The OP is way off base here. People don't like KOL because their music has changed and become top 40 garbage (as someone else mentioned). Their first two albums are great, the third is decent, and the 4th and 5th suck balls.
Also, the entire band has changed their image from the early days. Gone are the scruffy rednecks from tennessee...they are now clean shaven pretty boys in tight jeans. yuck.
They even started their own clothing line for christ sake.
So the hatred towards this band has absolutely nothing to do with the lifestyle they lead. It has everything to do with the shift in musical style to top 40 power ballads...and the complete transformation of their image. They have become the present day Journey minus steve perry.
Their first two albums will always be among my favorites...until they go back to that style of music they are dead to me.
Wow, how superficial..........
As a long time fan (as in from their first E.P), I personally think their third album is their best. I also happen to like about two thirds of their most recent stuff.
In terms of how they dresss, where to begin.......do you dress how you did nearly ten years ago? Fashion moves on. Wow, they had a shave, big fucking deal. As it goes, last time I saw Caleb on youtube or wherever, he had a beard anyway! Clothing line? I'm pretty sure they loaned their name to a limited edition run of clothing a couple of years back, which is hardly a big deal - fashion can be seen as art, they're artists of sorts, ergo....again not really a big deal.
OK, the top 40 hits, now thats why I think a lot of people now hate them. And I certainly get it, I dislike Sex On Fire and Use Somebody as much as the next guy, in fact I usually hate even the best songs out there if they're rammed down my throat every time I turn the tv or radio on. But since when have radio singles been the best songs on any band's album? For me, songs like Closer, Crawl, Manhattan, Cold Desert, The End and Back Down South are just as good as anything they've done.
All I'm sayin is that your original point was that people dislike KOL for their lifestyle. That's not true. As someone who was once a fan of their music, my issue with them is their transformation of their image and music. They are now a band that produces top 40 garbage. Call it what you want, but that's the reason why I am no longer a fan.
I'd feel the same way about any other band I like. It would be the same thing as PJ putting out 2 entire albums of Last Kiss type songs. I would lose interest quickly. Thankfully we never have to worry about that happening
I'd "blame" KoL for actually learning how to play their instruments in the change of direction more than anything. Alotta people act like their music changed with OBTN, but BotT is very much the same style, it just didn't have the huge hit single.
There's been a pretty big transformation in PJ's music and image over the last 2 albums, since they've admittedly desired more success. BS was by far and away the most bland thing PJ has put out and S/T had some pretty safe stuff, too. You still diggin that?
All I'm sayin is that your original point was that people dislike KOL for their lifestyle. That's not true. As someone who was once a fan of their music, my issue with them is their transformation of their image and music. They are now a band that produces top 40 garbage. Call it what you want, but that's the reason why I am no longer a fan.
I'd feel the same way about any other band I like. It would be the same thing as PJ putting out 2 entire albums of Last Kiss type songs. I would lose interest quickly. Thankfully we never have to worry about that happening
I'd "blame" KoL for actually learning how to play their instruments in the change of direction more than anything. Alotta people act like their music changed with OBTN, but BotT is very much the same style, it just didn't have the huge hit single.
There's been a pretty big transformation in PJ's music and image over the last 2 albums, since they've admittedly desired more success. BS was by far and away the most bland thing PJ has put out and S/T had some pretty safe stuff, too. You still diggin that?
I agree with your second paragraph, though I do like the majority of backspacer. I could do without the End and Just breathe, but I like Got Some, Gonna See My Friend, supersonic, and Unthought Known a lot.
That said, PJ hasn't changed anywhere near as much as KOL...in terms of appearance and evolution towards mainstream sound. Not even close
The OP is way off base here. People don't like KOL because their music has changed and become top 40 garbage (as someone else mentioned). Their first two albums are great, the third is decent, and the 4th and 5th suck balls.
Also, the entire band has changed their image from the early days. Gone are the scruffy rednecks from tennessee...they are now clean shaven pretty boys in tight jeans. yuck.
They even started their own clothing line for christ sake.
So the hatred towards this band has absolutely nothing to do with the lifestyle they lead. It has everything to do with the shift in musical style to top 40 power ballads...and the complete transformation of their image. They have become the present day Journey minus steve perry.
Their first two albums will always be among my favorites...until they go back to that style of music they are dead to me.
Wow, how superficial..........
As a long time fan (as in from their first E.P), I personally think their third album is their best. I also happen to like about two thirds of their most recent stuff.
In terms of how they dresss, where to begin.......do you dress how you did nearly ten years ago? Fashion moves on. Wow, they had a shave, big fucking deal. As it goes, last time I saw Caleb on youtube or wherever, he had a beard anyway! Clothing line? I'm pretty sure they loaned their name to a limited edition run of clothing a couple of years back, which is hardly a big deal - fashion can be seen as art, they're artists of sorts, ergo....again not really a big deal.
OK, the top 40 hits, now thats why I think a lot of people now hate them. And I certainly get it, I dislike Sex On Fire and Use Somebody as much as the next guy, in fact I usually hate even the best songs out there if they're rammed down my throat every time I turn the tv or radio on. But since when have radio singles been the best songs on any band's album? For me, songs like Closer, Crawl, Manhattan, Cold Desert, The End and Back Down South are just as good as anything they've done.
eh, call it whatever you want. I understand that bands evolve. I just think KOL's sound and image have changed for the worse. Some people may like it...I think it sucks.
the original point the OP made couldn't have been more off base. No one cares what kind of lifestyle these guys are living. I'm just disappointed with their music...and the tight jeans don't help either
All I'm sayin is that your original point was that people dislike KOL for their lifestyle. That's not true. As someone who was once a fan of their music, my issue with them is their transformation of their image and music. They are now a band that produces top 40 garbage. Call it what you want, but that's the reason why I am no longer a fan.
I'd feel the same way about any other band I like. It would be the same thing as PJ putting out 2 entire albums of Last Kiss type songs. I would lose interest quickly. Thankfully we never have to worry about that happening
I'd "blame" KoL for actually learning how to play their instruments in the change of direction more than anything. Alotta people act like their music changed with OBTN, but BotT is very much the same style, it just didn't have the huge hit single.
There's been a pretty big transformation in PJ's music and image over the last 2 albums, since they've admittedly desired more success. BS was by far and away the most bland thing PJ has put out and S/T had some pretty safe stuff, too. You still diggin that?
I agree with your second paragraph, though I do like the majority of backspacer. I could do without the End and Just breathe, but I like Got Some, Gonna See My Friend, supersonic, and Unthought Known a lot.
That said, PJ hasn't changed anywhere near as much as KOL...in terms of appearance and evolution towards mainstream sound. Not even close
I think if you start at Riot Act and come to the present day, PJ has changed every bit as much KoL. Especially when you adjust for the respective points in their careers and age's.
The OP is way off base here. People don't like KOL because their music has changed and become top 40 garbage (as someone else mentioned). Their first two albums are great, the third is decent, and the 4th and 5th suck balls.
Also, the entire band has changed their image from the early days. Gone are the scruffy rednecks from tennessee...they are now clean shaven pretty boys in tight jeans. yuck.
They even started their own clothing line for christ sake.
So the hatred towards this band has absolutely nothing to do with the lifestyle they lead. It has everything to do with the shift in musical style to top 40 power ballads...and the complete transformation of their image. They have become the present day Journey minus steve perry.
Their first two albums will always be among my favorites...until they go back to that style of music they are dead to me.
I agree the OP is way off here. I'll only disagree with one thing about this post- I actually liked the 3rd record too- probably even more than the first two.
I have seen this band live 5 times. Honestly the tipping point for me was seeing them at the spectrum the last time they were in philly. The setlist sucked and the crowd really sucked (all going crazy for the most generic songs). It was a completely different environment than the first few times I saw them.
I think if you start at Riot Act and come to the present day, PJ has changed every bit as much KoL. Especially when you adjust for the respective points in their careers and age's.
why would you start with riot act? we are talking about evolution of band's careers.
eh, call it whatever you want. I understand that bands evolve. I just think KOL's sound and image have changed for the worse. Some people may like it...I think it sucks.
the original point the OP made couldn't have been more off base. No one cares what kind of lifestyle these guys are living. I'm just disappointed with their music...and the tight jeans don't help either
I agree about the lifestyle thing, way off base....
So you don't like a single song from their last two albums?
eh, call it whatever you want. I understand that bands evolve. I just think KOL's sound and image have changed for the worse. Some people may like it...I think it sucks.
the original point the OP made couldn't have been more off base. No one cares what kind of lifestyle these guys are living. I'm just disappointed with their music...and the tight jeans don't help either
I agree about the lifestyle thing, way off base....
So you don't like a single song from their last two albums?
yeah, closer and crawl are both good songs. honestly, that's about it
I have seen this band live 5 times. Honestly the tipping point for me was seeing them at the spectrum the last time they were in philly. The setlist sucked and the crowd really sucked (all going crazy for the most generic songs). It was a completely different environment than the first few times I saw them.
You should try being over here in the UK - they're MASSIVE here, and there was a huge shift in the type of audience they drew following their 4th record (for the worse). I don't think it was necessarily their fault, or their intention though. I mean, plenty of bands write some stupidly mainstream songs and they don't blow up huge. But yeah I wouldn't bother seeing them live at the moment. Give it a couple of years when the hangers-on get bored, and I'm sure I'll feel differently.
I think if you start at Riot Act and come to the present day, PJ has changed every bit as much KoL. Especially when you adjust for the respective points in their careers and age's.
why would you start with riot act? we are talking about evolution of band's careers.
Just seemed like a good place to start. We're talking about the point in a band's career where they 'sold out'. That to me was a definitely turning point. There's not really much debate that PJ scaled back and then rode a steady, less hectic wave all the way through RA.
I could argue that PJ is worse b/c they spent the 1st 15 years of their career acting like they didn't want success.
If KoL were these huge sellouts, Use Somebody woulda been on Glee.
Musically it's a totally natural progression. The guys in KoL couldn't even play their instruments to try out for record companies. It's only natural that their music is gonna change as they develop their own style.
Fine if you don't like their music, but most of the hating really boils down to overexposure.
I think if you start at Riot Act and come to the present day, PJ has changed every bit as much KoL. Especially when you adjust for the respective points in their careers and age's.
why would you start with riot act? we are talking about evolution of band's careers.
Just seemed like a good place to start. We're talking about the point in a band's career where they 'sold out'. That to me was a definitely turning point. There's not really much debate that PJ scaled back and then rode a steady, less hectic wave all the way through RA.
I could argue that PJ is worse b/c they spent the 1st 15 years of their career acting like they didn't want success.
If KoL were these huge sellouts, Use Somebody woulda been on Glee.
Musically it's a totally natural progression. The guys in KoL couldn't even play their instruments to try out for record companies. It's only natural that their music is gonna change as they develop their own style.
Fine if you don't like their music, but most of the hating really boils down to overexposure.
actually, most people thought that PJ sold out with No Code.
actually, most people thought that PJ sold out with No Code.
not sure how old you are, but when No Code came out there was a huge backlash from fans. Eddie has even admitted that he made that record because he didn't want to be famous (complete opposite of KOL). Yield was considered a comeback album by many people.
I would disagree with that opinion...I love No Code. But that was the consensus during that time.
actually, most people thought that PJ sold out with No Code.
not sure how old you are, but when No Code came out there was a huge backlash from fans. Eddie has even admitted that he made that record because he didn't want to be famous. Yield was considered a comeback album by many people.
I would disagree with that opinion...I love No Code. But that was the consensus during that time.
Just b/c there's backlash doesn't make it a sellout. I'd say it's an anti sellout album. I think it had more to do with the track selection for the albums and also in deciding which little nuggets got turned into full songs.
not sure how old you are, but when No Code came out there was a huge backlash from fans. Eddie has even admitted that he made that record because he didn't want to be famous. Yield was considered a comeback album by many people.
I would disagree with that opinion...I love No Code. But that was the consensus during that time.
Just b/c there's backlash doesn't make it a sellout. I'd say it's an anti sellout album. I think it had more to do with the track selection for the albums and also in deciding which little nuggets got turned into full songs.
well, you're right there. but I remember that time period well and most people didn't like the fact that PJ had changed their sound from vitology to the sound in No Code...and they considered it a sellout.
anyhoo, not sure how we got to this point here. In my opinion KOL now sucks. That certainly doesn't mean that others can't like them, that's your prerogative. top 40 music isn't for everyone though.
I really don't give a shit how a band lives and acts, as long as they're not committing crimes or killing people, it's fine with me. Hell, if I made millions of dollars, I'd buy a mustang, buy a big house, and fill that house with a shit ton of gear.
i know what you mean, however as i said, its not a universal thing we are talking about here. As I said in my original post, many "it" buzz bands of the moment liscence their music to tv shows and commercials and movies as a way to make money as a result of not being able to depend on cd sales anymore. Few, if any, of those bands are called sell outs. Why werent the Shins blacklisted for doing a jingle for Mcdonalds and to top it off liscencing their song to Garden State which made them household names? Why isnt Isaac Brock protested and shunned because they liscened a song to a minivan commercial? Why or how can Sam Beam do a commercial for M and M's and then be a critical and commercial darling?
Theres a disconnect here. On one hand you have U2 and Kings of Leon, two humongous bands with a huge following, and fan base but also a large and vocal hater contingent as well. They sell millions of records, sell out stadiums and arenas of 20/30,000 plus people and live the lifestyle of rock gods. They are considered sellouts.
On the other hand, you have the shins or modest mouse, huge groups in their own right, who do commercials and liscence songs to corporations, yet their fanbase doesnt view them, nor do the critics view them as sellouts?
Again, i dont really honestly care if you hate the kings of Leon or not. I didnt start this thread to defend the band. My position is that the band is hated because they live fabulously extravagent lives and flaunt it.
That to me is the only explanation of why bands like The National can liscence songs to tv shows and be among the most important bands of the 2000's, and then you have Kings of Leon and U2, who are considered sellouts.
On the o
What makes you think KOL live extravagant lives?
yi watched their much music special and they didnt seem to live the high life. fuck they said they dont even remember a year of their touring because of all the partying. and imo if they do live like that more power to them. i would. but all in all it dont seem like they live an extravagent lifestyle.
Just, not enough.
I need more.
Nothing seems to satisfy.
I said, I dont want it.
I just need it.
To breathe, to feel, to know Im alive.
I hate them because they're talentless hacks! Both U2 and Kings of Leon!
Really, dislike U2 or even hate them, but talentless? C'mon. As for KoL, I won't go to battle for them, but it seems like a moot point to bash them considering the huge amount of questionable music/artists that are out there and wide open for debate.
"Hello Oregonians. Hello Washingtonians. Hello Portland..where the fuck are we? We're in Ridgefield!"
several things about this thread I started strike me as absolutely mental, and it has nothing to do with Kings of Leon. One someone suggested PJ changed AFTER Riot Act, which is an ignorant statement Where was this person in 1996 or even 1994? Second someone said No Code was a sell out album. Again, how high are you guys here? Ed has long maintained, and this is his words not mine, that he created No Code, or the band created it, with Ed wanting the band to lose millions of fans and to sabotage their own career. Seems the opposite of a sellout move to me. But I guess I just dwell in reality. Oh well.
Wow, you guys are sure keen on rock history arent y'all. Smart lot we got here.
several things about this thread I started strike me as absolutely mental, and it has nothing to do with Kings of Leon. One someone suggested PJ changed AFTER Riot Act, which is an ignorant statement Where was this person in 1996 or even 1994? Second someone said No Code was a sell out album. Again, how high are you guys here? Ed has long maintained, and this is his words not mine, that he created No Code, or the band created it, with Ed wanting the band to lose millions of fans and to sabotage their own career. Seems the opposite of a sellout move to me. But I guess I just dwell in reality. Oh well.
Wow, you guys are sure keen on rock history arent y'all. Smart lot we got here.
I think you've made your share of ridiculously stupid musical observations that you shouldn't be trashing anybody else.
If you continued to read the discussion moved forward about No Code.
There was a pretty definite change with the way PJ ran things since between RA and S/T. Releasing Lost Dogs and RVM were nice little first steps. And they seemed to put more of a push behind S/T and I feel like they went even further on it for BS. Not saying they're sellouts one way or the other, just how I see things.
The only thing that I can disagree on is the fact that Kings of Leon lives lavish lifestyles. Like it's been said before, I've also seen a few of the specials on where they live, and I definitely wouldn't call it as lavish or different from how any other person with some money lives. However, to make the point that their looks and sound has 180'd is completely valid. It's a little more than evolving or trying something different. It's completely changed. While a few of their new songs are good, it'd be nice to hear them find their sound and for Caleb to take a few pointers from Ed and work on his frontman skills.
It was refreshing to hear the drummer from KoL stick up to the arrogant guy from Glee, and as somebody said, hopefully that's a sign they'll find their way back.
How U2 and the word "talentless" ended up in the same sentence is unreal.
My "hatred" (such a strong word) of KOL stems mainly from how they've evolved as a live band. Not so much how well they play their instruments, but their complete lack of any stage awareness, Caleb's total inability to interract with the audience, and their shitty setlists.
Honestly, this band's live show is embarassing. 18-20 songs a night? Maybe 3-4 songs of older material and everything else form the last 2 albums. These guys have some amazing songs in their bag, yet they completely ignore everything from Because of the Times and before. Sure, they may mix up the order or even add a new song every now and then, but for the most part, they keep it simple every night.
I understand that they toured like MF'ers the psat couple years. And good for them. They're giving their fans a chance to see them. But playing for 80-90 minutes and standing their like statues every night does not do them justice. I won't pay another $ to see them. I went to the show in Hartford last summer. Had seats in the 2nd row behind the pit. It was awful. They literally seemed like they punched a clock, went on stage for 80 minutes, played their 18-19 songs, and left the stage.
I don't dislike this new album as much as some do, I think there are 2-3 pretty good songs on it, but it is nowhere near as good as their first 3. Not even close, IMO.
Personally I really don't see what all the damn fuss is about. Music is music - it's subjective, just like any art, and just like any other art, it will always invoke discussion, arguments, and opinions.
In MY opinion, KOL aren't sell outs. I love their older music, I love their newer music. An artists' ability to change and grow defines their personal success, in my humble opinion. If we all stayed the same, all the time, the world would be completely boring. And sure enough, everyone would bitch about it. Human nature says we will find something to bitch, whine and argue about.
I just don't see why it seems to be KOL a lot these days. Granted, I haven't had the chance to see them live, and I love a good rock concert, so if they put on a shitty one, then I might be a little (or a lot) pissed off. BUT, their music is what it is. If you don't like it, you don't like. But it IS still music, and calling them talentless is not really productive to anyone. They DO have talent, there are millions of people who think so.
If you don't like their music (or anyone else's), then just don't listen to it. In this day and age, we have the ability to be exposed to hundreds of different styles of music every day. Find something you do like, and don't whine about it. Artists in any area are never going to be stagnant. THey will ALWAYS change and evolve, and chances are there will always be people who wish they hadn't. But in my opinion, it is very difficult for very creative people to stay on the same track all the time. It's called evolution. It's something we should all be very familiar with, and it shits me to tears to hear people carrying on about certain bands because they evolve. If they change their musical style, and are living a lifestyle that equates to what their perception of being a rockstar is, who are they hurting besides probably themselves? It's no one elses business really. They earned the money, they can do what they like with it. They didn't set the system up. THey are just taking advantage of their place within it.
Comments
Wow, how superficial..........
As a long time fan (as in from their first E.P), I personally think their third album is their best. I also happen to like about two thirds of their most recent stuff.
In terms of how they dresss, where to begin.......do you dress how you did nearly ten years ago? Fashion moves on. Wow, they had a shave, big fucking deal. As it goes, last time I saw Caleb on youtube or wherever, he had a beard anyway! Clothing line? I'm pretty sure they loaned their name to a limited edition run of clothing a couple of years back, which is hardly a big deal - fashion can be seen as art, they're artists of sorts, ergo....again not really a big deal.
OK, the top 40 hits, now thats why I think a lot of people now hate them. And I certainly get it, I dislike Sex On Fire and Use Somebody as much as the next guy, in fact I usually hate even the best songs out there if they're rammed down my throat every time I turn the tv or radio on. But since when have radio singles been the best songs on any band's album? For me, songs like Closer, Crawl, Manhattan, Cold Desert, The End and Back Down South are just as good as anything they've done.
I'd "blame" KoL for actually learning how to play their instruments in the change of direction more than anything. Alotta people act like their music changed with OBTN, but BotT is very much the same style, it just didn't have the huge hit single.
There's been a pretty big transformation in PJ's music and image over the last 2 albums, since they've admittedly desired more success. BS was by far and away the most bland thing PJ has put out and S/T had some pretty safe stuff, too. You still diggin that?
I agree with your second paragraph, though I do like the majority of backspacer. I could do without the End and Just breathe, but I like Got Some, Gonna See My Friend, supersonic, and Unthought Known a lot.
That said, PJ hasn't changed anywhere near as much as KOL...in terms of appearance and evolution towards mainstream sound. Not even close
eh, call it whatever you want. I understand that bands evolve. I just think KOL's sound and image have changed for the worse. Some people may like it...I think it sucks.
the original point the OP made couldn't have been more off base. No one cares what kind of lifestyle these guys are living. I'm just disappointed with their music...and the tight jeans don't help either
I think if you start at Riot Act and come to the present day, PJ has changed every bit as much KoL. Especially when you adjust for the respective points in their careers and age's.
I agree the OP is way off here. I'll only disagree with one thing about this post- I actually liked the 3rd record too- probably even more than the first two.
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
2025: Pittsburgh 5/16+5/18
why would you start with riot act? we are talking about evolution of band's careers.
I agree about the lifestyle thing, way off base....
So you don't like a single song from their last two albums?
yeah, closer and crawl are both good songs. honestly, that's about it
You should try being over here in the UK - they're MASSIVE here, and there was a huge shift in the type of audience they drew following their 4th record (for the worse). I don't think it was necessarily their fault, or their intention though. I mean, plenty of bands write some stupidly mainstream songs and they don't blow up huge. But yeah I wouldn't bother seeing them live at the moment. Give it a couple of years when the hangers-on get bored, and I'm sure I'll feel differently.
and I don't really care.
Most rock stars are dicks...not all...but most.
However....
My biggest beef with them is the direction in which they've decided to take their music.
I understand that bands progress and they change and all that jazz...But KOL have really lost me on their last 2 albums.
I don't mean to shit on anyones boots here but....
"Slow Night So Long" is a king motherfucker of a song.
To go from that to "Sex on Fire" is just plain offensive.
I'm happy that they stuck it to Glee though...that was a wise move.
It shows that they still have some heart and integrity.
Maybe this flirtation with the mainstream is just a phase...
Just seemed like a good place to start. We're talking about the point in a band's career where they 'sold out'. That to me was a definitely turning point. There's not really much debate that PJ scaled back and then rode a steady, less hectic wave all the way through RA.
I could argue that PJ is worse b/c they spent the 1st 15 years of their career acting like they didn't want success.
If KoL were these huge sellouts, Use Somebody woulda been on Glee.
Musically it's a totally natural progression. The guys in KoL couldn't even play their instruments to try out for record companies. It's only natural that their music is gonna change as they develop their own style.
Fine if you don't like their music, but most of the hating really boils down to overexposure.
dude, my thoughts exactly.
'I hate her face, but enjoy the company'
fucking classic
actually, most people thought that PJ sold out with No Code.
not sure how old you are, but when No Code came out there was a huge backlash from fans. Eddie has even admitted that he made that record because he didn't want to be famous (complete opposite of KOL). Yield was considered a comeback album by many people.
I would disagree with that opinion...I love No Code. But that was the consensus during that time.
Just b/c there's backlash doesn't make it a sellout. I'd say it's an anti sellout album. I think it had more to do with the track selection for the albums and also in deciding which little nuggets got turned into full songs.
well, you're right there. but I remember that time period well and most people didn't like the fact that PJ had changed their sound from vitology to the sound in No Code...and they considered it a sellout.
anyhoo, not sure how we got to this point here. In my opinion KOL now sucks. That certainly doesn't mean that others can't like them, that's your prerogative. top 40 music isn't for everyone though.
and no one cares about their lifestyle
I need more.
Nothing seems to satisfy.
I said, I dont want it.
I just need it.
To breathe, to feel, to know Im alive.
Wow, you guys are sure keen on rock history arent y'all. Smart lot we got here.
I think you've made your share of ridiculously stupid musical observations that you shouldn't be trashing anybody else.
If you continued to read the discussion moved forward about No Code.
There was a pretty definite change with the way PJ ran things since between RA and S/T. Releasing Lost Dogs and RVM were nice little first steps. And they seemed to put more of a push behind S/T and I feel like they went even further on it for BS. Not saying they're sellouts one way or the other, just how I see things.
It was refreshing to hear the drummer from KoL stick up to the arrogant guy from Glee, and as somebody said, hopefully that's a sign they'll find their way back.
How U2 and the word "talentless" ended up in the same sentence is unreal.
Irony
Honestly, this band's live show is embarassing. 18-20 songs a night? Maybe 3-4 songs of older material and everything else form the last 2 albums. These guys have some amazing songs in their bag, yet they completely ignore everything from Because of the Times and before. Sure, they may mix up the order or even add a new song every now and then, but for the most part, they keep it simple every night.
I understand that they toured like MF'ers the psat couple years. And good for them. They're giving their fans a chance to see them. But playing for 80-90 minutes and standing their like statues every night does not do them justice. I won't pay another $ to see them. I went to the show in Hartford last summer. Had seats in the 2nd row behind the pit. It was awful. They literally seemed like they punched a clock, went on stage for 80 minutes, played their 18-19 songs, and left the stage.
I don't dislike this new album as much as some do, I think there are 2-3 pretty good songs on it, but it is nowhere near as good as their first 3. Not even close, IMO.
In MY opinion, KOL aren't sell outs. I love their older music, I love their newer music. An artists' ability to change and grow defines their personal success, in my humble opinion. If we all stayed the same, all the time, the world would be completely boring. And sure enough, everyone would bitch about it. Human nature says we will find something to bitch, whine and argue about.
I just don't see why it seems to be KOL a lot these days. Granted, I haven't had the chance to see them live, and I love a good rock concert, so if they put on a shitty one, then I might be a little (or a lot) pissed off. BUT, their music is what it is. If you don't like it, you don't like. But it IS still music, and calling them talentless is not really productive to anyone. They DO have talent, there are millions of people who think so.
If you don't like their music (or anyone else's), then just don't listen to it. In this day and age, we have the ability to be exposed to hundreds of different styles of music every day. Find something you do like, and don't whine about it. Artists in any area are never going to be stagnant. THey will ALWAYS change and evolve, and chances are there will always be people who wish they hadn't. But in my opinion, it is very difficult for very creative people to stay on the same track all the time. It's called evolution. It's something we should all be very familiar with, and it shits me to tears to hear people carrying on about certain bands because they evolve. If they change their musical style, and are living a lifestyle that equates to what their perception of being a rockstar is, who are they hurting besides probably themselves? It's no one elses business really. They earned the money, they can do what they like with it. They didn't set the system up. THey are just taking advantage of their place within it.