPSs, thirdly, it has a really cool intro and lastly, its awesome. At first glance it may not be as fast paced as Sorry You're not a Winner but it is better off for it. There's a recurring riff that is played by both guitar and keyboard at different parts of the song which is pretty sweet, plus it's just as head-bang-worthy as its more popular counterpart. What Enter Shikari do well in both songs is to have a clear transition between verse and chorus, or in this case quiet and loud which empowers both parts and makes the songs a lot more exciting to listen to.
As I mentioned before, "Take to the Skies" is not a completely fast paced metal album, there are places where Enter Skikari slow down a bit. The most notable of these is Adieu, which is (literally) the "farewell" of the album. It starts of incredibly slowly with only the singer, an acoustic guitar and panpipes and ends with synthesisers and a heavy dance beat. The transition between these is very well done and well worth a listen, it catches you off guard which is really powerful and really good.
But "Take to the Skies" is by no means a three song album, I would happily reckomend every song on the album (with one exception) as they are all good in their own way, even if some of them do sound similar. But since that brand of similar is also good this can be easily forgiven. In each song there's a breakdown of some sort but all serve to only improve the songs. Another slight nit pick is the lyrics are rather too nonsensical for my liking, they're very dream like and epic but they don't really mean anything.
All in all, if you don't already own this album and are a metal/ rock fan then I suggest checking them out, even now me and my friends (yes, I have friends, shocking isn't it?) continue to give the album a spin pretty regularly since compared to a lot of the trash that comes out today, it's pretty damn sweet.
I really don't understand what the hell is going on in this video, firstly, it's quite akward at the beginning. And then suddenly all hell seems to have broken loose and three lads appear to be trying to kill each other. And then they disappear... coincidence? I think not.
Oh and then it all goes red, thus proving my hell theory.Good song though.
Stop reading this and go read the review in the spoiler box above, or if you've done that please leave a comment with thoughts/ whatever about any of my reviews, just tell me which one otherwise it'll get confusing. Thanks for reading
Great reviews stranger. I read most of them, but I don't have all day to read enless music reviews .
I dont care for much of the songs you posted, but thats not really that imporatnt. I love electronic music but become easily bored with "indie" music and how slow it is. Every once in a whiel I like the trance it can put me it. I am excited to go to youtube and hear something by Red Light District becuase the vid won't play here.
Also I think you missed on of the main qualities of dubstep in your definition which is its slower tempo. Its kind of the hallmark of the genre.
Finally, here's a video for you to enjoy. Its one of my favorite artists who blend indie with electronica: The Faint.
That's it. You like Frank Turner, Manchester Orchestra, Bloc Party AND NOW Enter Shikari (Another band I have met at Rock City ). Thats 4 of my 5 favourite bands. We must become BFFL's like... now!
As an apology here is some incredibly slow dubstep for you, even if I doubt that it's dubstep at all.
alerriixx said:
That's it. You like Frank Turner, Manchester Orchestra, Bloc Party AND NOW Enter Shikari (Another band I have met at Rock City ). Thats 4 of my 5 favourite bands. We must become BFFL's like... now!
As an apology here is some incredibly slow dubstep for you, even if I doubt that it's dubstep at all.
alerriixx said:
That's it. You like Frank Turner, Manchester Orchestra, Bloc Party AND NOW Enter Shikari (Another band I have met at Rock City ). Thats 4 of my 5 favourite bands. We must become BFFL's like... now!
No apology necessary, that song was indeed super slow. I wish I had some bass on my office speakers becuase there must be more to that song than I can hear.
I really do listen to more dubstep than anything else right now. I dont know about you but I do that with music. I go in phases, now its dubstep, later it will be nothing but metal, then I'll go back to electro or breakbeat. But for now, its Datsik FTW.
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, I feel quite happy I was quoted and used as inspiration for such a bitchin man
