Since I've Been Around (lyrics, alternative, funk, pop, rock)

lucifer_sam · 07-27-2008, 10:33 PM

Ever since I was a child, I was told by my father and idiots alike that music of my time wasn't good. My father went to great lengths to prevent me and moreso himself from being exposed to new music, and as a result, the first years of my life were blighted by old, albeit poor, musical choices. But I was rebellious. I listened to whatever my brother had on, which was usually the prototypical alternative shit. I was raised by the radio, and I listened to it regularly for about ten years (before I developed my own personal tastes). Music varied from year to year, but it was the same message for about fifteen years.

Then, something happened. When I was seventeen, I was introduced to a great number of musicians - some popular, some less so, but most were excellent listens. And lo! they were not old! These artists were producing music during my time, and they were damn good at it. I soon recognized a wealth of music that was kept hidden from me for many, many years, and I yearned to find it. My era of discovery was upon me. I realized what joy could be found in these spectacular musicians who were as good as or better than their aging predecessors. It is now clear to me that music has been excellent since I've been around.

Shall we begin? I suppose it won't hurt to begin with something everybody recognizes...

1989 - The Stone Roses, The Stone Roses

The Stone Roses entered the world as an enigmatic English band and were one of the best rock acts of their time. Their influence upon Britpop remains unparalleled, but their tenure was unquestionably short. After garnering a few awards upon their debut, they faded from sight following a protracted legal battle with their record label. Bit unfortunate, really, because their breakout album was impeccable, and despite the new direction they took with Second Coming, it failed to live up to their self-titled magnificence.

The album opens with an edgy song that clearly shows the direction the band leads toward (I Wanna Be Adored), and follows with some carefully constructed melodies and impressive harmonization. The album builds in intensity and gravity, accented by tasteful guitar solos and lead breaks performed by John Squire. He really proved his worth in his melodic compositions, but when he rocked out, it was good (Made Of Stone). The vocals aren't strong or particularly impressive, but Ian Brown's voice fits the music quite well and provides the driving force throughout the album. Throughout the album, Brown's voice meanders around the lyrics, but really shines when needed. Although The Stone Roses is most decidedly a pop album, there are numerous instances where they show their rock ethic (This Is The One). The album closes with an extraordinary ballad (I Am The Resurrection) with carefully constructed guitar solos accenting it. Truly a remarkable album, and a remarkable band.

Songs to check out: She Bangs The Drums, Made Of Stone, I Am The Resurrection

NOTE: The American version of the album closes with a funky pop beat (Fool's Gold) which is good, but not nearly as powerful ending as I Am The Resurrection.

I'll be trying to add to this bi-weekly or more frequently, one album per year (and yes, I will do 2008). Please don't expect me to review overhyped albums or too many more well-known bands. These are my favorites, after all.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-27-2008, 10:33 PM
lucifer_sam Interstellar Intercourse! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: the land of cold opportunity...and ham sammiches Posts: 737	Since I've Been Around Ever since I was a child, I was told by my father and idiots alike that music of my time wasn't good. My father went to great lengths to prevent me and moreso himself from being exposed to new music, and as a result, the first years of my life were blighted by old, albeit poor, musical choices. But I was rebellious. I listened to whatever my brother had on, which was usually the prototypical alternative shit. I was raised by the radio, and I listened to it regularly for about ten years (before I developed my own personal tastes). Music varied from year to year, but it was the same message for about fifteen years. Then, something happened. When I was seventeen, I was introduced to a great number of musicians - some popular, some less so, but most were excellent listens. And lo! they were not old! These artists were producing music during my time, and they were damn good at it. I soon recognized a wealth of music that was kept hidden from me for many, many years, and I yearned to find it. My era of discovery was upon me. I realized what joy could be found in these spectacular musicians who were as good as or better than their aging predecessors. It is now clear to me that music has been excellent since I've been around. Shall we begin? I suppose it won't hurt to begin with something everybody recognizes... 1989 - The Stone Roses, The Stone Roses The Stone Roses entered the world as an enigmatic English band and were one of the best rock acts of their time. Their influence upon Britpop remains unparalleled, but their tenure was unquestionably short. After garnering a few awards upon their debut, they faded from sight following a protracted legal battle with their record label. Bit unfortunate, really, because their breakout album was impeccable, and despite the new direction they took with Second Coming, it failed to live up to their self-titled magnificence. The album opens with an edgy song that clearly shows the direction the band leads toward (I Wanna Be Adored), and follows with some carefully constructed melodies and impressive harmonization. The album builds in intensity and gravity, accented by tasteful guitar solos and lead breaks performed by John Squire. He really proved his worth in his melodic compositions, but when he rocked out, it was good (Made Of Stone). The vocals aren't strong or particularly impressive, but Ian Brown's voice fits the music quite well and provides the driving force throughout the album. Throughout the album, Brown's voice meanders around the lyrics, but really shines when needed. Although The Stone Roses is most decidedly a pop album, there are numerous instances where they show their rock ethic (This Is The One). The album closes with an extraordinary ballad (I Am The Resurrection) with carefully constructed guitar solos accenting it. Truly a remarkable album, and a remarkable band. Songs to check out: She Bangs The Drums, Made Of Stone, I Am The Resurrection NOTE: The American version of the album closes with a funky pop beat (Fool's Gold) which is good, but not nearly as powerful ending as I Am The Resurrection. I'll be trying to add to this bi-weekly or more frequently, one album per year (and yes, I will do 2008). Please don't expect me to review overhyped albums or too many more well-known bands. These are my favorites, after all. __________________ George: ...and the Jews steal our money through their Zionist occupied government and use the black man to bring drugs into our oppressed white minority communities. Jerry: You're not going to open with that, are you? Seinfeld, "The Limo"