Anybody notice some songs being played down 1/2 step?

SVRDhand13 wrote:

EddieLedBetter wrote:

Ask Robert Plant why a band would play songs live half a step down.

I just spoke to Plant. He said Led Zep played half a step down for live songs because they sucked live and that the band is only remembered because of the great production of the albums. He added that John Bonham was about 1/10th the drummer of Keith Moon. Anymore questions for Plant?

Man, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. They're remembered b/c they are the great rock band of all time. Take nothin away from Moon, but Bonzo had alot more to his playin than Moon ever dreamed of. Though you make a great point about the production of the albums.


I don't notice a big difference in the 1/2 step down tuning. Makes stuff sound a little thicker, plus I'd rather Ed hit the notes than strain and have to cut a song or 2 out of a set. It's not like Alice In Chains where their music sounds more menacing or heavy with that tuning.

i just want to say this

if you listen to how he used to sound, and how he sounds now... i like now better. he is deeper

a few years ago i thought how i liked that his smoking made his voice deeper... but thats just me.

rlaidepeas wrote:

When I started this thread, I wasn't really trying to start a debate about whether he should stop smoking or not. Truthfully, I doubt it has much to do with the decision to down tune some of the songs. He is not in his 30's anymore, let alone 20's, and I know most other bands that have toured for 20 years also eventually have to make adjustments to their sound. I was just curious if anybody else was noticing it during this tour, and last year's tour. I just thought it was interesting that some difficult songs they are keeping in the studio recorded tuning, and some other songs they are changing. Alive is still in the key of 'A'. Yellow Ledbetter is still in the key of "E". But one day, will these songs go to Ab, or G? Will Yellow Ledbetter be in the key of "D"? As these guys get to be in their 50's, i'm sure we'll start seeing more changes. But as long as they keep bringing a great show like they did the last few nights, that's all you can ask for. Definately make it a point to see this tour because both shows were among the best i've ever seen.

i love how you keep coming back having to restate the actual title of the thread.

i don't really notice any of the songs live..except life wasted. and when i heard supersonic live in chicago i thought it was lower..but i really like the way it sounds.

i'm not good enough with music to pick up keys without going up and down the neck until it sounds right..

and i think alive and YL will stay the same. seem easy enough on the voice not to change

rlaidepeas wrote:

EddieLedBetter wrote:

Ask Robert Plant why a band would play songs live half a step down.

I would but I lost his phone number. Actually I know why they do it. As you get older (Ed is going on 46 now), you can't do the upper register stuff as well. I get that. I just wonder if anybody else has noticed it - not asking why they are doing it. Although I am a bit confused that they are still playing some songs in the original key that I would think should be even harder to sing than some of them they have decided to drop down. Comatose is still played like the studio version yet Got Some is too tough to sing? They sang Got Some like the studio version on the first Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, but now a year later it's dropped down.

yeah it's pretty noticeable. the fixer sounds pretty good tuned down, but i'm not a fan of anything else. force of nature sounds really bad when its not in regular tuning.

I wish people would appreciate what they have, you don't know when it will be gone. Sorry you don't get the journey we are on together, so quick to bail you are. If our dear Eddie chooses to smoke and drink that is entirely his business. Your post sounds so selfish to me, maybe I misinterpret and pardon me if I do, but if they are no longer good enough for you find another to please you. Not sure who would ever be better but you can try.[/quote]

Right, pandora, you buy the PJ Kool aid by the case dont you...I do appreciate what "I have", its incredible you can defend anything Eddie or PJ, but you are so quick to judge and criticize someone who makes an honest criticism....you remind me of the bible bashers down at the farmer's market who preach their pity to people who dont believe what they believe. To each their own...[/quote]
totally agree to each their own but why then the need to insult me? We should always try to remain polite. I do think your post sounded selfish and if you think that is a judgement call I'm sorry. Perhaps if you read thru it you might see how that it is kind of how it came off. Like the band owes us something.
I'm sure you appreciate your life and what you have I meant appreciating Pearl Jam and Eddie because you just never know. We may just have few precious years left together.
I won't apologize for being positive towards something in my life that I am passionate about. PJ has helped me in ways you'll never know and I understand that is not the case for many here but then for those people they must realize that we will remain positive against the criticism because we don't agree with it,that simple. To us it's just not so.
Oh not sure what PJ Kool aid is either but from the derogatory way you said it I have a feeling it's something you don't think is good. But if it has to do with remaining faithful to a wonderful group of men than perhaps you are not so far off base. I am faithful and proud of it. By the way Pearl Jam is my bible I do spread the word whenever I can[/quote]


Interesting response... for me love and faith are inherently defined by honesty, among other things. Just because I "love" something, whether it be music or a person or an idea, doesn't mean that I am forbidden to honestly level criticism from time to time when it is warranted. I would expect the same in return if someone truly loved me....you see? It just seems to me that your commitment and love of this band and its' music does not include the capacity to question things or be critical...

I look at it this way-->

If they can make small changes that help to keep Ed's voice sounding good, (taking stuff down a half step, having longer instrumental breaks, shorter tours, etc.) no one should complain. It's just a good idea. It's in everyone's best interest to keep his voice as healthy as possible, don't you think? :geek:

pandora wrote:

zootown wrote:

Pandora- how is drinking and smoking akin to getting older and losing your hair or gaining a few pounds. You are missing my point. Critical thinking is part of appreciation of anything. What good comes from being critical? well, for one, it provides direction and insight into improving something. Love and acceptance are crucial for sure, but so is honesty. If one of your family or loved ones was doing something that was self destructive and could potentially harm their career, would you stand by and only point out what that person is doing well, or would you be honest and express your concern? Eddie is NOT a member of my family obviously, but as an artist I respect, it's disappointing to see him smoke and drink, risking his voice and potentially limiting his longevity as an artist.Eddie owes me nothing.....he owes it to the art though and himself to clean up.

You did tell me "to each his own" I thought that would include the choices Mr. Vedder makes in his life too, one would think so.

what? you lost me on this post. goodnight, enjoy the shows.

wow i can't really believe a lot of what i am reading
voice not powerful?

the couple shows i went to this year leave me feeling the exact opposite.
who cares if songs are tuned down a 1/2 step.
if it keeps him in tune and the band can stay on time who gives a crap.
i leave shows always feeling the same overwhelming feeling .

maybe it's just me