Who is My Bloody Valentine?

[Bub]

I've always wanted to know. Who is My Bloody Valentine? I know they're a shoegaze band that were a huge influence on The Smashing Pumpkins, Sliversun Pickups, and others but I never knew who they were or how they sound. Could someone explain or maybe post some songs by them that sound good.

[Gowienczyk]

This is a bad joke, right?

RIGHT?

Well, I guess a good way to explain them is think of a dreamy atmosphere with melodic and tranquil vocals mixed with some noise influences and you'd have MBV and probably most of shoegaze/dream pop. There is a good reason why Loveless is rated so highly.

The quickest example would be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB8nCE2EoIw

[afterstasis]

MBV are so difficult to sample on the internet...
they're a band you have to be pretty patient towards, their albums totally trump single songs, and their music can sound really bad when listened to via bad internet streams or crappy computer speakers.

i'd suggest getting either "loveless" or "isn't anything" (if you download it, please make sure it's at least 192kbps) and giving the full album a few attentive listens. it's really amazing stuff.

[Alright_Computer]

The quickest example would be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB8nCE2EoIw

Most amazing opening song ever. I'd definitely recommend My Bloody Valentine. Pick up a copy of Loveless ASAP in your chosen format. It's easily one of the best albums of the 90's. Don't download it from iTunes though, the low-quality mp3's don't do it any justice. Don't get singles, either. MBV is MUCH better as an album band. To describe them, combine the noisy distorted guitars you've heard in Smashing Pumpkins with a dreamy atmosphere and you've got My Bloody Valenting.

They're also known for their live shows, which kill your ears (in a good way).

I can't stress enough that you should get a copy of Loveless as soon as you can. Don't miss out any longer.

[Soror_YZBL]

I've always wanted to know. Who is My Bloody Valentine? I know they're a shoegaze band that were a huge influence on The Smashing Pumpkins, Sliversun Pickups, and others but I never knew who they were or how they sound. Could someone explain or maybe post some songs by them that sound good.

MBV = Love.

[Zeleii]

MBV = Love.
I think you're just a little close

:rolleyes:

[Soror_YZBL]

I think you're just a little close

:rolleyes:

yeah, actually it's Lush=love to me, but mbv's a close third.

[afterstasis]

my personal "classic shoegaze" hierarchy goes like this...

1. slowdive
2. my bloody valentine
3. ride
4. lush
5. galaxie 500
6. the jesus & mary chain
7. swervedriver

[kwami42]

I took people's words for it and downloaded Loveless, and I *ahem* love it. I love these forums, they've really turned me on to a lot of new music. I got Carnavas by SSPU too and like it a lot.

[afterstasis]

awesome. give "isn't anything" a shot too.
most people just dwell that it isn't as good as "loveless", but i think both albums are equally essential.

also check the shoegaze thread we have going and check out some more similar bands.

i'm very pleased to hear that newcomers are checking this stuff out and digging it! :)

EDIT: here's the shoegaze thread... http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97367

[Soror_YZBL]

OOO MY shogazer hierarchy:

1. Lush
2. My Bloody Valentine
3. The Verve
4. Medicine
5. The Cranes

It's actually really hard to choose, and I feel bad for leaving off Slowdive, Spaceman 3, Curve, Ride, BJM, LLC, LSD, etc etc etc, because I pretty much love every shoegazer act I've ever heard (except the cocteau twins, which is odd since Robin Guthrie gave Lush their sound).