Growing up there was so much music, it was impossible to hear it all. Aimed mostly at late 70s to the early 90s, to see what I might have missed. If I knew about it, Would I have listened to them? Find out...Join me for my opinionated look and listen at the Music I Missed. Please note this are MY opinions and I am entitled to them. You may not agree with me and that's too bad, cuz it''s my blog! :P
Didn't expect too much and was still let down. Let me start by saying, I am not into the "artsy fartsy only hip people get me" shit. That's a cop out for crap. The over zealous twangy and jangly guitars were nothing but torture, then you add the over the top wanna be Talking Head vocals and boom..I'm out...
From left to right:
Anton Fier, Bill Million, Glenn Mercer, Keith Clayton
WOULD I HAVE LISTENED TO THIS IF I KNEW ABOUT IT?
My Verdict is a NO. Not even if you paid me.Before anyone send me hate or threat mail. This is my opinion. I don't like Television, I don't like The Pixies, I don't like Social Distortion. 0 out of 5.
There are so many bands that have some incredible and explosive music only to be driven into the ground by second rate and awful vocals. This guy falls into this category. Maybe I am wrong on this but, I have seen the type before, my band, my way. Sometimes a person doesn't take that step back and criticize themselves.
Easily could have risen into the radio charts with some decent vocals is a song called "Landscapes.
What comes off as cartoonish helium vocals renders this "could have been" to a "no thanks. I know he is still going and he has a decent amount of followers, but his catchy hooks are stil overshadowed by subpar vocals.
I might have dived in a little deeper if I was able to provide links, but no can do. My Verdict is a No. Too bad, some of the best music I have heard just ruined by poor poor vocals. Musically a 4, maybe a 4.5. vocally a 1...The vocals just KILL this decision, overall a 1.5
I had great expectations with this female fronted band from the past. I think I expected too much. Vocally. I think she tries too hard to sing and forgets what she is singing about.
From Left To Right: Asa Brebner (guitar), Robin Lane (vocals),
Leroy Radcliffe (guitar), Scott Baerenwald (bass), Tim Jackson (drums)
Listening to "When Things Go Wrong", Robin's vocals sound like a second rate Ann Wilson meets Rindy Ross from Quarterflash. While the song it self isn't half bad, it misses a hook to draw you in.
When Things Go Wrong
There's no hiding the fact that Robin can sing, but it is hiding behind mediocre written songs and lifeless rhythm guitars. The guitar solos at times are quite nice and rise above the songs themselves.
I did find one song in particular that I will add to my library of songs, and that song is "Without You".
The production value is quite a difference compared to the other songs I have heard. The added effects cover the flaws in Robin's vocals and these guitars are busy and vibrant. The drums and bass also stand out and are top notch. I was expecting another break away guitar solo in the break and got...nothing. Easily my favorite song and captures some of the live energy and magic on stage. This band is better heard live, as the recorded studio version miss their mark.
Without You
Would I have listened to this if I knew about it?
All in all I was a bit let down and perhaps expected way too much from the hype perceiving this band. My verdict is a No. The reasoning is that the music at that time was so plentiful and amazing that I would have eventually moved them to the bottom of the pile of my regularly rotated ventures. 2.5 out of 5.
From the depths or Ireland comes a band called The Outcast.
From Left to Right Greg Cowan (vocals/bass), Raymond Falls (drums),
Colin Getwood (guitar), Martin Cowan (guitar)
Their earlier music is more punk and raw, and as time went on, there is a definite improvement in musicianship but to me the lost that raw guitar edge. For me their best work would be "Frustration", but still fall short of music of that era.
FRUSTRATION
There is a slight promise of raw energetic post punk angst that just doesn't hit it's mark. I do love the raw guitars on "Just Another Teenage Rebel", but vocally does nothing to enhance the song.
JUST ANOTHER TEENAGE REBEL
Would I have listened to this if I knew about it?
What reminds me overall of The Ramones, meets Generation X, meets The Dead Kennedys without the polish of ANY of those bands, my verdict is No.
