We snuck down to the posh seats to watch their category announced, so it was cool to be close for their second song. The performances this year were the best in many years.
Ummm. Awesome!! HOw was the Mumford/Avett/Dylan in person?! Lucky lucky man![/quote]
The Mumford thing was ok......we just watched it on the broadcast, but Dylan sounded better in person cuz the music drowned out his voice. He is sounding a bit rough these days![/quote]
If you can understand even a little of Dylan these days its a good day. god love him.[/quote]
Who is the typical Mumford fan? Indie kids? Jam band fans? They remind me of amore hillbillyish DMB.....and The Waterboys and Hothouse Flowers too.
We snuck down to the posh seats to watch their category announced, so it was cool to be close for their second song. The performances this year were the best in many years.
Mick Jagger was great, as was Cee Lo, and Eminem. As usual, I am still puzzled over the appeal of Muse!
Ummm. Awesome!! HOw was the Mumford/Avett/Dylan in person?! Lucky lucky man![/quote]
The Mumford thing was ok......we just watched it on the broadcast, but Dylan sounded better in person cuz the music drowned out his voice. He is sounding a bit rough these days![/quote]
If you can understand even a little of Dylan these days its a good day. god love him.[/quote]
Who is the typical Mumford fan? Indie kids? Jam band fans? They remind me of amore hillbillyish DMB.....and The Waterboys and Hothouse Flowers too.[/quote]
saw dylan in 2009 and he was as great as ever. he plays early and quick sets though. show started, the one i saw, at like 7pm and he had played his last song, last encore by 9pm. but great show.
anyways, mumford is huge with the indie set. p4k panned their record, but all the other indie press loves the band. nme was hugely behind this band and praising them.
so bizaare to see avett brothers getting some love too.
Woo-Hoo! Wow, awesome to see Arcade Fire win album of the year! And we get to hear another song from them
but how can they be album of the year when The Black Keys beat them in the Alternative album category. Wouldn't that then make Brothers Album of the Year because it beat them earlier? Just sayin'
i think its more bizaare the grammys has an alternative music category at all. its complete nonsense in reality. When I think of alternative I think of the formative years of my youth and the music we that nurtured me, but I also get a sick feeling of the sort of absolute crap that litters modern day "alt rock" radio stations, three days grace, and hinder and all that rubbish. Alternative music died in 1994 when kurt died. When was the last time alt rock radio or modern rock commercial radio played anything worthwhile beyond the occasional early 90's bone thrown to people
When a band like arcade fire wins album of the year, a band who is as alternative, or was as alternative and indie as one can get, the labels have to be rexamined.
They need an indie category, as its been the most dominant musical genre for a decade now. Indie bands routinely hit number 1 on the charts...
alternative as a label strikes me as so oddly out of tune with what is going on with music right now its almost laughable
I agree...although, I don't even get the whole "indie" term anymore. It's supposed to be short for "independent", right? But much like the term "alternative" having gotten hijacked by the marketing machine in the 90's as a term to describe a GENRE/SOUND of music, rather than it's true meaning of an ALTERNATIVE to mainstream pop/rock, INDIE has kind of gone the same route. It's almost a marketing tool in itself when a band describes itself as "indie rock". What the hell does that mean when you're on a major label and have representation on major radio stations/car commercials/ESPN?! Is "indie rock" a SOUND now? Seems that's what a majority of it is...and a fashion trend, too. I can see "INDIE TOPIC" stores at the mall now...
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I agree...although, I don't even get the whole "indie" term anymore. It's supposed to be short for "independent", right? But much like the term "alternative" having gotten hijacked by the marketing machine in the 90's as a term to describe a GENRE/SOUND of music, rather than it's true meaning of an ALTERNATIVE to mainstream pop/rock, INDIE has kind of gone the same route. It's almost a marketing tool in itself when a band describes itself as "indie rock". What the hell does that mean when you're on a major label and have representation on major radio stations/car commercials/ESPN?! Is "indie rock" a SOUND now? Seems that's what a majority of it is...and a fashion trend, too. I can see "INDIE TOPIC" stores at the mall now...[/quote]
i hear ya, but where alternative/grunge and every other music genre that was small and independent when it started and then the public and media descended on it, and bands started getting picked up by majors, and the scene got big and the scene was a household word etc... all throughout music history music scenes and movements and genres follow that pattern, and they usually die out. Almost without exception. Indie rock, as represented by the sound so to speak, the "the" bands in the early 2000's, the strokes, the hives, the vines, the white stipes and so on. All on majors but were independent in their vision and creativity and art and sound. and continuing on a decade later to 2011, its been a wild ride of indie bands signing to majors. of indie bands being mentioned and then their tunes being played on some of the most popular and sucessful movies and tv shows of the last decade, bands being used on tv commecials, indie bands htting number 1 on the billboard charts, and now an indie band winning album of the year.
I hear you on the problem with labeling indie music, well... indie, but to my knowledge no music scene/genre has experienced this much commercials success for this long. Grunge died out, punk died out. and so on and so on.
Its remarkable a genre could be so sucessful and so dominant in peoples lives, in the public's lives for so long. a decade is a hell of a long time. grunge was only in peoples consciousness for 3 years. Punk was from what 1977 through 1979 or so, although it had that reinsurgance in the early 80's.
Looking at it like that, as I said, thats a hell of a journey. A decade of indie music, or what we know as indie music, and its still as vibrant as it ever was...
...but to my knowledge no music scene/genre has experienced this much commercials success for this long.
RAP. It's been about the ONLY commercial form of music that has been generating "success" for 30+ years. I grew up with some of the old school stuff (Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Whodini) but can't stand any of the modern stuff or gangsta rap. But with that said, there's no denying it's staying presence and influence on pop culture - but to me, it's NOT because of the quality or vision of the music - it's how it's marketed.
I'm not saying I don't like "indie" music - there' some good stuff out there, but like I said, I'm not even sure I know what it is anymore, other than a marketing term. There are musicians out there right now, deciding they're going to form an "indie rock band" before they even play a lick of music or know what kind of sound they might have together. They'll probably spend just as much time in front of a mirror as they will at band practice. I just really hate any kind of label I suppose - I mean, there's like 800 friggin' choices in my "Genre" drop-down list in Windows Media Player!!! :?
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So stoked for both the Black Keys and Arcade Fire.
Liked the Mumford & Avett performance. No disrespect to Dylan and his place in music history, but that was really rough. Should have got some help from Zack de la Rocha. He does a killer version of "Maggie's Farm" on RATM's Renegades.
Can someone explain the appeal of Arcade Fire? WHo likes this band? Im not being a hater, I just dont see the appeal (like someone earlier was asking "who are the fans of Mumford & Sons).
I did not enjoy that AF performance at all. So much noise. And very average band to me. Yes they get somewhat excited on stage and frantic. And they put a lot of people on stage. But I dont know them at all and cant judge from a grammy performance. Strange to me.
And Lady Antebellum (sp?) That shit is THAT popular? I am so out of touch with mainstream shit (thank god).
I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.
Can't help it, I HATE THE MAINSTREAM! HAHAHAHAHA!
Evolution Music Studios presents:
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.
okay, well the arcade fire is amazing, and they appeal to a pretty large demographic. a lot of people love them. if you care to hear what they're all about then you would listen to their albums. if not, then i suppose you don't really care anyway....
please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause there was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.
I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.
okay, well the arcade fire is amazing, and they appeal to a pretty large demographic. a lot of people love them. if you care to hear what they're all about then you would listen to their albums. if not, then i suppose you don't really care anyway....
please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause their was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.
Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.
Tell me about them.
The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.
----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!
Evolution Music Studios presents:
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause there was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.
Agreed 100%. I don't see how anyone could call any band with a stand up Bass and banjo or mandolin for that matter gimmicky. Bluegrass has been around forever and really hasn't ever changed. The grammy's in general are a joke. Art being Judged by 75 year old idiots in the academy.
The same thing was said about Pearl Jam and everyone else in '91. Who are these guys that are wearing flannel and torn jeans.
I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.
okay, well the arcade fire is amazing, and they appeal to a pretty large demographic. a lot of people love them. if you care to hear what they're all about then you would listen to their albums. if not, then i suppose you don't really care anyway....
please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause their was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.
Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.
Tell me about them.
The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.
----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!
i don't know what you want to hear. go listen to funeral...or neon bible, or the suburbs. if you don't get it, you don't get it. i saw them a couple times this summer. i saw young kids with their parents, and i saw people that probably could've been pushing 70. blacks, whites, asians, hipsters and frat kids. they are a great band, they have mass appeal because of it....just seems like you are making a lot of judgements without really understanding the artists. to call a band like the avett brothers gimmicky, is kind of ignorant if you ask me, whether you like their music or not.
mick was fantastic though, i agree on that, although it wasn't my favorite performance.
personally loved arcade fire since their first record and ever since loved them more and more.. their appeal seems pretty universial when it comes to people who like rock and indie music.
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I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -
"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."
An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.
It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."
You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.
- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!
Evolution Music Studios presents:
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
heard of Arcade Fire but never really listened to them but thought their performance last night was fantastic. i really enjoyed it and i don't enjoy much in music these days. Cee Lo with Gwenyth and the Muppets was pretty good too.
Mick was good but stil prefer the Blues Brothers version. although for an old guy Mick still brings it.
I hear all this crap about AF being huge, but I don't know a single person that likes their music. I even have most of it on my ipod and played it for people to see if they dig it, and for that "glorious" :roll: moment when I wake up and am into it myself. Hasn't happened and probably isn't going to.
It took me awhile to get into Radiohead too, but I could always see that they were amazing musicians, with these guys I don't hear that at all.
The singer seems like the biggest douche this side of Bono, and his wife sucks at singing.
I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -
"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."
An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.
It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."
You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.
- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!
I'm with you as well - the "appeal" of so many bands nowadays is base on their appearance, stage gimmicks, etc. - much more so than just the music standing on it's own. That's why whenever someone suggests a new band to me and refers to a YouTube clip, I close my eyes on the first listen. If the music alone doesn't grab me, I don't care whatever else they're doing. I worked for several years in event production, and besides corporate events, the company I worked for did tours for Avril Lavigne, Train, and a few other mainstream acts. I understand that the visual component and personality of the act can greatly enhance a live show - ENHANCE - but shouldn't be a crutch for a lack of good musicianship and quality of sound. This is why I don't really care for Arcade Fire - they're decent songwriters, but mediocre musicians, and what I did hear on the Grammy show (for the 10 minutes I tried to watch), sounded horrendous - from a strictly professional observation. PJ on the other hand - it's 5 guys in jeans and t-shirts, minimal stage props/lighting...all about the music.
To each their own though - I don't hate any particular genre of music - if it's done well. This is only my personal opinion. I've listened to damn near every genre and own a wide variety of music. My wife is Japanese, so I've eve got some J-Pop on the ol' computer too!!
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I think Arcade Fire are the real deal. Their music has soul and passion, and their lives shows really bring out a "togetherness" vibe.
They usually end their main sets with Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) &
Rebellion (Lies).....pound for pound, one of the best combinations I have ever seen.
...and their lives shows really bring out a "togetherness" vibe.
That's why I hate hippies...
Actually - I love a "togetherness" vibe...as long as everyone likes what I like!
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I love Arcade Fire. Saw them for the first time a few nights ago at a small club show in LA, and they tore the roof off of the building. The 8 musicians are definitely not a gimmick, and they all serve their purpose in the band. Not to mention, NOBODY serves the same role throughout the show. They are all talented multi-instrumentalists. Part of having such a large band is the ability to created a very unique, nuanced sound and recreate it live without the aid of backing tracks. Their music is original, which is something sorely lacking in today's music.
And regarding other artists, I love Cee Lo Green's new album, and Eminem is one of the best rappers ever. Whether or not you like his lyrical content, I don't understand how people can deny the talent. Lady Antebellum? Not a huge fan, but I can respect what they're trying to do, and they seemed genuinely humble with all their Grammy nods. Lady Gaga? Same story. Don't dig her music, but she's super talented. For those of you who doubt that, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK787DPw7yk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys9UI4NT ... re=related. . . .those are her before changing her musical direction. Pretty good stuff.
I think there is room in the world for a ton of musical styles to be appreciated. Just wish that people would open their ears more before proclaiming that they don't "get it." Sometimes it isn't a matter of being told something about the music that will suddenly give you a revelation about the artist. It's really more a matter of going into it without preconceived notions first. Just my $.02.
I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -
"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."
An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.
It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."
You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.
- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!
fair enough. i understand what you mean, but lets be real here, i wasn't getting in a huff over a preconceived notion of the connotation of the word gimmick. i was simply taking it in the context of how you were using it, and what the overall message of your post was... which was rather negative toward the artists we're speaking of. you questioned their artistry, while calling the bands a gimmick, for violins and old timey sounds and such. seriously though, these bands might not be for you, but listen to an arcade fire album a few times with an open mind. their songwriting and lyrics are excellent, and as someone else mentioned, although it's a large band, everyone serves a purpose. maybe you still won't like them...but you seem to be somewhat intrigued, either that or you just like to get a rise out of passionate arcade fire fans.
personally loved arcade fire since their first record and ever since loved them more and more.. their appeal seems pretty universial when it comes to people who like rock and indie music.
Same here. Loved them from the time I first heard Funeral several years ago. Really just great music!
2003: San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Seattle; 2005: Monterrey; 2006: Chicago 1 & 2, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, Detroit; 2008: West Palm Beach, Tampa; 2009: Austin, LA 3 & 4, San Diego; 2010: Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbus, Indianapolis; 2011: PJ20 1 & 2; 2012: Missoula; 2013: Dallas, Oklahoma City, Seattle; 2014: Tulsa; 2016: Columbia, New York City 1 & 2; 2018: London, Seattle 1 & 2; 2021: Ohana; 2022: Oklahoma City
I just watched/listened to a few tunes on youtube. Its ok, i just dont like it. I dont hate it. I'll check out more, and give the album a chance. What works for them is the mass effect. I can see how people like the chorale, "group" effect of a mass of people singing. I feel the huge band is a gimmick. ONLY MEANING -
"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."
An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.
It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."
You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.
- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!
I think some of their musical performances can be seen as over the top if you aren't already a fan. Really, I recommend just starting with the albums. I picked up Funeral on a whim several years ago without hearing any of the reviews or knowing anything about the band, and sometimes that's the best way to listen to new music.
2003: San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Seattle; 2005: Monterrey; 2006: Chicago 1 & 2, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, Detroit; 2008: West Palm Beach, Tampa; 2009: Austin, LA 3 & 4, San Diego; 2010: Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbus, Indianapolis; 2011: PJ20 1 & 2; 2012: Missoula; 2013: Dallas, Oklahoma City, Seattle; 2014: Tulsa; 2016: Columbia, New York City 1 & 2; 2018: London, Seattle 1 & 2; 2021: Ohana; 2022: Oklahoma City
that interview with ray lamontagne was painful. very cool he won for contemporary folk album. john norris got ray's deal but that woman with him seemed sort of bizaare to me. you can tell ray hates these types of events which makes it odd he not only attended but gave interviews. its even up on the grammy website, which is odd
Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.
Tell me about them.
The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.
----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!
i don't know what you want to hear. go listen to funeral...or neon bible, or the suburbs. if you don't get it, you don't get it. i saw them a couple times this summer. i saw young kids with their parents, and i saw people that probably could've been pushing 70. blacks, whites, asians, hipsters and frat kids. they are a great band, they have mass appeal because of it....just seems like you are making a lot of judgements without really understanding the artists. to call a band like the avett brothers gimmicky, is kind of ignorant if you ask me, whether you like their music or not.
mick was fantastic though, i agree on that, although it wasn't my favorite performance.
Tiki, I wouldn't worry too much about it, he also thinks that the Illuminati planted Lady Gaga and Jay Z into the POP Music Culture to brain wash kids.
Comments
Mick Jagger was great, as was Cee Lo, and Eminem. As usual, I am still puzzled over the appeal of Muse![/quote]http://forums.pearljam.com/posting.php?mode=quote&f=9&p=3457497#
Ummm. Awesome!! HOw was the Mumford/Avett/Dylan in person?! Lucky lucky man![/quote]
The Mumford thing was ok......we just watched it on the broadcast, but Dylan sounded better in person cuz the music drowned out his voice. He is sounding a bit rough these days![/quote]
If you can understand even a little of Dylan these days its a good day.
Who is the typical Mumford fan? Indie kids? Jam band fans? They remind me of amore hillbillyish DMB.....and The Waterboys and Hothouse Flowers too.
Ummm. Awesome!! HOw was the Mumford/Avett/Dylan in person?! Lucky lucky man![/quote]
The Mumford thing was ok......we just watched it on the broadcast, but Dylan sounded better in person cuz the music drowned out his voice. He is sounding a bit rough these days![/quote]
If you can understand even a little of Dylan these days its a good day.
Who is the typical Mumford fan? Indie kids? Jam band fans? They remind me of amore hillbillyish DMB.....and The Waterboys and Hothouse Flowers too.[/quote]
saw dylan in 2009 and he was as great as ever. he plays early and quick sets though. show started, the one i saw, at like 7pm and he had played his last song, last encore by 9pm. but great show.
anyways, mumford is huge with the indie set. p4k panned their record, but all the other indie press loves the band. nme was hugely behind this band and praising them.
so bizaare to see avett brothers getting some love too.
I agree...although, I don't even get the whole "indie" term anymore. It's supposed to be short for "independent", right? But much like the term "alternative" having gotten hijacked by the marketing machine in the 90's as a term to describe a GENRE/SOUND of music, rather than it's true meaning of an ALTERNATIVE to mainstream pop/rock, INDIE has kind of gone the same route. It's almost a marketing tool in itself when a band describes itself as "indie rock". What the hell does that mean when you're on a major label and have representation on major radio stations/car commercials/ESPN?! Is "indie rock" a SOUND now? Seems that's what a majority of it is...and a fashion trend, too. I can see "INDIE TOPIC" stores at the mall now...
I agree...although, I don't even get the whole "indie" term anymore. It's supposed to be short for "independent", right? But much like the term "alternative" having gotten hijacked by the marketing machine in the 90's as a term to describe a GENRE/SOUND of music, rather than it's true meaning of an ALTERNATIVE to mainstream pop/rock, INDIE has kind of gone the same route. It's almost a marketing tool in itself when a band describes itself as "indie rock". What the hell does that mean when you're on a major label and have representation on major radio stations/car commercials/ESPN?! Is "indie rock" a SOUND now? Seems that's what a majority of it is...and a fashion trend, too. I can see "INDIE TOPIC" stores at the mall now...[/quote]
i hear ya, but where alternative/grunge and every other music genre that was small and independent when it started and then the public and media descended on it, and bands started getting picked up by majors, and the scene got big and the scene was a household word etc... all throughout music history music scenes and movements and genres follow that pattern, and they usually die out. Almost without exception. Indie rock, as represented by the sound so to speak, the "the" bands in the early 2000's, the strokes, the hives, the vines, the white stipes and so on. All on majors but were independent in their vision and creativity and art and sound. and continuing on a decade later to 2011, its been a wild ride of indie bands signing to majors. of indie bands being mentioned and then their tunes being played on some of the most popular and sucessful movies and tv shows of the last decade, bands being used on tv commecials, indie bands htting number 1 on the billboard charts, and now an indie band winning album of the year.
I hear you on the problem with labeling indie music, well... indie, but to my knowledge no music scene/genre has experienced this much commercials success for this long. Grunge died out, punk died out. and so on and so on.
Its remarkable a genre could be so sucessful and so dominant in peoples lives, in the public's lives for so long. a decade is a hell of a long time. grunge was only in peoples consciousness for 3 years. Punk was from what 1977 through 1979 or so, although it had that reinsurgance in the early 80's.
Looking at it like that, as I said, thats a hell of a journey. A decade of indie music, or what we know as indie music, and its still as vibrant as it ever was...
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RAP. It's been about the ONLY commercial form of music that has been generating "success" for 30+ years. I grew up with some of the old school stuff (Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Whodini) but can't stand any of the modern stuff or gangsta rap. But with that said, there's no denying it's staying presence and influence on pop culture - but to me, it's NOT because of the quality or vision of the music - it's how it's marketed.
I'm not saying I don't like "indie" music - there' some good stuff out there, but like I said, I'm not even sure I know what it is anymore, other than a marketing term. There are musicians out there right now, deciding they're going to form an "indie rock band" before they even play a lick of music or know what kind of sound they might have together. They'll probably spend just as much time in front of a mirror as they will at band practice. I just really hate any kind of label I suppose - I mean, there's like 800 friggin' choices in my "Genre" drop-down list in Windows Media Player!!! :?
Liked the Mumford & Avett performance. No disrespect to Dylan and his place in music history, but that was really rough. Should have got some help from Zack de la Rocha. He does a killer version of "Maggie's Farm" on RATM's Renegades.
I did not enjoy that AF performance at all. So much noise. And very average band to me. Yes they get somewhat excited on stage and frantic. And they put a lot of people on stage. But I dont know them at all and cant judge from a grammy performance. Strange to me.
And Lady Antebellum (sp?) That shit is THAT popular? I am so out of touch with mainstream shit (thank god).
I'm also sick of all this folky tinged "americana" strings and violins on everything. Gimmicky to me.
Can't help it, I HATE THE MAINSTREAM! HAHAHAHAHA!
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
okay, well the arcade fire is amazing, and they appeal to a pretty large demographic. a lot of people love them. if you care to hear what they're all about then you would listen to their albums. if not, then i suppose you don't really care anyway....
please explain the comment above though, not sure i understand what you are referring to. it wouldn't happen to be the performance of the night with mumford & sons/ avett brothers and dylan would it? cause there was nothing gimmicky about that. not really a huge fan of mumford, but i love the avett brothers, and the entire performance including mumford & sons was a great moment.
Who does AF appeal to? Kids? Under 24? I dont see it. I do want to know what they are about, that is why I'm asking. Because even after watching them I dont get it. Album of the year? I will check it more. Im not ignorant.
Tell me about them.
The "americana" thing, is all these groups doing a real old folky style and wearing old-timey clothes. It feels wrong to me at this time. For ME. It's NOTHING about the grammys per se, just that a lot of groups are doing the fiddle, violin, cello, old-timey sound and copping that super-old style. I am criticizing the artistry of the musicians. And it was even more apparent when I saw Dylan in front of them. A true artist, who rebelled against everything with intelligence and meaning. These current guys, while they can play, are lacking a lot in terms of heart, character, wit, and straight up "This Machine Kills Fascists" attitude.
----and I thought Mick had the performance of the night!
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
Agreed 100%. I don't see how anyone could call any band with a stand up Bass and banjo or mandolin for that matter gimmicky. Bluegrass has been around forever and really hasn't ever changed. The grammy's in general are a joke. Art being Judged by 75 year old idiots in the academy.
The same thing was said about Pearl Jam and everyone else in '91. Who are these guys that are wearing flannel and torn jeans.
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mick was fantastic though, i agree on that, although it wasn't my favorite performance.
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"1.an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal."
An INGENIOUS device to attract attention. I dont like them musically, but they have created quite an attraction garnering gimmick with this huge band, strings, female drummer, etc.
It is like what I learned from Jack White in "It Might Get Loud"...he was talking about his success and the success of the White Stripes. He said he created the gimmick of the guy and girl band. Specifically a female drummer, and the red and white clothes and look. He knew by creating that GIMMICK, they would get noticed. He also said if he was just a regularly dressed guy playing blues songs no one would give a shit."
You are in a bit of a huff over some preconceived notion of a negative connotation of the word "gimmick" associated with gambler trickery.
- And I LIKED the Avett Brothers. They were real good players and singers. And that cellist was going off! I wasnt crazy over that song but they WERE GOOD!
DO THE EVOLUTION - a 20th Anniversary Tribute Celebration
of PEARL JAM - WORLD CAFE LIVE PHILLY JUNE 19th 7pm
Mick was good but stil prefer the Blues Brothers version. although for an old guy Mick still brings it.
It took me awhile to get into Radiohead too, but I could always see that they were amazing musicians, with these guys I don't hear that at all.
The singer seems like the biggest douche this side of Bono, and his wife sucks at singing.
I'm puzzled by the appeal of Arcade Fire and Mumford.
I'm with you as well - the "appeal" of so many bands nowadays is base on their appearance, stage gimmicks, etc. - much more so than just the music standing on it's own. That's why whenever someone suggests a new band to me and refers to a YouTube clip, I close my eyes on the first listen. If the music alone doesn't grab me, I don't care whatever else they're doing. I worked for several years in event production, and besides corporate events, the company I worked for did tours for Avril Lavigne, Train, and a few other mainstream acts. I understand that the visual component and personality of the act can greatly enhance a live show - ENHANCE - but shouldn't be a crutch for a lack of good musicianship and quality of sound. This is why I don't really care for Arcade Fire - they're decent songwriters, but mediocre musicians, and what I did hear on the Grammy show (for the 10 minutes I tried to watch), sounded horrendous - from a strictly professional observation. PJ on the other hand - it's 5 guys in jeans and t-shirts, minimal stage props/lighting...all about the music.
To each their own though - I don't hate any particular genre of music - if it's done well. This is only my personal opinion. I've listened to damn near every genre and own a wide variety of music. My wife is Japanese, so I've eve got some J-Pop on the ol' computer too!!
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That's why I hate hippies...
Actually - I love a "togetherness" vibe...as long as everyone likes what I like!
I didn't say a hippie togetherness vibe.....more of a diseffected youth angst togetherness vibe!
And regarding other artists, I love Cee Lo Green's new album, and Eminem is one of the best rappers ever. Whether or not you like his lyrical content, I don't understand how people can deny the talent. Lady Antebellum? Not a huge fan, but I can respect what they're trying to do, and they seemed genuinely humble with all their Grammy nods. Lady Gaga? Same story. Don't dig her music, but she's super talented. For those of you who doubt that, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK787DPw7yk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys9UI4NT ... re=related. . . .those are her before changing her musical direction. Pretty good stuff.
I think there is room in the world for a ton of musical styles to be appreciated. Just wish that people would open their ears more before proclaiming that they don't "get it." Sometimes it isn't a matter of being told something about the music that will suddenly give you a revelation about the artist. It's really more a matter of going into it without preconceived notions first. Just my $.02.
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fair enough. i understand what you mean, but lets be real here, i wasn't getting in a huff over a preconceived notion of the connotation of the word gimmick. i was simply taking it in the context of how you were using it, and what the overall message of your post was... which was rather negative toward the artists we're speaking of. you questioned their artistry, while calling the bands a gimmick, for violins and old timey sounds and such. seriously though, these bands might not be for you, but listen to an arcade fire album a few times with an open mind. their songwriting and lyrics are excellent, and as someone else mentioned, although it's a large band, everyone serves a purpose. maybe you still won't like them...but you seem to be somewhat intrigued, either that or you just like to get a rise out of passionate arcade fire fans.
Same here. Loved them from the time I first heard Funeral several years ago. Really just great music!
I think some of their musical performances can be seen as over the top if you aren't already a fan. Really, I recommend just starting with the albums. I picked up Funeral on a whim several years ago without hearing any of the reviews or knowing anything about the band, and sometimes that's the best way to listen to new music.
Tiki, I wouldn't worry too much about it, he also thinks that the Illuminati planted Lady Gaga and Jay Z into the POP Music Culture to brain wash kids.
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More to Come....