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View Full Version : Just Enough Metal (and Rock, and New Wave, and ...)



BodhiWolff
11-07-2007, 05:00 PM
Okay, so after seeing a poll wherein people are trolling about how terrible the setlist is, and about how there isn't enough "metal", I have to say that I'm disappointed in some people's reactions, their understanding of the game's potential, and mostly in their personal musical horizons.

Metal is a part of popular music. Sure. Yup. So is classic rock, and pop, and funk, and so forth. Metal is merely a small part of it. Metal had its hey day, and has its icons, and we're all grateful for it, and enjoy it. Enjoy it as part of the whole.

So Rock Band has picked songs representative of the various decades of rock music, starting with the '60's (which is rather under-represented). Starting with the '70's, I can see fine examples of "metal" music, and strong metal icon bands, shining examples loud and clear right there in the list. Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath. I'm happy. Great stuff! Each decade has a good, solid example for the metal fan in me!

One good solid example per decade, out of the approximately ten songs per decade for the game, is probably just about the appropriate balance, then, when you compare the influence Metal has had on the totality of music. So I'm happy. It is balanced. Balance is a good thing.

Do I want the "all metal" version of the game? Don't be ridiculous! That'd be like asking for "jazz band" or "funk band" or "pop band" or "sk8r rock band" or "grunge band". I'd be a ridiculous poseur if I asked for "metal band", and of course "blues-influenced-modern-rock-with-a-hint-of-soul band" is too long to fit on the box cover. It is all just modern rock, and it is all fine.

Even Fallout Boy, folks. They're examples of a particular style of modern music, and one that as a musician I don't particularly mind.

Why? 'cause I've learned my lesson.

I am a musician. I am also an old fart. I hang around with other old fart musicians. Nothing makes me sadder than to see old fart musicians try to explain why all the best music was written in the '70's, or the '60's, or the '80's (depending on their age and when they stopped listening to the radio). Music grows, and changes, and learns from itself. The best musicians keep listening to what is out there, and keep learning new stuff, and change with the times, and then revisit their old stuff and come out stronger than ever. It is all a big wheel. Sometimes it comes out exactly the same, and we call it a revival. Sometimes it comes out reimagined, and we call it innovative. All I know is that when Johnny Cash can come out with a cool new re-imagining of a Trent Reznor tune - and completely own it! - months before he dies, I know a real musician doesn't stop learning, listening, and growing just because he's got silver hair and walks with a cane.

Since I'm nowhere near as old as Mr. Cash was, I'm too damned young to get stupid and stop listening to new stuff when older, wiser, smarter, better, and cooler musicians than I am are showing that there is something to be gained by opening up your mind (and your ears) and giving all of the music a chance.

So hats off to Harmonix, and the work they've done in showcasing a fine cross-section of *many* of the styles of modern rock music in their upcoming game.

I hope that, through downloadable content, if people feel they *absolutely* have to, then people get the chance to customize the game the way that they want. That way, if you want "Metal Band" or "Funk Band", you can get your wish. If you want to prove that you're more metal than thou, then go ahead.

But me? I want it all! I want all of the music!

And I'm happy that Harmonix has some musical direction behind it that understands that music didn't stop with one genre, with one decade, with one city, or with one instrument.

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-07-2007, 05:15 PM
As of yet there is no death metal and there probably never will be. Which is a shame. The guitar and drum parts would really be challenging.

The lack of a double bass really limits this genre.

monstrado
11-07-2007, 05:16 PM
agreed,

I only wish more attention will be given to the heavier side of rock for a few songs.

Spankyboy0710
11-07-2007, 05:32 PM
agreed,

I only wish more attention will be given to the heavier side of rock for a few songs.

I'm sure you will get your wish in DLC. I'm sure that for the initial launch they wanted to keep it as broad as possible and let the market narrow after you have the basic software for the game.

Reaper0563
11-07-2007, 07:19 PM
initially i was upset with the low amount of metal, but after playing the demo i realized that it is not about which song I'm playing but about who I'm playing with and the tempo of the song. The faster songs "Are you gonna be my girl" was my favorite and I don't really like the song all that much to just listen to. I still want some metal, but I know they will deliver with metallica so i am happy :D :D

MaineDrummer
11-07-2007, 11:35 PM
Very nice BodhiWolff.

I could have written the same post. Maybe being an old fart musician like yourself is why I keep my eyes and ears open and appreciate music as a whole, from the Stones to Fall Out Boy.

I can see the future now..After a thousand songs have been released on DLC....

Now- "Why didn't they put in *BAND* the game? This sucks!"

Then- "Why out of the 10 *BAND* songs didn't they put *SONG* in there? This sucks!"

TheFatBloke
11-07-2007, 11:40 PM
I don't like metal really from after around 1990 and only prefer stuff like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. They are both in it so I'm bloody ecstatic.

No more metal for me in this game is needed, however more experimental stuff is.

Ardius
11-07-2007, 11:48 PM
I don't like metal really from after around 1990

Ah, but its all about where to look.
I strongly suggest Bruce Dickinson's solo stuff if you want proof that 90's metal was great.

Anyway, like has been said, the only thing really missing from the game is the extremes of metal....but then, its even more a small market. In other words, I agree with everything said. Any complaints people have should just be replied to with "DLC".

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-07-2007, 11:51 PM
Don't get me wrong.... I like most of the songs in RB.... cept for Man Offender and Dead on Arrival..

But songs like this:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XBnRURdynMk&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XBnRURdynMk&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Get my blood flowing.

TheFatBloke
11-07-2007, 11:53 PM
Don't get me wrong.... I like most of the songs in RB.... cept for Man Offender and Dead on Arrival..

But songs like this:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XBnRURdynMk&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XBnRURdynMk&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Get my blood flowing.

That song by itself is a prime example of why I hate modern metal.

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-07-2007, 11:58 PM
That song by itself is a prime example of why I hate modern metal.

And you couldn't have listened to the entire song in the time I posted to the time you posted.

Did you even listen past the intro?

This song is also by Machine Head... more people seem to like it... I think it's because it doesn't have the "Cookie Monster" lyrics:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/scr8eqrfvAA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/scr8eqrfvAA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Ardius
11-08-2007, 12:08 AM
My examples of good 90s metal:
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ntw7rYgHYvY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ntw7rYgHYvY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JAagedeKdcQ&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JAagedeKdcQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z47FCujqh7M&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z47FCujqh7M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-08-2007, 12:16 AM
My examples of good 90s metal:
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ntw7rYgHYvY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ntw7rYgHYvY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JAagedeKdcQ&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JAagedeKdcQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z47FCujqh7M&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z47FCujqh7M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>


If it didn't say "Eccentric Maiden Fan" in your sig it would have been obvious after posting those vids.... the first and 3rd bands sound very similar to Maiden.

Ardius
11-08-2007, 12:19 AM
^lol, I know. But still people seem to overlook the older bands work in the 90s, especially Blaze's stuff with Maiden and Bruce's solo stuff.
Of course, I had to post Painkiller as an example of ultimate metal, espcially from the early 90s.

JarethLegend
11-08-2007, 06:03 AM
I'm perfectly fine with diversity. I think every style of music that makes use of guitars, drums, and has vocals should be included. Personally I want more extreme forms of metal in this game. It has not been represented at all. I know people have issues with the vocals in some of these styles of metal, but depending on how they designed the game I don't see why screams and growls can not be done. I know they even have a rap sort of mode for the game. It would be awesome if they had some sort of scream and growl mode built in as well.

caex12
11-08-2007, 07:17 AM
That song by itself is a prime example of why I hate modern metal.


Listen to some non-mainstream "modern" metal. Not all metal around now sounds like that crappy band.

MundaneSoul
11-08-2007, 07:22 AM
Great post, Bodhi. I was reading through it nodding my head the whole time.

BodhiWolff
11-08-2007, 07:24 AM
Thanks, MundaneSoul. It means a lot to know that people actually read the first bit, before it became a competition between oldschool vs. newschool metal ... again ...

Way to hijack the thread, guys.

Thank you for reaffirming my lack of faith in human nature.

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-08-2007, 07:27 AM
Listen to some non-mainstream "modern" metal. Not all metal around now sounds like that crappy band.

Machine Head crappy? Psssh.

espher
11-08-2007, 07:28 AM
I agree with the description of "crappy".

I also agree with the OP.

TK-757
11-08-2007, 07:33 AM
Great post, Bodhi. I was reading through it nodding my head the whole time.

I totally agree. I work in radio, and while sometimes I shake my head at some of the stuff our CHR station plays, I also realize that music is always growing... That's what makes music so much FUN!

And hell, I'm not scared to admit that I've enjoyed an Ashley Tisdale tune as well as Rotersand & Assemblage 23. *laugh*

LongDarkBlues
11-08-2007, 07:42 AM
the original poster makes a great point, and, threadjacked or no, the lead singer from Machine head used to have frosted hair (http://www.maximum-ink.com/1999/covers/machine-head-9-99/machine-head-9-99.jpg). Corporate metal, much less frosted-hair mall-metal = crap. They are on Nickelback's label for chrissakes.

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-08-2007, 07:49 AM
the original poster makes a great point, and, threadjacked or no, the lead singer from Machine head used to have frosted hair (http://www.maximum-ink.com/1999/covers/machine-head-9-99/machine-head-9-99.jpg). Corporate metal, much less frosted-hair mall-metal = crap. They are on Nickelback's label for chrissakes.


What does that have to do with their music?

LongDarkBlues
11-08-2007, 07:55 AM
Well, music created with the sole intent of marketing to teenagers (or marketing to anyone) is almost always artistically bankrupt, these guys being no exception. If your band has to put on make-up and pose for a label staff photographer trying to look tough to sell records, your band is pretty damn lame. Great music speaks for itself, corporate whores trying to get on the cover of NME push carefully marketed crap speak with douchebaggy photos.

The_Vampire_Lestat
11-08-2007, 08:43 AM
Well, music created with the sole intent of marketing to teenagers (or marketing to anyone) is almost always artistically bankrupt, these guys being no exception. If your band has to put on make-up and pose for a label staff photographer trying to look tough to sell records, your band is pretty damn lame. Great music speaks for itself, corporate whores trying to get on the cover of NME push carefully marketed crap speak with douchebaggy photos.

That has nothing to do with their music, and everything to do with making $$.

LongDarkBlues
11-08-2007, 08:53 AM
that's what I'm saying - their music exists purely to make money. That's why it's crappy music. It's calculated and watered down to broaden their appeal. Rather than making something artistically interesting, they make their music as easily digestible as possible for their target audience (aged 14-19 white suburban males) - they give you something that they anticipate will placate your tastes by hitting the proper cliches and it's mildly satisfying and unchallenging. That's pretty much the definition of worthless art. The corporate shilling is just an easy indicator as to what's going on with the music.

Reaper0563
11-08-2007, 09:02 AM
I have actually just gotten into machine head i loves it, but not all their music is good personally i say look no farther than the blackening album some good shiz

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kHYqE0BLBMA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kHYqE0BLBMA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

This is "Now I lay thee down" one of my favorites off of The Blackening

thrdeye
11-08-2007, 09:31 AM
I can't really stand that sort of metal that has absolutely no melody to it and "RAWWWWR RAWWWR (insert emo humming) RAAAAWR RAWRRRR" for lyrics. Exactly the stuff that Vampire posted.

I really like System of A Down, though, and I guess it could be argued that they are in that neighborhood somewhere, but they don't fit a genre, IMO.

edit: BTW, kudos to the OP.

Reaper0563
11-08-2007, 09:35 AM
I can't really stand that sort of metal that has absolutely no melody to it and "RAWWWWR RAWWWR (insert emo humming) RAAAAWR RAWRRRR" for lyrics. Exactly the stuff that Vampire posted.

I really like System of A Down, though, and I guess it could be argued that they are in that neighborhood somewhere, but they don't fit a genre, IMO.

edit: BTW, kudos to the OP.

early system of a down was awesome, their new stuff is too poppy for me to listen to anymore, on a side note i hated the new serj tankian album

thrdeye
11-08-2007, 09:54 AM
early system of a down was awesome, their new stuff is too poppy for me to listen to anymore, on a side note i hated the new serj tankian album

I didn't like mezmerize and hypnotize that much either. I has not heard the Serj.

Reaper0563
11-08-2007, 10:24 AM
I didn't like mezmerize and hypnotize that much either. I has not heard the Serj.

its sounds the exact same except without Daron on back up :rolleyes:

Ardius
11-08-2007, 11:06 AM
I can't really stand that sort of metal that has absolutely no melody to it and "RAWWWWR RAWWWR (insert emo humming) RAAAAWR RAWRRRR" for lyrics. Exactly the stuff that Vampire posted.

I really like System of A Down, though, and I guess it could be argued that they are in that neighborhood somewhere, but they don't fit a genre, IMO.

edit: BTW, kudos to the OP.

System of a Down is NOT metal.

Want proof? Try and find them here: www.metal-archives.com
Please, if were going to start suggesting metal bands, at least find out if theyre metal first. Important note: Metalcore and Nu-metal are not metal, its just unfortunate they have the word in the name.

Reaper0563
11-08-2007, 11:22 AM
System of a Down is NOT metal.

Want proof? Try and find them here: www.metal-archives.com
Please, if were going to start suggesting metal bands, at least find out if theyre metal first. Important note: Metalcore and Nu-metal are not metal, its just unfortunate they have the word in the name.

omg douches make me laugh, we were just talking about the music not suggesting for DLC or anything, I wouldn't want to play system of a down, machine head wouldn't be bad

EDIT: wow i just went to ^ metal-archives, im glad they're not on there lots of bands I've never heard of on there, alot of it sounds like deathmetal

ThuDogFood
11-08-2007, 11:22 AM
I agree with the topic creator. I've been thinking about how I appreciate the variety quite a bit....I just was too lazy to write about all of that.

Personally I am aligned towards Metal and Classic Rock, and with the exception of Pop Rock, don't really care.

But Harmonix makes sure that every rock genre has a couple memorable hits, and even though I have to sit through pop rock instead of a few more awesome metal songs, I get to play awesome songs like "Highway Star" and "Enter Sandman"

It's a fair trade, because no one completely loses, and those with open minds (especially ones without prejudice against FoB lol) really win.


Even though GH3 was awesome (and I loved the setlist), this still proves Harmonix's mastery over the genre.

thrdeye
11-09-2007, 01:52 AM
System of a Down is NOT metal.

Want proof? Try and find them here: www.metal-archives.com
Please, if were going to start suggesting metal bands, at least find out if theyre metal first. Important note: Metalcore and Nu-metal are not metal, its just unfortunate they have the word in the name.

Did you see this part of my post?


I really like System of A Down, though, and I guess it could be argued that they are in that neighborhood somewhere, but they don't fit a genre, IMO.

Reading Comprehension>Ardius

Ardius
11-09-2007, 01:58 AM
Did you see this part of my post?
Reading Comprehension>Ardius

Yes I did, and since we've been discussing metal and you suggest System of a Down, I think it was a reasonable response.
Go ahead and shoot me, Im just *****y about genres. :D


omg douches make me laugh, we were just talking about the music not suggesting for DLC or anything,


I wouldn't want to play system of a down, machine head wouldn't be bad


Hypocritical? I think so.

Reaper0563
11-09-2007, 03:00 AM
Hypocritical? I think so.

I'll never figure out how some people keep getting internet and oxygen, you were bashing system of a down and saying no for dlc, so i responded "no thats not what we are talking about" and then commented that machine head wouldn't be a bad choice though . . . I didn't think it went that fast, but I slowed it down anyways, hope this helps :)

That_One_Dude
11-09-2007, 03:21 AM
that's what I'm saying - their music exists purely to make money. That's why it's crappy music. It's calculated and watered down to broaden their appeal. Rather than making something artistically interesting, they make their music as easily digestible as possible for their target audience (aged 14-19 white suburban males) - they give you something that they anticipate will placate your tastes by hitting the proper cliches and it's mildly satisfying and unchallenging. That's pretty much the definition of worthless art. The corporate shilling is just an easy indicator as to what's going on with the music.

There's still no correlation at all with their corporate imagery and their ability to play music or why they play it.

Are you trying to tell me these guys don't have fun making music? And if they do, aren't they making someone out there happy to listen to it? They are not in it just for money (sure they want to make a living, who doesn't?), they like to make music for people like them.

That's almost as asburd as saying one should completely avoid the 80's because of how they dressed or looked. Music and fashion evolves, but the will to play stays the same.

LongDarkBlues
11-09-2007, 03:54 AM
...
I don't doubt that they are having fun playing, and I'm sure there are people who enjoy it, but it's the calculated structure of the songs and the production and the general redundant inanity of the end result that makes the music 'crap' - considering that there's hundreds of thousands of albums released every year, the need to champion something so relentlessly generic and watered down is pretty much always going to draw ire of some persuasion. But, basically, it's about as artistic as a grocery store ad in the Sunday paper - it's throw-away junk. Some people get excited about $1 off ground beef next week, some people get excited about Machine Head.

It's the very nature of corporate music - it doesn't survive by being good, or saying something valuable about the nature of the human condition; it exists for the sole purpose of making money. You make money by selling something to as many people as possible by putting as little expense into it as possible. So, by definition, it sacrifices artistic expression for palatability. It's not just about how bad the vocalist is, it's much bigger than that.

As for the trend-of-the-moment frosted frat-boy hair, I figured that was a dead-giveaway, but I guess I assumed we all knew that - apparently not. It's not that 'fashion' isn't acceptable - Bowie and Queen and those guys used it to complement their artistic vision - it's that let's-cash-in approach to it. Some guys in suits with 401k accounts decided that since mall kids had frosted hair that they would be x% more likely to purchase an album by their newest acquisition if the lead singer also had frosted hair. It's why the Hair Metal thing was so stupid - when the New York Dolls did it in 1973 it was subversive and generally awesome, but by the time you get to Nelson and Slaughter it's become such blatant pandering.

I could go about this for a long, long time - it's a big subject. I'm happy to do it if you want to further explore what makes a particular band suck and why the old trope of 'art is subjective' is fundamentally flawed, but this seems like it's not the place for it. And, really, if you can look at that frosted-hair photo without wanting to punch that guy in his shriveled frosted-scrotum than this conversation is probably moot.

bounchfx
11-09-2007, 04:17 AM
just try to tell me these songs wouldn't be fun in RB:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MqSJhB-BsD0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MqSJhB-BsD0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YaRw2BHwveo&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YaRw2BHwveo&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>



I will stress forever that 'Suck Out The Poison' should be a DLC album! It's full of adrenaline and tons of parts to headbang to, as well as each instrument being a bad ass part at all times. DO IT HARMONIX!
(yes, I realize the vocals could make it a little tough, but still, you wouldn't have to 'scream', but it would be AWESOME)

thrdeye
11-09-2007, 04:20 AM
I like the first song. Not the second, but that dude sure does have a killer drum kit!!

bounchfx
11-09-2007, 04:34 AM
yeah, the second is a little repetitive, but it's hard finding songs from these guys on youtube apparently, from their second(third) album at least. It's one of my least favorite on the album.

Ardius
11-09-2007, 05:43 AM
I'll never figure out how some people keep getting internet and oxygen, you were bashing system of a down and saying no for dlc, so i responded "no thats not what we are talking about" and then commented that machine head wouldn't be a bad choice though . . . I didn't think it went that fast, but I slowed it down anyways, hope this helps :)

Please show me where I bashed System of a Down and said no to DLC. Exactly.

Reaper0563
11-09-2007, 07:58 AM
Please show me where I bashed System of a Down and said no to DLC. Exactly.

yeah, i guess you weren't bashing as much as you were you just talking about them in a condescending way, we were just talking about soad and you came in with a condescending tone that added nothing to the conversation, which is normal, i guess, in these forums :rolleyes:. As for the "no to DLC" bit, it was in the way you used 'suggesting'

"Please, if were going to start suggesting metal bands"

Sounded like you were talking about DLC.

Spandrel
11-09-2007, 08:18 AM
I don't doubt that they are having fun playing, and I'm sure there are people who enjoy it, but it's the calculated structure of the songs and the production and the general redundant inanity of the end result that makes the music 'crap' - considering that there's hundreds of thousands of albums released every year, the need to champion something so relentlessly generic and watered down is pretty much always going to draw ire of some persuasion. But, basically, it's about as artistic as a grocery store ad in the Sunday paper - it's throw-away junk. Some people get excited about $1 off ground beef next week, some people get excited about Machine Head.

It's the very nature of corporate music - it doesn't survive by being good, or saying something valuable about the nature of the human condition; it exists for the sole purpose of making money. You make money by selling something to as many people as possible by putting as little expense into it as possible. So, by definition, it sacrifices artistic expression for palatability. It's not just about how bad the vocalist is, it's much bigger than that.

As for the trend-of-the-moment frosted frat-boy hair, I figured that was a dead-giveaway, but I guess I assumed we all knew that - apparently not. It's not that 'fashion' isn't acceptable - Bowie and Queen and those guys used it to complement their artistic vision - it's that let's-cash-in approach to it. Some guys in suits with 401k accounts decided that since mall kids had frosted hair that they would be x% more likely to purchase an album by their newest acquisition if the lead singer also had frosted hair. It's why the Hair Metal thing was so stupid - when the New York Dolls did it in 1973 it was subversive and generally awesome, but by the time you get to Nelson and Slaughter it's become such blatant pandering.

I could go about this for a long, long time - it's a big subject. I'm happy to do it if you want to further explore what makes a particular band suck and why the old trope of 'art is subjective' is fundamentally flawed, but this seems like it's not the place for it. And, really, if you can look at that frosted-hair photo without wanting to punch that guy in his shriveled frosted-scrotum than this conversation is probably moot.


I think this is why many of us point to the late 80's as a sort of dark time in music. The mid to late 80's was when you saw the massive music corporations buying up and exploiting all of the smaller labels and homogenizing them. All of the great small labels that used to really have an identity like IRS, SST, Mute, or Wax Trax were all distilled and re-branded with the new corporate logo.

This is why the entire Hair Metal to Grunge movement was so nauseating and why the 90's were probably one of the darkest eras in music. You mention the process by which art became product in music and the process by which the acquisition and marketing of artists underwent the same process as the roll out of a new hamburger at Wendy's. What exacerbated the situation was the corporate merging of the radio stations in the 90's. Once production and distribution went corporate, it was a recipe for some of the worst music in our lifetime.

Everything was going great for corporate music until Napster and the Internet returned music promotion and distribution back to the fans. We still live in this new era of corporate music, but at least the Internet allows us to pick through the back alley-ways of the independent worldwide music bazaar for that music that appeals directly to us. Nowadays, the artist really only needs the record company for promotion. With the digital age, they can almost do their own production and distribution, but they still need the mega-labels for promotion, but then again, unless you are the flavor-of-the-week, what does corporate music promotion really get you.

I really feel bad for younger folks who only know corporate music and aren't old enough to remember AOR radio stations and albums that were true collective artistic entities instead of a single, and a hodge podge of other random tracks to justify the $12.99 price tag at Best Buy. I think that there is something to the argument by older music fans that the music of bygone eras is better. Granted, large labels existed back in the 60's, 70's and 80's, but the commercialization of music was a product of the corporate mergers. Some of it is definitely returning as the Internet returns the freedom of distribution back to the artist.

And, yeah, FWIW, i'm not much of a fan of that Machine Head. It isn't that it is not technically well-performed or a bad song, but like LDB implies, it has an empty soul-less quality of something I've heard from a dozen other bands that also aimed for the same general target demographic. [/old guy rant off]

Ardius
11-09-2007, 08:34 AM
yeah, i guess you weren't bashing as much as you were you just talking about them in a condescending way, we were just talking about soad and you came in with a condescending tone that added nothing to the conversation, which is normal, i guess, in these forums :rolleyes:. As for the "no to DLC" bit, it was in the way you used 'suggesting'

"Please, if were going to start suggesting metal bands"

Sounded like you were talking about DLC.

Tut tut, shouldnt make assumptions, especially on the internet and especially with the english language. The problem with our language is that it is awfully context and tone-based. Thus, multiple interpretations of whats being said. Our language is not meant for the emotionless form of text on a screen, as sometimes you get certain meaning from saying just by looking at someone's expression or tone of voice. 'Tis why I believe relationeships built around the internet or mobile phone texting are not the best relationships.
But thats for another thread. :D

Back on topic, by the other person saying "oh, and I like SOAD", which was essentially a suggestion - thus where my complaint about suggesting SOAD as metal came from.
It did have something to do with the conversation, as we were discussing metal which would work, essentially. Besides, to be perfectly honest, there isnt much to discuss with what the OP said, merely agreeing with it.

Reaper0563
11-09-2007, 08:36 AM
And, yeah, FWIW, i'm not much of a fan of that Machine Head. It isn't that it is not technically well-performed or a bad song, but like LDB implies, it has an empty soul-less quality of something I've heard from a dozen other bands that also aimed for the same general target demographic. [/old guy rant off]

Yeah, i totally know what you mean about bands sounding the same and it seems like metal has hit a bit of a obstacle as many bands sound similar and not many people are trying something new. However, if these same bands try something new and it fails, they are called sell outs and disappear, so can you blame them. Metallica as of late has been beyond terrible, and st anger only pissed me off since they were trying to conform to the "new sound", for crying out loud they didn't even have any solos that i can remember. I'm Metallica one more chance, they have a new album coming out in feb that's supposed to be reflecting their past accomplishments and style, so heres hoping that its good ;) .

Even though they are a joke band played by one guy, Dethklok's album made me happy and actually debuted at 24 in the top 200 billboard which is record setting for the 'deathmetal' scene i believe (maybe wrong?) I pray for the future of metal.

Reaper0563
11-09-2007, 08:46 AM
Back on topic, by the other person saying "oh, and I like SOAD", which was essentially a suggestion - thus where my complaint about suggesting SOAD as metal came from.
It did have something to do with the conversation, as we were discussing metal which would work, essentially. Besides, to be perfectly honest, there isnt much to discuss with what the OP said, merely agreeing with it.

Tut tut, shouldn't make assumptions, :D. yeah, we kinda broke the thread. Its a shame how internet text can't carry any emotion, emoticons can only do so much :(.

mohkilla
11-09-2007, 11:59 AM
I hate Metal Music with little emo lyrics in between the damn screams... i hate screams too but there are some bands that make it sound okay for example <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DosW2CAKBqI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DosW2CAKBqI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Tendoza
11-09-2007, 12:14 PM
I think Harmonix has done a pretty good job of pleasing everyone, sure there isn't as much metal as people had hoped, but most can agree it touches a lot of genres.

I also like that they went with Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld, it looks TOUGH!

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/834/834179p1.html

Reaper0563
11-09-2007, 12:28 PM
I also like that they went with Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld, it looks TOUGH!

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/834/834179p1.html

lmao, that's going to be a riot to play, lol