Love or Hate?

Plankton · 05-08-2015, 10:09 AM

Decent review of Vivid. It was a ground breaker at the time of it's release, and Vernon Reid went on to be one of the premier a vant-garde guitarists of the time, playing with the likes of Bill Frisell. His playing is what really stands out for me.

Looking forward to your Monstrosity review. Go easy on me, as it was my very first attempt at creating an album, and that's all I'm gonna say at this point.

Chula Vista · 05-08-2015, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plankton

Decent review of Vivid. It was a ground breaker at the time of it's release.

Big time. Surprised this track wasn't mentioned. Highlight of the album for me.

Plankton · 05-08-2015, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chula Vista

Big time. Surprised this track wasn't mentioned. Highlight of the album for me.

I was actually gonna mention that, since it's one of the best songs on that album. But seeing as TH is just giving these a 'once-over', I figured I'd cut him some slack since it's not likely one can pick up on all of the nuances of a piece on the first listen.

Trollheart · 05-08-2015, 01:25 PM

Title: Monstrosity
Artiste: PRD (Plankton)
Genre: Heavy Metal

Love
1. The shift from the somewhat laidback guitar in “Ready for the storm” into the fingerburning fretfest that follows. And the unexpected return. If, somehow, there's someone out there who thinks this guy can't play as well as the best of them, listen to this and hang your head in shame!
2. The boogie guitar on “Blow it all to Hell”
3. Drums on TRF (wassat stand for?)
4. Guitar solo on same (outro)
5. Beautiful guitar intro to “Hiding the pain”: this is more of what we expect!
6. The vocals on this track: they're really quite good if a little low in the mix
7. The melody on that track, and the vocal harmonies.

Hate
1. Um, the vocals? Sorry man: they're not terrible but they sound a little hilarious, like the guy is trying to be Tom Araya or something. They also divert valuable attention from your superior guitar work. Still, who am I to talk? ISIS fighters have crumbled and given up their secrets rather than hear me sing!

2. The roars and the laugh before “Death machine”.
3. The fact that the vocals on that take away from the superb guitar playing
4. The vocals get so buzzy on DM that they start to sound like he's chewing bubbles: is that intentional?
5. “Kicked and trampled”. Sorry, sorry but it's just too hilariously bad to take seriously.
6. Oh no! Raps? RAPS? Plank, how could you??

End result: On this album you and your mate seem to be determined to be some sort of a Metallica/Slayer clone, and it really does not work. Your music is miles better than this and you're meant for greater things. I know, because I've heard your recent work and it's light years away from this.

So, Love or Hate? I'm afraid I have to put it in the Hate pile, though I don't hate it but I certainly don't love it.

Chances of a full review: 3/10, sorry.

Note: Sorry if this seems like arselicking, but Plankton's my friend and I've been less than effusive about this album, so I'd like to add these comments. I understand this was your first album, so I would not consider it a failure; rather, a stumbling first step on the path that has led you onto the true road to guitar godhood, on which your feet are now firmly planted. I think you probably realised after this that you don't need a vocalist; your guitar literally does the talking. Even the track that has vocals on Whale I consider to be the weakest on the album. Mind you, maybe you just need the right singer. Have you thought of asking Steph? I know she's in a band already, but there are such things as solo efforts/collaborations. And I know she's in another state, but that's hardly a barrier to working together nowadays. Of course, she may not be interested, but I think you'd work well together. Of the few singers I've heard here on MB she is far and away the best.

Anyway, just wanted to make that distinction, especially in the light of the possibility of a review. Hope you're not too disappointed with my reaction.

Plankton · 05-08-2015, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Hope you're not too disappointed with my reaction.

Aw, hell no. I was in stitches reading some of what you wrote. Pretty much sums up my thoughts on the whole thing too. Thanks amigo, you're the best.

05-08-2015, 10:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Plankton Just Keep Swimming... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: See signature... Posts: 7,765	Decent review of Vivid. It was a ground breaker at the time of it's release, and Vernon Reid went on to be one of the premier a vant-garde guitarists of the time, playing with the likes of Bill Frisell. His playing is what really stands out for me. Looking forward to your Monstrosity review. Go easy on me, as it was my very first attempt at creating an album, and that's all I'm gonna say at this point. __________________ See location...

05-08-2015, 01:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,996	Title: Monstrosity Artiste: PRD (Plankton) Genre: Heavy Metal Love 1. The shift from the somewhat laidback guitar in “Ready for the storm” into the fingerburning fretfest that follows. And the unexpected return. If, somehow, there's someone out there who thinks this guy can't play as well as the best of them, listen to this and hang your head in shame! 2. The boogie guitar on “Blow it all to Hell” 3. Drums on TRF (wassat stand for?) 4. Guitar solo on same (outro) 5. Beautiful guitar intro to “Hiding the pain”: this is more of what we expect! 6. The vocals on this track: they're really quite good if a little low in the mix 7. The melody on that track, and the vocal harmonies. Hate 1. Um, the vocals? Sorry man: they're not terrible but they sound a little hilarious, like the guy is trying to be Tom Araya or something. They also divert valuable attention from your superior guitar work. Still, who am I to talk? ISIS fighters have crumbled and given up their secrets rather than hear me sing! 2. The roars and the laugh before “Death machine”. 3. The fact that the vocals on that take away from the superb guitar playing 4. The vocals get so buzzy on DM that they start to sound like he's chewing bubbles: is that intentional? 5. “Kicked and trampled”. Sorry, sorry but it's just too hilariously bad to take seriously. 6. Oh no! Raps? RAPS? Plank, how could you?? End result: On this album you and your mate seem to be determined to be some sort of a Metallica/Slayer clone, and it really does not work. Your music is miles better than this and you're meant for greater things. I know, because I've heard your recent work and it's light years away from this. So, Love or Hate? I'm afraid I have to put it in the Hate pile, though I don't hate it but I certainly don't love it. Chances of a full review: 3/10, sorry. Note: Sorry if this seems like arselicking, but Plankton's my friend and I've been less than effusive about this album, so I'd like to add these comments. I understand this was your first album, so I would not consider it a failure; rather, a stumbling first step on the path that has led you onto the true road to guitar godhood, on which your feet are now firmly planted. I think you probably realised after this that you don't need a vocalist; your guitar literally does the talking. Even the track that has vocals on Whale I consider to be the weakest on the album. Mind you, maybe you just need the right singer. Have you thought of asking Steph? I know she's in a band already, but there are such things as solo efforts/collaborations. And I know she's in another state, but that's hardly a barrier to working together nowadays. Of course, she may not be interested, but I think you'd work well together. Of the few singers I've heard here on MB she is far and away the best. Anyway, just wanted to make that distinction, especially in the light of the possibility of a review. Hope you're not too disappointed with my reaction. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018