Rick Beato's intricate breakdowns of songs, music, and techniques is pretty cool.
Boston's first album (1976) in my opinion is a Top 10 of all time. Still nothing sounds like it, never has since. Boston was its own genre. Summer of '77.
Second album (1978) was good as well. I remember the anticipation of this second Boston album, buying it immediately.
That was pretty much the end of Boston (aside from the single, Amanda), on their third album ten years later in 1986.
Boston's first album (1976) in my opinion is a Top 10 of all time. Still nothing sounds like it, never has since. Boston was its own genre. Summer of '77.
Good time for music, on the cusp of disco dying out and the punk rock scene exploding.
Boston was unique in a lot of ways and their songs were a combination of Power-Pop, hair-band metal and soaring harmonies and were so far ahead of their time, production-wise
Scholz was quite a perfectionist, one of the reasons it was so long between albums, or so I've heard.
Check out this demo from 1975:
Oh, just found this out : Scholz was a top student and a member of the varsity basketball team, he graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1965.
I grew up in Maumee,(OH), maybe 8 miles from there.
I may have seen him play hoops when I was 12.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
#2. To: Stoner, sneakypete, A K A Stone, *Music* (#1)
Ping!
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
Cool find. Raw, but still excellent. 'Hitch A Ride' = 'San Francisco Day'? (Rick Beato does a 'What Makes This Song Great?' segment on it as well.)
Tom Scholtz' story of that first album is pretty amazing...
MIT alum Scholtz demonstrated his genius if only for creating this album (my son even owns his signature guitar "fuzz box.")
Studio suits didn't want one of their records produced down someone's basement, putting the kibosh on Scholtz's basement production. By the time they got the final product they assumed it had been studio produced and polished. NOT. (Scholtz controlled the entire production...from his basement STILL.)
Scholtz is what -- 6-6 or something like that? BB player body. Coulda been him on the courts you saw; small world when you find out stuff like living near famous/accomplished people around small towns like Maumee, Ohio.
Been meaning to ask - what's the sit-rep at your location? As I recall you are in or near the so called epicenter out east.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
As I recall you [Liberator] are in or near the so called epicenter out east.
I have elected to no longer exchange posts with Liberator. I ran across your post here and it has peaked my interest in the situation surrounding him. I ask you to please tell Liberator that I wish him the very best and that I wish for him to stay well. Thank you
Interesting that you selected this song as I recall back when my son was only 7 or 8 and just learning about music genres and this song came on my truck radio. As we bopped along to the song, he asked if it was a great song and I told him I thought ut was when I first heard it when I was in Junior High so we decided it was "The Greatest Song Ever!" Apologies to "Freebird" "Stairway to Heaven" & "Let It Be". Jake is graduating from Duke University in May--Wuhan Flu allowing--and we still catch each others eye when this song comes on...MUD
"NOW...Devolve Power Outta the Federal Leviathan!!"
Speaking of that, do you recall the first time you heard a song that you liked so much you considered it your favorite song? For me it was Lynyrd Skynrd's " What's Your Name?" from about 6th grag de.
"NOW...Devolve Power Outta the Federal Leviathan!!"
Very interesting. This has always been one of my favorites, though I've played it so much I've kind of largely removed it from my usual listening.
Side A of Boston's first 2 albums were all great, though the side B music never rose to that standard. I guess from this guy's breakdown of MTAF, it's apparent that the reason might have been for lack of ability to pour the same amount of effort into the side B songs.
Sadly, it seems Boston is just an alias for Tom Scholz, and though he's made additional albums beyond the first 2, it seems none of them have been able to continue the success. I've wondered if those other original band-mates deserved more credit for the original successes than they ended up getting in court.
I seem to recall Scholz being accused of his perfectionism driving others crazy, and then him filing a lawsuit for defamation over what someone close to Brad said publicly after Brad's death, ascribing some aspect of Scholz's personality to the tragady. That pretty much told me the accusations were true.
How did this guy get the full audio on this sound broken down into separate tracks? Is that something he bought or is it possible for them to be digitally extracted from the publicly available version? The latter would be quite extraordinary, but digital tech has progressed a lot.
Oh Misterwhite I had no idea you liked Def Leppard.
Here is why those words are in the music.
The song begins with a voice that says ""Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen". What does that mean? The answer is it doesn't mean anything. Producer Mutt Lange got tired of counting the band in with "1, 2, 3, 4...," so he started saying this.The boys liked it so they put it in the song. It means so much, it means nothing. Watch them do it in the video.
Situation: Stores still open. "Safe-Spacing" foot marks are set up at some store. Masks are showing up in about 25% of the Pods. Many older folks AND WOMEN are paranoid basket cases.
Interesting that you selected this song as I recall back when my son was only 7 or 8 and just learning about music genres and this song came on my truck radio. As we bopped along to the song, he asked if it was a great song and I told him I thought ut was when I first heard it when I was in Junior High so we decided it was "The Greatest Song Ever!"
...We still catch each others eye when this song comes on
Nice. That is a great story to share. Especially that it's about you and your son.
Speaking of that, do you recall the first time you heard a song that you liked so much you considered it your favorite song? For me it was Lynyrd Skynrd's " What's Your Name?" from about 6th grag de.
Good question.
Just ONE "favorite"?? Just thought abut it and can't pin it down to just one. I've had many "favorites" but never had that one ditty.
Lynyrd Skynrd's 'What's Your Name?' is IT for you? Good one. But what if you're in a ballad mood? Classic mood? 80s Mood? Oldies mood?
I guess what I'm saying is that my "fav" has always depended on my mood over time.
Very interesting. This has always been one of my favorites, though I've played it so much I've kind of largely removed it from my usual listening.
Hear ya on that and agree; 'More Than A Feeling' was great; It made me buy that album. But yes, it WAS played to death so much that I also mentally dismissed it. (I chose this particular Rick Beato breakdown of it and song because I knew many of us liked it at the time.)
Side A of Boston's first 2 albums were all great, though the side B music never rose to that standard. I guess from this guy's breakdown of MTAF, it's apparent that the reason might have been for lack of ability to pour the same amount of effort into the side B songs.
Interesting take...
With respect to Boston's debut album, the only song not written by Scholtz was, 'Let Me Take You Home Tonight'. It was the one song I thought was just average. Otherwise I thought the rest of Side B and all of Side A were shockingly excellent.
Now if you're also referring to Side B of the 'Don't Look Back' album, I absolutely agree! So you noticed as well? (Only 'Feeling Satisfied' met the standard of excellence as heard on Side A, and the debut album material.)
Even Tom Scholtz thought his Side B of Don't Look Back was weak. According to him the record company rushed him. That would explain why that efforts wasn't as good as the debut album.
Sadly, it seems Boston is just an alias for Tom Scholz, and though he's made additional albums beyond the first 2, it seems none of them have been able to continue the success. I've wondered if those other original band-mates deserved more credit for the original successes than they ended up getting in court.
I followed that a bit as well...
Yup Boston = Scholtz basically, right?
Apparently Scholtz didn't even need a band -- he covered the bass on that debut album, guitars, and even keyboards. He was maybe the first to be a "virtual" band thank to his MIT skills.
A drummer (NOT the "band" drummer) and Brad Delp's vocals were all he needed for that debut album. LIVE performance was of course a different story. And then again -- back then record companies thought it was weird not to have a "Band".
So...to your question about "credit"...the other guitarist who wrote, 'Let Me Take You Home Tonight' deserves some. Other than that? maybe a sliver of credit?
I seem to recall Scholz being accused of his perfectionism driving others crazy, and then him filing a lawsuit for defamation over what someone close to Brad said publicly after Brad's death, ascribing some aspect of Scholz's personality to the tragady. That pretty much told me the accusations were true.
I'd heard/read some of that as well; That Scholtz bullied Brad a bit. Regarding Brad Delp's suicide, it was said to occurred over guilt of taping his GF's sister without her knowledge...and getting busted. (Who knows?)
How did this guy get the full audio on this sound broken down into separate tracks?
Is that something he bought or is it possible for them to be digitally extracted from the publicly available version? The latter would be quite extraordinary, but digital tech has progressed a lot.
Yeah, the way or manner Beato was able to extract and isolated tracks was amazing. He does that on all his song/parts breakdowns.
My son had at one time access to a site where hundreds of songs had extracted then isolated tracks -- some more than others. But on Beato's isolations they are really clean, there's not much bleed-through of other instrumentation.
The site my son extracted his isolated tracks or a bunch of 70s-80s songs no longer exists or else I'd get you the link.
Could be some software that can do the same thing...(we would think by now.) I've noticed a lotta karaoke uses the extracted/iso to eliminate the vocals.
The song begins with a voice that says ""Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen". What does that mean? The answer is it doesn't mean anything. Producer Mutt Lange got tired of counting the band in with "1, 2, 3, 4...," so he started saying this.The boys liked it so they put it in the song. It means so much, it means nothing.
Interesting back story...
THAT is the reason? Mutt Lange??
Great producer...the guy was known as a perfectionist. This intro was just dumb. I didn't listen to this tune for the longest time because of the dopey intro. (so it DID "mean" something after all.)
I hate to burst your bubble, but...do you know anything about symbolism? OR, Ozzy's affectionate lyrics and ode to THE one and only, 'Mr Crowley'? (do you know who HE was?) I'm only the messenger.
Seems Boston is in "Jesus is Saviour's" Hall of Shame. Right from your own site you referenc.
Boston: promotes fornication, wild immoral parties, drug abuse, indifference, smoking pot, lead singer commit suicide in March 2007 (left a suicide note saying, "I am a lonely soul")
Now if you're also referring to Side B of the 'Don't Look Back' album, I absolutely agree! So you noticed as well? (Only 'Feeling Satisfied' met the standard of excellence as heard on Side A, and the debut album material.)
I'll have to listen to them again, now knowing a bit more of the background of MTAF. My feelings on them certainly won't change but I could better quantify my impression.
Apparently Scholtz didn't even need a band -- he covered the bass on that debut album, guitars, and even keyboards. He was maybe the first to be a "virtual" band thank to his MIT skills.
I read somewhere the conundrum he was in, having made great rock music songs in his basement but with no ability to put on a concert and no real bandmates. In that light, the backside description on the LP cover on that debut album is an interesting spin, so to speak, as it's a pitch to ignore the band history and "listen to the album".
Seems Boston is in "Jesus is Saviour's" Hall of Shame. Right from your own site you referenc.
Boston: promotes fornication, wild immoral parties, drug abuse, indifference, smoking pot, lead singer commit suicide in March 2007 (left a suicide note saying, "I am a lonely soul")
I'm glad you paid attention and looked the site over and found some truth.
However IF we are going to measure the relative "shame" between Boston's rock lyrics and Ozzy's, Boston's lyrics do not promote a blatant brand of evil and depression, the worship of Satan, or promoting suicide like Black Sabbath (Ozzy was sued FOR causing actual suicides, wasn't he?)
If you want to compare and parse the actual music, everyone identifies most of Ozzy's musical compositions and themes as darkening the soul and purposely casting demonic palls upon the spirit. He's a creepy magician casting spells over teens.
Boston's music? Not so much. In fact, not at all. Their music, chords and melodies are upbeat and harmonious. It mostly celebrates the spirit and life.
So...does it bother you that Ozzy and Black Sabbath (by their very band name) routinely mock the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in their music, by appearance? They don't even hide it.
between Boston's rock lyrics and Ozzy's, Boston's lyrics do not promote a blatant brand of evil and depression, the worship of Satan, or promoting suicide like Black Sabbath (Ozzy was sued FOR causing actual suicides, wasn't he?)
You are making stuff up. You ask so here are some Ozzy Black Sabbath lyrics.
"After Forever"
Have you ever thought about your soul - can it be saved? Or perhaps you think that when you're dead you just stay in your grave Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you? Is Christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school?
When you think about death do you lose your breath or do you keep your cool? Would you like to see the Pope on the end of a rope - do you think he's a fool? Well I have seen the truth, yes I've seen the light and I've changed my ways And I'll be prepared when you're lonely and scared at the end of our days
Could it be you're afraid of what your friends might say If they knew you believe in God above? They should realize before they criticize that God is the only way to love
Is your mind so small that you have to fall In with the pack wherever they run Will you still sneer when death is near And say they may as well worship the sun?
I think it was true it was people like you that crucified Christ I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced Will you be so sure when your day is near, say you don't believe? You had the chance but you turned it down, now you can't retrieve
Perhaps you'll think before you say that God is dead and gone Open your eyes, just realize that he's the one The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate Or will you still jeer at all you hear? Yes! I think it's too late.
So...does it bother you that Ozzy and Black Sabbath (by their very band name) routinely mock the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in their music, by appearance? They don't even hide it.
You mean this founder of Black Sabbath Tony Iommi. You're an idiot.
Believe what you want. Ignore what you want. You have free will.
Who is the one ignoring. You are. Here is another founding member.
In a brand new interview with The Weeklings, BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler was asked if he got any backlash over SABBATH singing a message of repentance and God being the only way to love on the "Master Of Reality" album.
"No," he responded. "People always like to find the 'evil' in the music, so they'd quote the 'pope on a rope' part out of context, as usual. People like to find negative in everything. We weren't interested in writing songs about the 'nice' things in the world; everyone else was writing about that. We wanted to inject some reality into music. I think if we'd been called WHITE SUNDAY we'd have had a totally different reaction.
Butler also talked about his thought process behind writing the lyrics to the SABBATH song "After Forever", which some historians have called the first real Christian rock song.
"A lot of it was because of the situation in Northern Ireland at the time," he explained. "There were a lot of religious troubles between the Protestants against the Catholics.
I'll have to listen to them again, now knowing a bit more of the background of MTAF. My feelings on them certainly won't change but I could better quantify my impression.
Your feelings or ear or impression could certainly change now that your senses are 40 years older. You focus on different things for some reason (maybe its me.)
I can't tell you how many songs I've taken a different listen to and appreciate far more now then then. (Not to mention the volume of good songs and music that fell between the cracks, never even heard. Wasn't it almost impossible to hear everything back in the late 60s, 70s-80s?)
For 41 years, I'd dismissed Boston's 'Feelin Satisfied' (second album, Side B track)...until I heard a cover band do it and heard the rest of song beyond the first over-used opening riffs. Love it. Took 41 years to appreciate it.
I read somewhere the conundrum he was in, having made great rock music songs in his basement but with no ability to put on a concert and no real bandmates. In that light, the backside description on the LP cover on that debut album is an interesting spin, so to speak, as it's a pitch to ignore the band history and "listen to the album".
Read the same. Ain't that something? Could be why once Scholtz made it with that smash first effort, he got a bit greedy. The "Band" afterall (aside from Brad Delp) was only image and for live shows on the road.
Good observation about that back side and what was basically a PR notation.
With the release of their first album, the bands audience began to grow rapidly. Terrence became known as Geezer while the rest of the band became known for their dark music. One night, Ozzy and the band were approached by a self-proclaimed witch and were asked to play at a satanic ceremony. The band declined the offer. Feeling deprived at this, the witch cast a spell on the band. Being paranoid, Ozzy asked his dad to make aluminum crosses for each member of the band to wear as protection. Bill Ward said that he is the only member who still has the original cross. The cross Ozzy wears now is made of 14 carat gold.
These guys can't cover up this mess with "This is the troof, those "satanist" stories are lies and just crazy BS!" stories.
And most certainly, neither can Ozzy hide the truth. Dude, the guy is a satanist and occultist, into magic and spell. Look at the symbols and upside down crosses; The Baphomet horns.
He loved Satanist Alistair Crowley so much, he devoted an entire song to him. To be so in denial and delusional about the truth is insane.
I can't tell you how many songs I've taken a different listen to and appreciate far more now then then. (Not to mention the volume of good songs and music that fell between the cracks, never even heard. Wasn't it almost impossible to hear everything back in the late 60s, 70s-80s?)
No, one thing I've noticed about myself is that my opinion of a particular song never changes. Songs I liked and disliked as a teen I still like and dislike today. I like to think it speaks well about my musical maturity as a teen.
I'm a big fan now of epic music which didn't exist back then, except perhaps as a foreshadowing in the music of Mason William's "Classical Gas", or Ennio Morricone's famous tune from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
If you want a real ride, check this out. Two Steps from Hell. I've mentioned Thomas Bergerson to you before. Here's "Victory". Just know that if it's the first time you've heard it and you don't have your stereo totally cranked, it's a crime against humanity. Just so you know.
So, basically not any different than any other rock band?
...lead singer commit suicide in March 2007...
So? How is that the band's fault?
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
Believe what you want. Ignore what you want. You have free will.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
Butler also talked about his thought process behind writing the lyrics to the SABBATH song "After Forever", which some historians have called the first real Christian rock song.
Not even close.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
I'm a big fan now of epic music which didn't exist back then, except perhaps as a foreshadowing in the music of Mason William's "Classical Gas",
I always liked that song.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
I just used the same source liberator used to condemn Oozy. Showing him to be a hypocrite.
So...that source is wrong about Ozzy but right about Boston?
I don't think Liberator is the hypocrite here.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
Stone, you really need to stop antagonizing allies like Liberator and me.
Just let it go - pretty much every rock band is un-Christian when you actually look.
Let's not go to a holy war over this.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
Liberator isn't my ally. He is a kook who thinks the earth is flat.
So what? I'm a kook for not believing the official 9/11 story and believing Oswald didn't act alone.
I think David Icke is correct on a number of things.
You're a "kook" too.
As far as the flat earth theory - again, so what? Who cares?
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
Could be why once Scholtz made it with that smash first effort, he got a bit greedy. The "Band" afterall (aside from Brad Delp) was only image and for live shows on the road.
I'd bet that extreme perfectionists wouldn't have the patience to put up with real, human band members.
I'm a big fan now of epic music which didn't exist back then, except perhaps as a foreshadowing in the music of Mason William's "Classical Gas", or Ennio Morricone's famous tune from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
See? Your ear IS changing! (Or maybe how you process music. It's happened to me as well. Normal stuff.
The 'Victory' epic music is strongly reminiscent of 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'. Love that stuff.
Just know that if it's the first time you've heard it and you don't have your stereo totally cranked, it's a crime against humanity. Just so you know.
Love 'Ecstasy of Gold'. It's another Ennio Morricone epic masterpiece. (I actually made own epic home video, had my father and brother wear cowboy hats, and used this particular score for it about 30 years ago.)
Miklos Rozsa is another of the epic flim score composers.
He composed quite a few of the Bible Movie epics and scores of the 1950s and early 1960s (Ben-Hur, King of Kings, El Cid, Quo Vadis)
Here is the London Symphony Orchestra doing an awesome rendition of Rozsa's Ben-Hur:
As did Jimmy Page, LedZep guitarist extraordinaire and the keystone to my favorite band of all time. Love the talent, not the bizarre anti-religion personal journeys...MUD
"NOW...Devolve Power Outta the Federal Leviathan!!"
The inimitable Glenn Yarbrough...had to look it up on YouTube, but got to watch/listen to the 2:19 song. Purty cool...might haveta FReep it...lol. Next on tap, though, is to complete my long unfinished "Lib-uh-rulls!! " to be sung to Frank Zappa's "Valley Girls"...my daughter JessieLee, can do that Valley zGirl voice SPOT ON!!
Regads, Mr. Yeltsin, and BSOT**!!
**Be Safe Out There
Regards...MUD
"NOW...Devolve Power Outta the Federal Leviathan!!"
As did Jimmy Page, LedZep guitarist extraordinaire and the keystone to my favorite band of all time. Love the talent, not the bizarre anti-religion personal journeys...
You're absolutely spot on, Mud.
Page even bought Alistair Crowley's castle/house in England as his own.
Yup, Page and Zep were/are also Satanists. Jimmy Page has even described his creation process and inspiration as being a shared process. (read into the "fine print")
Talented, yes. On loan from WHOM? ;-) I can still enjoy some of Zep's work but not all of it for obvious reasons.
Many talented bands unfortunately have declared allegiance to their "god"; (and it ain't OURS.) Like...The Beatles....Stones...yes, quite a few sing homages to the Devil himself (Stones, Van Halen, AC/DC, etal etal...)
Fwiw.. Faves have spanned from Stairway to Heaven and Freebird to the ChiliPeppers Under the Bridge snd Dylans Masters of War and Demolition Row.. And dont forget Dire straits Telegraph Road...need a new thread for this topic...lol.
"NOW...Devolve Power Outta the Federal Leviathan!!"
Pretty much every rock band is un-Christian when you actually look.
There seem to be degrees and delineations. Some are hard core, others more subtle.
Some bands make it a point or matter of branding to advance and promote demonic/satanist symbolism, messaging, and programming.
And...some of the branding and symbolism combined with the music and lyrics serve as mental imprinting devices at a subconscious level. It is actually insidious. "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll." Teens begin relating to the whole package.
Is some of the music good? Of course. That's what makes it so effective at subversion.
See? Your ear IS changing! (Or maybe how you process music. It's happened to me as well. Normal stuff.
No, not me. It's the music has come of age. I said "now" because epic music as a genre didn't exist before 5-6 years ago. It might be something that is largely enabled by the digital age as it allows a single artist to not just compose it but to create it as well.
It does resemble classical music which of course goes back centuries, and which I'm no real fan of, but which works for me much better. Maybe because percussion can be emphasized much better in a digital. But I don't know.
It's the music has come of age. I said "now" because epic music as a genre didn't exist before 5-6 years ago.
It might be something that is largely enabled by the digital age as it allows a single artist to not just compose it but to create it as well.
I believe you! I believe you!
If it's your own contention that you "know" your own ear is incapable of redefining or parsing past music so that your regard of it remains static (say from age 12 vs age 62), then who am I to say otherwise?
THAT said, I believe you're likely in the vast minority.
I've liked/disliked many a tune/style relative to my kiddie ear to middle age ear to...age 60+ ear. (I'd be curious about forum opinion consensus on the matter at either LF or 4um.)
With respect to the fairly new creation of the contemporary "EPIC" genre of music, true, that music has really come to age, hasn't it? Yes, it has enabled a guys like me and you to compose it, given we now have access to the digital equivalent of entire epic orchestration. Remember Yanni? And Enya from the 1990s? She did it.
Single composers can now pad glorious "epic" music with layer upon layer of different percussion and echo for maximum impact to their heart's desire :-) (Coincidentally, my son just yesterday was showing me how he'd just bought hundreds of additional digital instrumentation and sounds -- many otherworldly.)
Maybe this neo-Epic bender is about mirroring the emotion and "epic" times we're now living in. (Past "Epic" did exist in the form of the olde masters, Bach (Messiah, Mussorgsky ('Great Gate of Kiev'), Tchaikovsky (1812 Overture w/cannons); Even the newer-older Masters, like Morricone, Rozsa, John Williams, and score from 2001 Space Odyssey (orig composer, Richard Strauss end of the 19th century).
This latest new "Epic" music -- maybe best reflects...the "epic-ness" of planet earth as it can now be seen from drones and planes; Or as portrayed in Hollywood's new favorite genre: Epic Superheroes, epic inter-planetory, mega-universe super-powers, and Epic other-worldly alternative "realities." (In other words, flamingo guitar, heavy strings, piano, and harp were NOT gonna do.)
It does resemble classical music which of course goes back centuries, and which I'm no real fan of, but which works for me much better. Maybe because percussion can be emphasized much better in a digital. But I don't know.
I've found olde Classical to be a process of exploration and discovery. Some of it is so epic (But not in the context of contempo "epic" that you know and love.)
I think your observation and sense is spot on regarding the biggest difference or feature of the neo-Epics: Heavy duty, echoed, layered percussion. When paired with a videotaped fight to the death between two gnats, that kind of soundtrack could make even IT seem like an epic duel.
Many talented bands unfortunately have declared allegiance to their "god"; (and it ain't OURS.) Like...The Beatles....Stones...yes, quite a few sing homages to the Devil himself (Stones, Van Halen, AC/DC, etal etal...)
It does resemble classical music which of course goes back centuries, and which I'm no real fan of, but which works for me much better. Maybe because percussion can be emphasized much better in a digital.
I wasn't quite sure exactly what you meant by the term - seems so broad, so I listened to some Epic music on YouTube, sounds like film soundtracks to me.
Seems sorta trance-inducing.
You can hear the classical influences and elements, but it sounds like something no real orchestra could do.
Would you say that Epic music takes classical music theory and uses digital techniques to make it more pompous and modern?
I don't mean pompous in a bad way - more like majestic or monumental.
Government is in the last resort the employment of armed men, of policemen, gendarmes, soldiers, prison guards, and hangmen. The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom.
I wasn't quite sure exactly what you meant by the term - seems so broad, so I listened to some Epic music on YouTube, sounds like film soundtracks to me.
Epic music is definitely well suited for movies that might be described with the same term.
Would you say that Epic music takes classical music theory and uses digital techniques to make it more pompous and modern?
I don't mean pompous in a bad way - more like majestic or monumental.
That description beyond what I could speak to. I just like it. I would, however, say epic music is more sophisticated than probably every other genre of music and therefore can be enjoyed far longer without getting tired of it.
There is a streaming program for epic music. The URL changes periodically so it can't be linked too very well, but YT search "Epic music stream" (www.youtube.com/results?s..._query=epic+music+stream) and it's usually in the top results. Make sure you find the one without a time length and labeled "Live Now". It's a live broadcast of epic music, so there are no commercials, gives a good mix and doesn't end. Thomas Bergersen is quite good but there are other artists who've done quite well also.
Yup. (THAT was a great concert.) Yanni's stuff could be kinda epic, no?
I would say so, though at the time Yanni became well known in the mid-90's, "New Age" was the genre his work was placed into, perhaps for lack of a better choice at the time.
I wasn't quite sure exactly what you meant by the term - seems so broad, so I listened to some Epic music on YouTube, sounds like film soundtracks to me.
Seems sorta trance-inducing.
Interesting impression.
The neo "Epic" genre Ping enjoys does seem to induce a trance-like state of consciousness, one of elevated or heightened sense of anticipation or even inspiration. Yes...used more and more for film/movie soundtracks, seemingly replacing dialogue.
You can hear the classical influences and elements, but it sounds like something no real orchestra could do.
Would you say that Epic music takes classical music theory and uses digital techniques to make it more pompous and modern?
I don't mean pompous in a bad way - more like majestic or monumental.
I get your drift; Good description (majestic or monumental). Absolutely a derivative of Classical. Ping did mention the feature that seems to elevate or define "Epic": Digital percussion. ("Divine" echos as though from Heaven?)
Remember Simon and Garfunkle's 'The Boxer'? Remember its own "Epic" percussion part that made the song memorable? ("Lie-lie-lie *BOOOOM!!*)
Here is an interesting short explanation on just how they created that "Epic" echoed drum part in the song (Hal Blaine, 'Wrecking Crew'). Very clever and creative:
At the time Yanni became well known in the mid-90's, "New Age" was the genre his work was placed into, perhaps for lack of a better choice at the time.
I guess that category remains: "New Age". I recall even John Tesh's music at about the same time was pegged into the very same category.
The neo "Epic" genre Ping enjoys does seem to induce a trance-like state of consciousness, one of elevated or heightened sense of anticipation or even inspiration. Yes...used more and more for film/movie soundtracks, seemingly replacing dialogue.
Comments on epic vids on YT commonly refer to it being study music or appropriate for writing books and such.
I guess that category remains: "New Age". I recall even John Tesh's music at about the same time was pegged into the very same category.
I would consider Yanni's music to be Epic. At least his Acropolis tracks. He's diversified a bit though. One was called "Mexicanisimo" which didn't appeal to me. It's pretty much what the name suggests.
John Tesh was good also though not to the quality of Yanni. I bought his Red Rocks CD and frankly had forgotten about him.
For me it was Lynyrd Skynrd's " What's Your Name?" from about 6th grag de.
IMNSHO,EVERYTHING Skynard did was great,but I think my favorite is still "The Ballad of Curtis Lowe".
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Many older folks AND WOMEN are paranoid basket cases.
Cut them some slack on this. They ARE elderly,and they DO live in Jersey.
What we call "paranoid",they call "rational".
ESPECIALLY if they live in a city.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
I'd bet that extreme perfectionists wouldn't have the patience to put up with real, human band members.
Or normal humans in any sort of atmosphere.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Andre Rieu is a very popular conductor that has some great stuff on you tube.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
I guess that category remains: "New Age". I recall even John Tesh's music at about the same time was pegged into the very same category.
I would consider Yanni's music to be Epic. At least his Acropolis tracks.
Yup. At the time that new category of music did include John Tesh (who actually developed quite a following.) That genre was kind of new and sounded different (aided by the proliferation of high tech synth simulating orchestral sound.)
I agree -- Tesh was not in Yanni's class.
Yanni -- yeah, had to be considered epic. Especially several of his Live at the Acropolis had a number of tracks
("Many older folks AND WOMEN are paranoid basket cases.")
Cut them some slack on this. They ARE elderly,and they DO live in Jersey...ESPECIALLY if they live in a city.
True.
And...given they live in close proximity to NYC/Philly, they are used to being trained like lemmings/hamsters to leap off the cliff as per MSM-goob suggestions/orders. You ought to see the looks I get -- as though *I'M* the nut (I live here in Jersey between the two above Met Areas)
What we call "paranoid",they call "rational".
Yep. There are two ways to looks at this as I see it;
Among it, notably, Handel's Messiah with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Yeah,no kidding on that one!
I tend to love his "fun" concerts more,though.
He is the only classical conductor I have ever seen crack a smile and have fun with it.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
He is the only classical conductor I have ever seen crack a smile and have fun with it.
There's a time and room for "fun" and as well as serious pieces. And even then, during serious pieces like during Rieu'/LSO rendition of 'The Messiah,' I'm watching a guy and musicians/chorus smiling and still having a great time.
Part of that "fun" vibe is in the spirited delivery of Andre Rieu.
I've seen musically technically excellent concerts, but the performance have seem labored and heavy... far more precisely *because* the musicians were having a ball! And that vibe is infectious with the audience as you know.
Seems to me that a major attraction of Springsteen concerts is as much about Brucie and his bandmates having a grand old time and sharing it; That same feel-good vibe and rush is felt by the audience.
Part of that "fun" vibe is in the spirited delivery of Andre Rieu.
True dat!
The man clearly loves what he is doing,and isn't the tiniest bit jaded.
I am FAR from being an expert on classical music or orchestra conductors,but he is the only one I record when I spot him doing a special on PBS.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
It would be akin to starting an argument with Groucho Marx.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
I am with you on Curtis Loew...gotta lotta buddies who play a lotta instruments, but I never met anyone who could "play an old Dobto accross his knees"...MUD
"NOW...Devolve Power Outta the Federal Leviathan!!"
Notice BOTH of us ol' rednecks misspelled "Skynyrd"...lol. Gotta be the Joe...MUD
NOT gonna worry about it.
It's a good day these days when I don't misspell my own damn name.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.