I'm with you. MMJ is kicking ass all over the place, .
Their Bonaroo set and NYE MSG set are stuff legends are made of.
Two shows I was happy to be at
"If you want a friend, feed any animal." - JA
"Don't let it get you down, you know, still give your love, just give it away...I love singin' that part." - EV
I think there is something to be said for mass appeal, and MMJ just don't have it. I think they have peaked unless we see them make an obvious lunge at mainstream.
Radiohead is the "Band of the Planet" right now. That Grammy performance is the shit.
I think there is something to be said for mass appeal, and MMJ just don't have it. I think they have peaked unless we see them make an obvious lunge at mainstream.
Radiohead is the "Band of the Planet" right now. That Grammy performance is the shit.
you could make a more than legitimate argument for radiohead, but to say mmj doesn't have mass appeal is ridiculous. i've never played mmj for someone who didn't like it. the only reason why they aren't bigger is because the mainstream has their heads up their ass and because they aren't shoved down our throats. if they got as much air time as nickelback they'd be fuckin huge.
I think there is something to be said for mass appeal, and MMJ just don't have it. I think they have peaked unless we see them make an obvious lunge at mainstream.
Radiohead is the "Band of the Planet" right now. That Grammy performance is the shit.
you could make a more than legitimate argument for radiohead, but to say mmj doesn't have mass appeal is ridiculous. i've never played mmj for someone who didn't like it. the only reason why they aren't bigger is because the mainstream has their heads up their ass and because they aren't shoved down our throats. if they got as much air time as nickelback they'd be fuckin huge.
Any band that gets shoved down our throats is gonna be huge. I don't really think MMJ wants to be the biggest/best band of the planet.
When I said mass appeal, I meant currently, not a survey of MMJ fans' friends. Like I said, they have peaked. Sure, they make catchy music, but so do alotta other people. I dunno anybody outta my circle of friends that likes or even knows MMJ.
They're one of my favorite bands making music, but I think a band has to have the world by the balls to be considered "best".
MMJ shouldn't be mentioned in this thread, quite honestly. What are they best at? They aren't great musicians and their music has a pretty limited audience.
I think there is something to be said for mass appeal, and MMJ just don't have it. I think they have peaked unless we see them make an obvious lunge at mainstream.
Radiohead is the "Band of the Planet" right now. That Grammy performance is the shit.
you could make a more than legitimate argument for radiohead, but to say mmj doesn't have mass appeal is ridiculous. i've never played mmj for someone who didn't like it. the only reason why they aren't bigger is because the mainstream has their heads up their ass and because they aren't shoved down our throats. if they got as much air time as nickelback they'd be fuckin huge.
MMJ shouldn't be mentioned in this thread, quite honestly. What are they best at? They aren't great musicians and their music has a pretty limited audience.
Whaaaaaaaaa? "They aren't great musicians"??? Have you ever seen them live??? Patrick Hallahan, first of all, is amazing behind the kit. I'm no drummer, but he amazes me more than your average rock drummer in a live setting. And uh, Jim James' solo on "Off The Record"? Carl Broemel & James trading off face-melting solos during "Run Thru"?
MMJ shouldn't be mentioned in this thread, quite honestly. What are they best at? They aren't great musicians and their music has a pretty limited audience.
i know it's all a matter of opinion so.......
In my opinion you are talking out of your fucking ass right now saying that they aren't great musicians. The structure of their songs alone, never mind the technical skill required to play them, is astounding.
AND,
Who is to say they've peaked? The previous two gigs I mentioned, each four hours, (BON&MSG) both happened in the fiscal year so far. ALSO, the okonokos 4 LP set is and I quote:
" Okonokos is one of the best live recordings of the last 30 years." - - - - ALL MUSIC GUIDE.
I've listened to plenty of their stuff. What I meant more is that what they do individually isn't really ever that mind blowing. They are great playing in the context of what they do, but 9.7/10x it's REALLY simple stuff. I compare them to Pink Floyd.
I play guitar, so I have a good ear for stuff that is more difficult to play and nothin really pops into my head as unplayable and I am no guitar master. I am sure there are some little bits I'm forgetting, some live versions I've never heard and my acoustic ability is at the most basic level, so that stuff escapes me, but MMJ is really a case of the sum>its parts.
I said they have peaked unless they make an effort to go mainstream. I don't think they will be able to stay just on the outside lookin in, as they are now, and get megaband success.
I've listened to plenty of their stuff. What I meant more is that what they do individually isn't really ever that mind blowing. They are great playing in the context of what they do, but 9.7/10x it's REALLY simple stuff. I compare them to Pink Floyd.
I play guitar, so I have a good ear for stuff that is more difficult to play and nothin really pops into my head as unplayable and I am no guitar master. I am sure there are some little bits I'm forgetting, some live versions I've never heard and my acoustic ability is at the most basic level, so that stuff escapes me, but MMJ is really a case of the sum>its parts.
I said they have peaked unless they make an effort to go mainstream. I don't think they will be able to stay just on the outside lookin in, as they are now, and get megaband success.
i kinda get your point about how the band members dont jump out individually on the record....but thats why you have to see them live. and after seeing them live, i much more appreciate how MMJ putting on a "Band" performance instead of flaunting individual flair is much more of a credit to them than you seem to think. there are average bands out there, and MMJ isnt one of them. the range of styles & influence theyve got is huge aswell, i suggest you get a copy of live album or go see them if you ever have the chance.
there arent many groups out there that could pull off credible MMJ covers.
imo, when taking into account the complexity of the songs, the difficulty in playing them, the performances, and the albums....Muse takes the cake. every song is quality....and the range of stuff, from Andy WIlliams covers to slow balads to songs like Citizen Erased & Hyper Music, or the dance-style rock of SupermassiveBlackHole...they can do it all.
and Knights of Cydonia is one of the best live songs ever. the crowd participation in it is immense. ive rarely seen such a MTV friendly /well known band have such maintain such a devout & diehard fanbase at shows...
I've listened to plenty of their stuff. What I meant more is that what they do individually isn't really ever that mind blowing. They are great playing in the context of what they do, but 9.7/10x it's REALLY simple stuff. I compare them to Pink Floyd.
I play guitar, so I have a good ear for stuff that is more difficult to play and nothin really pops into my head as unplayable and I am no guitar master. I am sure there are some little bits I'm forgetting, some live versions I've never heard and my acoustic ability is at the most basic level, so that stuff escapes me, but MMJ is really a case of the sum>its parts.
I said they have peaked unless they make an effort to go mainstream. I don't think they will be able to stay just on the outside lookin in, as they are now, and get megaband success.
i kinda get your point about how the band members dont jump out individually on the record....but thats why you have to see them live. and after seeing them live, i much more appreciate how MMJ putting on a "Band" performance instead of flaunting individual flair is much more of a credit to them than you seem to think. there are average bands out there, and MMJ isnt one of them. the range of styles & influence theyve got is huge aswell, i suggest you get a copy of live album or go see them if you ever have the chance.
there arent many groups out there that could pull off credible MMJ covers.
I know they are great live, but I dunno why I would have to see them live to appreciate how complex their music is. I have listened to several bootlegs and have the live album/dvd. There are parts that blow my mind b/c they are so cool and nice, but never has my jaw dropped from their musicianship.
It's hard for any band to do great covers of another band. Any respectable professional band has the musical skills to pull off a solid MMJ cover.
I agree that MMJ is a GREAT band, I put it in my last post.
They may be the most overachieving band ever, especially if they become universally known. I think it's amazing how interesting they keep their music, with such simple playing.
I dunno if there is any other guitar players that are gonna reply to this thread, but maybe they can back me up or put me in my place. Like I said, I'm no guitar god and their stuff is about as easy as it gets, for me.
Jimmy Page has more musicianship on his taint then MMJ has total.
I've listened to plenty of their stuff. What I meant more is that what they do individually isn't really ever that mind blowing. They are great playing in the context of what they do, but 9.7/10x it's REALLY simple stuff. I compare them to Pink Floyd.
I play guitar, so I have a good ear for stuff that is more difficult to play and nothin really pops into my head as unplayable and I am no guitar master. I am sure there are some little bits I'm forgetting, some live versions I've never heard and my acoustic ability is at the most basic level, so that stuff escapes me, but MMJ is really a case of the sum>its parts.
I said they have peaked unless they make an effort to go mainstream. I don't think they will be able to stay just on the outside lookin in, as they are now, and get megaband success.
i kinda get your point about how the band members dont jump out individually on the record....but thats why you have to see them live. and after seeing them live, i much more appreciate how MMJ putting on a "Band" performance instead of flaunting individual flair is much more of a credit to them than you seem to think. there are average bands out there, and MMJ isnt one of them. the range of styles & influence theyve got is huge aswell, i suggest you get a copy of live album or go see them if you ever have the chance.
there arent many groups out there that could pull off credible MMJ covers.
I agree that MMJ is a GREAT band, I put it in my last post.
I dunno if there is any other guitar players that are gonna reply to this thread, but maybe they can back me up or put me in my place. Like I said, I'm no guitar god and their stuff is about as easy as it gets, for me.
Jimmy Page has more musicianship on his taint then MMJ has total.
First of all, it's extremely contradictory to say that MMJ is a great band and then to end your post with an insult like that. Make up your mind. Part of what makes great musicians is their compositions, not just their ability to pull off a blistering solo. There's nothing complicated about it, but I challenge you to write a song as unique and challenging and multi-layered as "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2".
And secondly, to answer your question, I'm a guitar player. And I think both James and Broemel are great guitarists, but when they attack a song simultaneously it's off the charts. Sure, I can play the intro to the Hawaii 5-0 rip off intro of "Off the Record" and make it sound good. But can I come anywhere near the guitar prowess that James and Broemel display during the jam of "Lay Low"? HELL NO!
this is rock music here, not jazz, not any type of extremely technical classical music stuff. So, in my personal opinion, its more about the feeling and emotion put into the songs then pure musicianship. And my morning jacket has some of the most gripping and emotionally intenese songwriting and playing that I've ever heard. The jams at the end of lay low and dondante aren't anything overly complex, but when they play it, you FEEL it. I do at least.
glad you guys both mention lay low. that song is truly magic. and dondante is another one of my faves. the feeling in their music and in jims voice is what does it for me with this band too.
the guitar prowess that James and Broemel display during the jam of "Lay Low"? -- one of the greatest moments on any album I own. it's unreal. then when you think it's gonna end, the piano joins the fold......i love how in sync all of them are.
this is the very end of dondante, front row, seattle in sept 08.
Van '98, Sea I+II '00, Sea '01, Sea II '02, Van '03, Gorge, Van, Cal, Edm '05, Bos I+II, Phi I+II, DC, SF II+III, Port, Gorge I+II '06, DC, NY I+II '08, Sea I+II, Van, Ridge , LA III+IV' 09, Indy '10, Cal, Van '11, Lond, Van, Sea '13, Memphis '14, RRHOF '17, Sea I+II '18, Van I+II, Vegas I+II '24
glad you guys both mention lay low. that song is truly magic. and dondante is another one of my faves. the feeling in their music and in jims voice is what does it for me with this band too.
the guitar prowess that James and Broemel display during the jam of "Lay Low"? -- one of the greatest moments on any album I own. it's unreal. then when you think it's gonna end, the piano joins the fold......i love how in sync all of them are.
this is the very end of dondante, front row, seattle in sept 08.
JEALOUS.
I was 12th row off to Carl's side a tad and I thought I had a good seat!
Question while we're on the topic: I'm a new fan to MMJ, although you wouldn't guess it in the lengths I've gone to to defend them. A friend of mine said they're one of the greatest live acts he'd seen, so I instantly bought a ticket to see them last September in L.A., and that's what more or less converted me. Nah, I take that back. "Okonokos" converted me. "Frampton Comes Alive", "The Song Remains the Same", even "Live on Two Legs", none of those live albums even hold a candle to Okonokos. That album is what got me into the band.
But anyways, to my question: After only a few listens of both At Dawn and Tennessee Fire, they both seem very drawn-out and sleep-promoting. I guess not much can compare to the more fiery parts of "It Still Moves" and "Z", but the massive doses of reverb and 14-16 track albums really don't attract me much. Were these albums the band trying to find their sound? Or do you think they're great in their own rights and I just haven't gotten into them enough?
in all honesty, other than the tracks that appear on acoustic cistuoca and okonokos, i haven't really listened to those two albums much. im just so enamoured with it still moves, z, and evil urges, that im just kind of saving them for later or something. so i can't help you on those ones. "the bear" off the acoustic cistuoca ep is a top 5 song for me though. unreal vocals on that. have you heard that ep?
Van '98, Sea I+II '00, Sea '01, Sea II '02, Van '03, Gorge, Van, Cal, Edm '05, Bos I+II, Phi I+II, DC, SF II+III, Port, Gorge I+II '06, DC, NY I+II '08, Sea I+II, Van, Ridge , LA III+IV' 09, Indy '10, Cal, Van '11, Lond, Van, Sea '13, Memphis '14, RRHOF '17, Sea I+II '18, Van I+II, Vegas I+II '24
imo, when taking into account the complexity of the songs, the difficulty in playing them, the performances, and the albums....Muse takes the cake. every song is quality....and the range of stuff, from Andy WIlliams covers to slow balads to songs like Citizen Erased & Hyper Music, or the dance-style rock of SupermassiveBlackHole...they can do it all.
and Knights of Cydonia is one of the best live songs ever. the crowd participation in it is immense. ive rarely seen such a MTV friendly /well known band have such maintain such a devout & diehard fanbase at shows...
Hysteria might be the most ass-kicking song ever written. I can't think of a single other song that unfailingly makes me want to crank the stereo every time it comes on.
And to Dewie, endless guitar wankery does not make a band the best. Otherwise 90% of jam bands would be the best bands ever. No question Jimmy Page can play. But I'll take the best moments of Pink Floyd over LZ any day.
But anyways, to my question: After only a few listens of both At Dawn and Tennessee Fire, they both seem very drawn-out and sleep-promoting. I guess not much can compare to the more fiery parts of "It Still Moves" and "Z", but the massive doses of reverb and 14-16 track albums really don't attract me much. Were these albums the band trying to find their sound? Or do you think they're great in their own rights and I just haven't gotten into them enough?
I love those albums, but they might be something of an acquired taste. I got into them with Z, then worked backwards. After Z and It Still moves, the first two kinda made me say "what the fuck?" They are a bit overlong with some filler or songs that blur together, and the vocals are indecipherable. But they're great, moody, chill albums. What helped me was hearing some of the songs live... like Way That He Sings and War Begun and At Dawn especially. After that, you realize the songs do have that same explosive potential, it's just somewhat buried on the record. It partly hurts those albums but also makes them kind of fascinating.
But they definitely do not rock like the later records... they made a conscious decision for It Still Moves to do a better job trying to get their live sound on tape.
So in short, I do think they're great in their own right once you penetrate the murky sound and get to know the songs... kinda like early REM albums.
Deerhoof is quite possibly the worst band I have ever seen live. It was like some horrible joke. The singer bouncing around the stage singing "bunny bunny bunny" while making rabbit ears with her fingers. How can anyone take that shit seriously?
Arcade Fire and The Shins continue to be the most inspiring bands for me.
It makes much more sense to live in the present tense.
Part of musicianship is the degree of difficulty. I can appreciate MMJ for what they do, but mindblowing musicianship isn't what they do. They change up the arrangements to keep things interesting, but they are a good band, it's what good bands do.
Bottom line, they are pros so I wanna hear them play stuff that I can't play. It's not a necessity for me to like them, but it definitely adds points when debating better/worse bands.
The fact is there have been plenty of bands mix better or equal songwriting with more advanced instrumentation. Radiohead is an active one that comes to mind and they keep it more "in the song" than MMJ.
Laylow is SUPER easy stuff on guitar. Took me about the time it took to listen to it to be able to play along with it pretty good, and I NEVER learn songs by ear. Try it. It's a fun easy song to jam with.
soulsinging>That's your choice, and a fine one(they are my #3), but Zeppelin will always be the better band.
Mastodon is really on top of their game right now.
I can't wait to hear the new album. The vocals live sounded very good over teh weekend and were vastly improved from the last couple of times i saw them.
Musicianship is unquestionable these guys can play. Particularly their Drummer and Lead Guitarist (brann & brent) seem on top of their game now too.
They are interestin to me because they are not extreme metal but it seems they rock a little too hard for many fans on this board, but I think their new album will be a bit more accesable. I'm interested to see if they get a larger following because of that.
Either way they are one of my fav bands making new music now.
Charlotte 00 Charlotte 03 Asheville 04 Atlanta 12 Greenville 16, Columbia 16 Seattle 18 Nashville 22 Ohana Festival 24 x2
Part of musicianship is the degree of difficulty. I can appreciate MMJ for what they do, but mindblowing musicianship isn't what they do. They change up the arrangements to keep things interesting, but they are a good band, it's what good bands do.
Bottom line, they are pros so I wanna hear them play stuff that I can't play. It's not a necessity for me to like them, but it definitely adds points when debating better/worse bands.
The fact is there have been plenty of bands mix better or equal songwriting with more advanced instrumentation. Radiohead is an active one that comes to mind and they keep it more "in the song" than MMJ.
Laylow is SUPER easy stuff on guitar. Took me about the time it took to listen to it to be able to play along with it pretty good, and I NEVER learn songs by ear. Try it. It's a fun easy song to jam with.
soulsinging>That's your choice, and a fine one(they are my #3), but Zeppelin will always be the better band.
So tell me why every single jam band loaded with classically trained guitarists that have been playing for 30 years is not better than every other band? Or why Dragonforce and every other shredding heavy metal band that does solos a computer couldn't manage... why aren't they better than everyone? I mean, if we're going solely by musical masturbation and "how hard it is to play it" then they should win hands down.
yeah, im not understanding the whole "it should be something i cant play" attitude..... what about the "it should be something i could never write, or sing, or record...."
The Commitments quote comes to mind: about music having corners, limits, and soul which is what makes the essence of group performance.....but solo-ing is jazz, and jazz is just wanking with your instrument (ie overall distracts from the group)
yeah, im not understanding the whole "it should be something i cant play" attitude..... what about the "it should be something i could never write, or sing, or record...."
The Commitments quote comes to mind: about music having corners, limits, and soul which is what makes the essence of group performance.....but solo-ing is jazz, and jazz is just wanking with your instrument (ie overall distracts from the group)
When did I say it SHOULD be something that I can't play. I'm just saying sometimes there is a little more there to appreciate, I dunno why somebody would deny that. And, I even said it's not a necessity.
Honestly, I can listen to something "with awesome playing" about 1 time then I am done with it, unless it's part of a great song. I agree with you guys totally about extended drum solos, wankfest guitar and the like.
You guys just don't seem to like the fact that I'm not blown away with their playing. I've never once said their playing is shoddy, their arrangements are boring, or anything like that. Some of Jim's lyrics and singing are a little strange, but it's part of their charm and also alot of it is as cool as anything I've ever heard.
The greatest rock bands of all time are generally full of great players. Yeah, it's not jazz or classical guitar, but you can't deny that alot of bands that have been, are, or will become well known, as much b/c of their playing as their songs.
Are you guys gonna call out "intodeep" b/c he pointed out that Mastodon are awesome players?
yeah, im not understanding the whole "it should be something i cant play" attitude..... what about the "it should be something i could never write, or sing, or record...."
The Commitments quote comes to mind: about music having corners, limits, and soul which is what makes the essence of group performance.....but solo-ing is jazz, and jazz is just wanking with your instrument (ie overall distracts from the group)
When did I say it SHOULD be something that I can't play. I'm just saying sometimes there is a little more there to appreciate, I dunno why somebody would deny that. And, I even said it's not a necessity.
Honestly, I can listen to something "with awesome playing" about 1 time then I am done with it, unless it's part of a great song. I agree with you guys totally about extended drum solos, wankfest guitar and the like.
You guys just don't seem to like the fact that I'm not blown away with their playing. I've never once said their playing is shoddy, their arrangements are boring, or anything like that. Some of Jim's lyrics and singing are a little strange, but it's part of their charm and also alot of it is as cool as anything I've ever heard.
The greatest rock bands of all time are generally full of great players. Yeah, it's not jazz or classical guitar, but you can't deny that alot of bands that have been, are, or will become well known, as much b/c of their playing as their songs.
Are you guys gonna call out "intodeep" b/c he pointed out that Mastodon are awesome players?
thats cool . i didnt write MMJ as my answer for this thread...i just thought u were going for the solo-ing thing - i misread. a balance of all like u said, is what i go for. As per mastodon, i wont give him shit - ive seen them and thought they were good....not good enough that i went out & got their albums. :?
id put the Frames forward as band that need to be seen live too. anyone who likes MMJ will probably like them, although theyre not that similar ....anyways, amazing live band.
wow a baby's fart could melt my face off better than that piece of crap band.
Beavis: All my friends are brown and red? What does that mean?
Butthead: It means that his friends are like turds and that they like suck.
Beavis: Heh heh. Oh yeah. Yeah! Get those spoons out of my face before I shove them up your butt!
Butthead: Huh huh.
Dr.Dog!!!
And you are doing your eyes and ears a great injustice if you haven't checked them out. They are also one of the best live bands in the world right now. Check them out!!!
Comments
Two shows I was happy to be at
"Don't let it get you down, you know, still give your love, just give it away...I love singin' that part." - EV
they put on an incredible show.
genuinely one of the few bands that can succesfully pull off a staduim sized show!
not enough love for Muse on this board
Radiohead is the "Band of the Planet" right now. That Grammy performance is the shit.
you could make a more than legitimate argument for radiohead, but to say mmj doesn't have mass appeal is ridiculous. i've never played mmj for someone who didn't like it. the only reason why they aren't bigger is because the mainstream has their heads up their ass and because they aren't shoved down our throats. if they got as much air time as nickelback they'd be fuckin huge.
Any band that gets shoved down our throats is gonna be huge. I don't really think MMJ wants to be the biggest/best band of the planet.
When I said mass appeal, I meant currently, not a survey of MMJ fans' friends. Like I said, they have peaked. Sure, they make catchy music, but so do alotta other people. I dunno anybody outta my circle of friends that likes or even knows MMJ.
They're one of my favorite bands making music, but I think a band has to have the world by the balls to be considered "best".
MMJ shouldn't be mentioned in this thread, quite honestly. What are they best at? They aren't great musicians and their music has a pretty limited audience.
Whaaaaaaaaa? "They aren't great musicians"??? Have you ever seen them live??? Patrick Hallahan, first of all, is amazing behind the kit. I'm no drummer, but he amazes me more than your average rock drummer in a live setting. And uh, Jim James' solo on "Off The Record"? Carl Broemel & James trading off face-melting solos during "Run Thru"?
Are we talking about the same band here?
i know it's all a matter of opinion so.......
In my opinion you are talking out of your fucking ass right now saying that they aren't great musicians. The structure of their songs alone, never mind the technical skill required to play them, is astounding.
AND,
Who is to say they've peaked? The previous two gigs I mentioned, each four hours, (BON&MSG) both happened in the fiscal year so far. ALSO, the okonokos 4 LP set is and I quote:
" Okonokos is one of the best live recordings of the last 30 years." - - - - ALL MUSIC GUIDE.
read the whole article to see the review these hacks get:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... qrdldfe~T1 (actually read it, Dewie)
Those three concerts have happened two years apart. My friend, they are peaking and there is no stopping them.
:roll:
i suppose that guy in your avatar is a REAL musician?
I play guitar, so I have a good ear for stuff that is more difficult to play and nothin really pops into my head as unplayable and I am no guitar master. I am sure there are some little bits I'm forgetting, some live versions I've never heard and my acoustic ability is at the most basic level, so that stuff escapes me, but MMJ is really a case of the sum>its parts.
I said they have peaked unless they make an effort to go mainstream. I don't think they will be able to stay just on the outside lookin in, as they are now, and get megaband success.
i kinda get your point about how the band members dont jump out individually on the record....but thats why you have to see them live. and after seeing them live, i much more appreciate how MMJ putting on a "Band" performance instead of flaunting individual flair is much more of a credit to them than you seem to think. there are average bands out there, and MMJ isnt one of them. the range of styles & influence theyve got is huge aswell, i suggest you get a copy of live album or go see them if you ever have the chance.
there arent many groups out there that could pull off credible MMJ covers.
imo, when taking into account the complexity of the songs, the difficulty in playing them, the performances, and the albums....Muse takes the cake. every song is quality....and the range of stuff, from Andy WIlliams covers to slow balads to songs like Citizen Erased & Hyper Music, or the dance-style rock of SupermassiveBlackHole...they can do it all.
and Knights of Cydonia is one of the best live songs ever. the crowd participation in it is immense. ive rarely seen such a MTV friendly /well known band have such maintain such a devout & diehard fanbase at shows...
I know they are great live, but I dunno why I would have to see them live to appreciate how complex their music is. I have listened to several bootlegs and have the live album/dvd. There are parts that blow my mind b/c they are so cool and nice, but never has my jaw dropped from their musicianship.
It's hard for any band to do great covers of another band. Any respectable professional band has the musical skills to pull off a solid MMJ cover.
I agree that MMJ is a GREAT band, I put it in my last post.
They may be the most overachieving band ever, especially if they become universally known. I think it's amazing how interesting they keep their music, with such simple playing.
I dunno if there is any other guitar players that are gonna reply to this thread, but maybe they can back me up or put me in my place. Like I said, I'm no guitar god and their stuff is about as easy as it gets, for me.
Jimmy Page has more musicianship on his taint then MMJ has total.
First of all, it's extremely contradictory to say that MMJ is a great band and then to end your post with an insult like that. Make up your mind. Part of what makes great musicians is their compositions, not just their ability to pull off a blistering solo. There's nothing complicated about it, but I challenge you to write a song as unique and challenging and multi-layered as "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2".
And secondly, to answer your question, I'm a guitar player. And I think both James and Broemel are great guitarists, but when they attack a song simultaneously it's off the charts. Sure, I can play the intro to the Hawaii 5-0 rip off intro of "Off the Record" and make it sound good. But can I come anywhere near the guitar prowess that James and Broemel display during the jam of "Lay Low"? HELL NO!
the guitar prowess that James and Broemel display during the jam of "Lay Low"? -- one of the greatest moments on any album I own. it's unreal. then when you think it's gonna end, the piano joins the fold......i love how in sync all of them are.
this is the very end of dondante, front row, seattle in sept 08.
JEALOUS.
I was 12th row off to Carl's side a tad and I thought I had a good seat!
Question while we're on the topic: I'm a new fan to MMJ, although you wouldn't guess it in the lengths I've gone to to defend them. A friend of mine said they're one of the greatest live acts he'd seen, so I instantly bought a ticket to see them last September in L.A., and that's what more or less converted me. Nah, I take that back. "Okonokos" converted me. "Frampton Comes Alive", "The Song Remains the Same", even "Live on Two Legs", none of those live albums even hold a candle to Okonokos. That album is what got me into the band.
But anyways, to my question: After only a few listens of both At Dawn and Tennessee Fire, they both seem very drawn-out and sleep-promoting. I guess not much can compare to the more fiery parts of "It Still Moves" and "Z", but the massive doses of reverb and 14-16 track albums really don't attract me much. Were these albums the band trying to find their sound? Or do you think they're great in their own rights and I just haven't gotten into them enough?
i got a few really good ones.
Hysteria might be the most ass-kicking song ever written. I can't think of a single other song that unfailingly makes me want to crank the stereo every time it comes on.
And to Dewie, endless guitar wankery does not make a band the best. Otherwise 90% of jam bands would be the best bands ever. No question Jimmy Page can play. But I'll take the best moments of Pink Floyd over LZ any day.
I love those albums, but they might be something of an acquired taste. I got into them with Z, then worked backwards. After Z and It Still moves, the first two kinda made me say "what the fuck?" They are a bit overlong with some filler or songs that blur together, and the vocals are indecipherable. But they're great, moody, chill albums. What helped me was hearing some of the songs live... like Way That He Sings and War Begun and At Dawn especially. After that, you realize the songs do have that same explosive potential, it's just somewhat buried on the record. It partly hurts those albums but also makes them kind of fascinating.
But they definitely do not rock like the later records... they made a conscious decision for It Still Moves to do a better job trying to get their live sound on tape.
So in short, I do think they're great in their own right once you penetrate the murky sound and get to know the songs... kinda like early REM albums.
Arcade Fire and The Shins continue to be the most inspiring bands for me.
Bottom line, they are pros so I wanna hear them play stuff that I can't play. It's not a necessity for me to like them, but it definitely adds points when debating better/worse bands.
The fact is there have been plenty of bands mix better or equal songwriting with more advanced instrumentation. Radiohead is an active one that comes to mind and they keep it more "in the song" than MMJ.
Laylow is SUPER easy stuff on guitar. Took me about the time it took to listen to it to be able to play along with it pretty good, and I NEVER learn songs by ear. Try it. It's a fun easy song to jam with.
soulsinging>That's your choice, and a fine one(they are my #3), but Zeppelin will always be the better band.
I can't wait to hear the new album. The vocals live sounded very good over teh weekend and were vastly improved from the last couple of times i saw them.
Musicianship is unquestionable these guys can play. Particularly their Drummer and Lead Guitarist (brann & brent) seem on top of their game now too.
They are interestin to me because they are not extreme metal but it seems they rock a little too hard for many fans on this board, but I think their new album will be a bit more accesable. I'm interested to see if they get a larger following because of that.
Either way they are one of my fav bands making new music now.
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
Ohana Festival 24 x2
So tell me why every single jam band loaded with classically trained guitarists that have been playing for 30 years is not better than every other band? Or why Dragonforce and every other shredding heavy metal band that does solos a computer couldn't manage... why aren't they better than everyone? I mean, if we're going solely by musical masturbation and "how hard it is to play it" then they should win hands down.
There's a constant ringing in my ears
Sense of humor's void and numb
And I'm bored to tears.......
The Commitments quote comes to mind: about music having corners, limits, and soul which is what makes the essence of group performance.....but solo-ing is jazz, and jazz is just wanking with your instrument (ie overall distracts from the group)
Have a copy of it, but haven't listened to it yet.
When did I say it SHOULD be something that I can't play. I'm just saying sometimes there is a little more there to appreciate, I dunno why somebody would deny that. And, I even said it's not a necessity.
Honestly, I can listen to something "with awesome playing" about 1 time then I am done with it, unless it's part of a great song. I agree with you guys totally about extended drum solos, wankfest guitar and the like.
You guys just don't seem to like the fact that I'm not blown away with their playing. I've never once said their playing is shoddy, their arrangements are boring, or anything like that. Some of Jim's lyrics and singing are a little strange, but it's part of their charm and also alot of it is as cool as anything I've ever heard.
The greatest rock bands of all time are generally full of great players. Yeah, it's not jazz or classical guitar, but you can't deny that alot of bands that have been, are, or will become well known, as much b/c of their playing as their songs.
Are you guys gonna call out "intodeep" b/c he pointed out that Mastodon are awesome players?
thats cool
id put the Frames forward as band that need to be seen live too. anyone who likes MMJ will probably like them, although theyre not that similar ....anyways, amazing live band.
Butthead: It means that his friends are like turds and that they like suck.
Beavis: Heh heh. Oh yeah. Yeah! Get those spoons out of my face before I shove them up your butt!
Butthead: Huh huh.
And you are doing your eyes and ears a great injustice if you haven't checked them out. They are also one of the best live bands in the world right now. Check them out!!!