My Musical Opinion

Exeggcute :3 · 08-06-2010, 02:25 PM

I'll start with a list of my favourite bands so that anyone who won't be interested in my journal doesn't need to spend time going through it :P I'll organise by genre, favourites underlined:

Electronic - Biosphere, Fluke, Basshunter, The Chemical Brothers, Scooter, Mistabishi, The Qemists, Pendulum, Sub Focus, Crystal Castles, Nero, The Prodigy, Hadouken!, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Basement Jaxx

Electropop - Owl City, The Postal Service, Royksopp

Alternative - The Bloodhound Gang, Coldplay, Gorillaz, Idiot Pilot, Kings Of Leon, MGMT, The Temper Trap, Bloc Party, Florence + The Machine, Kasabian

Rock - Hollywood Undead, Linkin Park, Green Day, The Darkness, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Oasis, Papa Roach, The Strokes

So essentially, I limit myself to adding one album a week to my library (or at least I try to!) and I intend to use this to introduce people to stuff I find that I enjoy, and that hopefully they will too. This at least ensures that there will be new stuff to talk about each week. I don't know how much time I will have to write genuine reviews, so it will mostly be a "music dumping ground" with my comments, which will be quite opinionated, so don't expect too much professionalism :P

I will initially give you a review of "For The Masses" by Hadouken! - an album I am very fond of! I wrote this a while ago, but what I've said still stands (in my opinion at least!):

Quote:

1. Rebirth
2. Turn The Lights Out
3. M.A.D.
4. Evil
5. House is Falling
6. Mic Check
7. Ugly
8. Bombshock
9. Play The Night
10. Lost

I was introduced to Hadouken! by my friend from college near the beginning of this year. He had picked up a Mix tape, which I took a listen to and decided it might be worth checking out an album, fortunately For The Masses had come out within the last month so I was able to pick up their most recent stuff and check it out. Definitely worth it, their style seems to change from old to new throughout the course of the album, the earlier parts being reminiscant of their first album "Music For An Accelerated Culture." A nice touch.

For The Masses is definitely an album that will take you a while to get into, Hadouken!’s style isn’t one that is instantly easy to pick up and enjoy – but it is very worth it once you’ve given in a chance. A lot of Hadouken’s music is based about repeated lyrical phrases “Won’t go, no I won’t go” in Evil, “You can bang the drum” in M.A.D. and “You left me waiting...” in Lost as a few examples. This gives a certain edge to their music and along with their catchy riffs, it makes a lot of their songs easy to remember and catch in your head. They bring out some serious bass in the majority of the songs, most notably Ugly.

They're definitely somewhere in Grime music. Some tracks have dubby elements, but they rely much more on their lyrics than standard Drum and Bass or Hardcore Electronic groups.

The album begins very grimy, and continues for a reasonable length of time. Rebirth is an excellent intro track, letting you know some of the things Hadouken! are about without being too Heavy. The next three tracks are definitely quite reminiscent of the first album, with large amount of what I can only describe as "Mildly Aggressive talking" as appears to be the lyrical style. As the album develops the album develops it’s anthems. Both House is Falling and Mic Check are huge tunes, as is Ugly that follows. Mic Check is classic Hadouken! I must have spent a week or so with “Check One Check Two One Mic Check” in my head. In the last couple of tracks Hadouken really bring out their other side, Play the Night and Lost are both slightly slower and more melodic than the rest of the album, a sign of thing to come for Hadouken, perhaps? I definitely hope so!

P.S. I would also reccomend the Mic Check EP, if you're into this sort of thing. Most of the remixes are very good.

So yeah, I hope you enjoy the start to my journal, and please do feel free to message me to talk about anything that I have mentioned, or even stuff that I haven't mentioned that I might like to listen too. I'm always up for new music, within the genres I listen too or even outside it

Exeggcute :3 · 08-07-2010, 03:50 AM

Had a two hour car journey this morning which allowed me to listen to a couple of bits and pieces. Think I might report them here, I'm becoming quite fond of both these albums - I haven't had either that long yet:

1. It Was Supposed To Be So Easy
2. Could Be Well In
3. Not Addicted
4. Blinded By The Lights
5. Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
6. Get Out Of My House
7. Fit But You Know It
8. Such A Twat
9. What Is He Thinking?
10. Dry Your Eyes
11. Empty Cans

A very interesting album - I remember people taking the piss out of the streets back at school after "fit by you know it," and I must admit I initially bought it for the humour value, but it's really not that bad. There are only a couple of songs that I'd actively skip, and it has some absolute classics like "It Was Supposed to be So Easy," "Such A Twat," "Dry Your Eyes," "Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way."

One touch I particularly liked was the way the album essentially tells a story going through his relationship with his girl, from a little before he meets her to the aftermath of his break-up. I found it quite emotional, it really adds a real feel that this isn't just a collection of songs, but a logical progression through the music, which you tend to find in top quality albums.

The style itself is quite grimy, and very individual, not exactly, just talking - but it works. He uses some strange rhythms and phrases which keeps you on your toes the first few times. I'd suggest that if you like the first track you'l probably like the rest of it, but give it a chance, it's not the easiest stuff to get into - but well worth it if you do

Bulldog · 08-07-2010, 04:29 AM

Haduken are ok, at least judging by the song that I've heard. I hated that Streets album when I bought it just after it came out though, and I'm pretty sure I ended up flogging it so I could buy some cigarettes not long after.

Don't let me put you off though

Always good to see new journals popping up around here.

Exeggcute :3 · 08-08-2010, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Haduken are ok, at least judging by the song that I've heard. I hated that Streets album when I bought it just after it came out though, and I'm pretty sure I ended up flogging it so I could buy some cigarettes not long after.

Don't let me put you off though

Always good to see new journals popping up around here.

Heh, no problem. No shame in two people having a different opinion. I always get back from Uni and have everyone complain about the music I listen too so I'm well used to it anyway :P Cheers for your encouragement, though

The other thing that I listened to in the car was "Further" by The Chemical Brothers, their new stuff. I've never picked up a Chemical Brothers album before (only their singles compilation - which I wasn't too impressed with) so I didn't really know what to expect. As someone said - this album hasn't set the world on fire, but I've been really impressed by it.

1. Snow
2. Escape Velocity
3. Another World
4. Dissolve
5. Horse Power
6. Swoon
7. K+D+B
8. Wonders Of The Deep

I quite enjoy the way this album progresses through styles. Snow is an ambient, spacey track which feeds into Escape Velocity which is a little more up-tempo, more dancy electronic track. I would criticise it slightly in that being 11 or so minutes long, it doesn't progress perhaps as much as it should, and gets a little repetitive towards the end. Another World and Dissolve grab it back in the middle of the album, both have some good riffs and sounds, and are excellent up-tempo tracks.

Horse Power is quite a housey track, which is going to be one of the more acquired tracks on the album. I has some stuff going on underneath the main lyrical line, but they're slightly harder to pick up than in some of the earlier tracks.

Swoon - K+D+B - Wonders Of The Deep is a fantastic end to the album. Swoon is the headline song, the single which is an excellent track which had me bopping along in the middle lane of the M4. I can see how some people have said that the riff is annoying, but it works perfectly for me. The last two tracks are a wonderful immersive "epic" ending to the album, something I'm always up for. Think the ending of "The Tempest" by Pendulum, excellent electronic tracks.

Overall, I'd say it's worth a listen if you're into electronic music, it's definitely worth a listen, and there is definitely a track for everyone in it, the style progression ensures that. I really like it, will definitely listen to it again, I hope you all will to

Exeggcute :3 · 08-14-2010, 04:05 AM

Ambient House - "A music genre that first emerged in the late 1980s, is a sub-genre of house music, combining elements of acid house and ambient music. Tracks in the ambient house genre typically feature four-on-the-floor beats, synth pads, and vocal samples integrated in an atmospheric style." (Wikipedia)

Nothing going on Saturday Mornings - what better time to talk about a couple of my favourite Ambient / Ambient House artists. I'm going to write just a small amount on Fluke and Biosphere. Ambient House isn't a genre that I follow religiously, but what I did find it was good for was for background music, especially if I'm working late into the evening (like I was last term for my exams.) A nice coffee and a Fluke album kept me going long into the evening :P

So I'll talk about Fluke first. I have three Fluke albums: Six Wheels On My Wagon, Risotto and Puppy. Puppy is my favourite album, probably because I picked it up first and it has the classic "Blue Sky" on it. I find songs don't really stand out as much in Ambient House as they do in other genres, as I said, background music, so you're not checking to see what this track is called. The album flows naturally as it progresses through the tracks. I can sample you a couple of tracks, and give you all three album artworks, as I think they're amazing!

They don't seem to be on Youtube that much, though. Definitely worth checking them out - Spotify also has all their tracks! Worth remembering that it's more the album experience that's important, so next time you sit down to get something done, give Fluke a go :P

Fluke are definitely more House than Biosphere, who is more the Ambient side of Ambient House. Substrata is supposed to be the album in Ambient music, and Microgravity incorporates more House elements, and is still a spectacular album. Again, individual tracks are all very well, but this is definitely more about the album experience!

I'll be doing a large-ish thing on The Qemists some time during the week as their new album comes out on Monday - I've been waiting for at least half a year for this, so I'm very excited!

Exeggcute :3 · 08-16-2010, 12:04 PM

Aaaaaa! New Qemists Album!:

Exeggcute :3 · 08-22-2010, 04:15 AM

As promised a larger bit on The Qemists. First album Join the Q (2009):

Stomp Box
Lost Weekend (feat. Mike Patton)
On The Run (feat. Jenna G)
Dem Na Like Me (feat. Wiley)
S.W.A.G (intro)
S.W.A.G (feat. Devlin Love)
Drop Audio (feat I.D.)
When Ur Lonely
Soundface (feat. Beardyman)
Got One Life (feat. Navigator)
The Perfect High

The Qemists are a Rock / Electronic / Drum and Bass fusion group that I was introduced to about 10 months ago. Their debut album Join the Q covers it all, they have a Drum and Bass track featuring Beardyman which is really worth checking out, Grime in Dem Na Like Me, Lost Weekend which is a hardcore rock track and so on...

Stomp Box is a properly electro'd up track and a nicely hyped up introduction to the album, there's also a very good Spor remix floating around. The album process to move through hardcore rock, and grime whilst mixing in some "slower" tracks that are no pushovers themselves. There isn't one track on this album that I would skip.

The Perfect High is one of my favourite electro tracks of all time. The synth lines along with the rock-electro bass sounds that the Qemists produce really come together in this track to produce a masterpiece. Here are a few tracks for your enjoyment:

Bulldog · 08-22-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exeggcute :3

Ambient House - "A music genre that first emerged in the late 1980s, is a sub-genre of house music, combining elements of acid house and ambient music. Tracks in the ambient house genre typically feature four-on-the-floor beats, synth pads, and vocal samples integrated in an atmospheric style." (Wikipedia)

Nothing going on Saturday Mornings - what better time to talk about a couple of my favourite Ambient / Ambient House artists. I'm going to write just a small amount on Fluke and Biosphere. Ambient House isn't a genre that I follow religiously, but what I did find it was good for was for background music, especially if I'm working late into the evening (like I was last term for my exams.) A nice coffee and a Fluke album kept me going long into the evening :P

You like Fluke and Biosphere? Hats off to ya

I haven't listened to either of them for an age or two, but love what I've heard of them. Fluke's Puppy is certainly one of my favourite electronic albums of any kind from the last decade, to the point that I've been mulling over typing something up about it for my own journal. I'm pretty sure the phrase 'kick-arse' was patented to describe that album. Risotto's top-drawer stuff too.

Exeggcute :3 · 08-23-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

You like Fluke and Biosphere? Hats off to ya

I haven't listened to either of them for an age or two, but love what I've heard of them. Fluke's Puppy is certainly one of my favourite electronic albums of any kind from the last decade, to the point that I've been mulling over typing something up about it for my own journal. I'm pretty sure the phrase 'kick-arse' was patented to describe that album. Risotto's top-drawer stuff too.

Cheers :P I've been trying to find music akin to Biosphere's "Substrata" for a while now, but I am yet to find something that fits the Ambient genre inthe same way. Most of the stuff I find seems to have the "House" element in it too, which is good, as in the case of these artists, but not quite what I'd like to find! Do you know of any albums / artists like this?

Yeah, Puppy is a top class album. If I have work to do, Puppy, Cup of Coffee and I can keep going all night!

Bulldog · 08-23-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exeggcute :3

Cheers :P I've been trying to find music akin to Biosphere's "Substrata" for a while now, but I am yet to find something that fits the Ambient genre inthe same way. Most of the stuff I find seems to have the "House" element in it too, which is good, as in the case of these artists, but not quite what I'd like to find! Do you know of any albums / artists like this?

As in the more spacey kind of ambient stuff? I'm pretty sure you'd love these albums if you havent got them already;

Pete Namlook & Geir Jenssen - The Fires Of Ork (volumes 1 and 2)
Spacecraft - Earthtime Tapestry

If you haven't got any of Brian Eno's Ambient series already, you should try and his Ambient 1: Music For Airports and Ambient 4: On Land albums too, as they've got a similar kinda vibe to them.

As for stuff with a bit more of a lively beat, these are a couple of my favourite ambient house albums;

Higher Intelligence Agency - Freefloater
The Orb - The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld

^ Those should keep you occupied for a bit

You could probably get a bundle more good recommendations if you post about the kinda thing you wanna find in this thread as well.

08-07-2010, 03:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
Exeggcute :3 Music Addict Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 80	Had a two hour car journey this morning which allowed me to listen to a couple of bits and pieces. Think I might report them here, I'm becoming quite fond of both these albums - I haven't had either that long yet: 1. It Was Supposed To Be So Easy 2. Could Be Well In 3. Not Addicted 4. Blinded By The Lights 5. Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way 6. Get Out Of My House 7. Fit But You Know It 8. Such A Twat 9. What Is He Thinking? 10. Dry Your Eyes 11. Empty Cans A very interesting album - I remember people taking the piss out of the streets back at school after "fit by you know it," and I must admit I initially bought it for the humour value, but it's really not that bad. There are only a couple of songs that I'd actively skip, and it has some absolute classics like "It Was Supposed to be So Easy," "Such A Twat," "Dry Your Eyes," "Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way." One touch I particularly liked was the way the album essentially tells a story going through his relationship with his girl, from a little before he meets her to the aftermath of his break-up. I found it quite emotional, it really adds a real feel that this isn't just a collection of songs, but a logical progression through the music, which you tend to find in top quality albums. The style itself is quite grimy, and very individual, not exactly, just talking - but it works. He uses some strange rhythms and phrases which keeps you on your toes the first few times. I'd suggest that if you like the first track you'l probably like the rest of it, but give it a chance, it's not the easiest stuff to get into - but well worth it if you do __________________ Hi :) Last edited by Exeggcute :3; 08-08-2010 at 01:29 AM.

08-14-2010, 04:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
Exeggcute :3 Music Addict Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 80	Ambient House - "A music genre that first emerged in the late 1980s, is a sub-genre of house music, combining elements of acid house and ambient music. Tracks in the ambient house genre typically feature four-on-the-floor beats, synth pads, and vocal samples integrated in an atmospheric style." (Wikipedia) Nothing going on Saturday Mornings - what better time to talk about a couple of my favourite Ambient / Ambient House artists. I'm going to write just a small amount on Fluke and Biosphere. Ambient House isn't a genre that I follow religiously, but what I did find it was good for was for background music, especially if I'm working late into the evening (like I was last term for my exams.) A nice coffee and a Fluke album kept me going long into the evening :P So I'll talk about Fluke first. I have three Fluke albums: Six Wheels On My Wagon, Risotto and Puppy. Puppy is my favourite album, probably because I picked it up first and it has the classic "Blue Sky" on it. I find songs don't really stand out as much in Ambient House as they do in other genres, as I said, background music, so you're not checking to see what this track is called. The album flows naturally as it progresses through the tracks. I can sample you a couple of tracks, and give you all three album artworks, as I think they're amazing! They don't seem to be on Youtube that much, though. Definitely worth checking them out - Spotify also has all their tracks! Worth remembering that it's more the album experience that's important, so next time you sit down to get something done, give Fluke a go :P Fluke are definitely more House than Biosphere, who is more the Ambient side of Ambient House. Substrata is supposed to be the album in Ambient music, and Microgravity incorporates more House elements, and is still a spectacular album. Again, individual tracks are all very well, but this is definitely more about the album experience! I'll be doing a large-ish thing on The Qemists some time during the week as their new album comes out on Monday - I've been waiting for at least half a year for this, so I'm very excited! __________________ Hi :)

08-16-2010, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
Exeggcute :3 Music Addict Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 80	Aaaaaa! New Qemists Album!: __________________ Hi :)

08-22-2010, 04:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
Exeggcute :3 Music Addict Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 80	As promised a larger bit on The Qemists. First album Join the Q (2009): Stomp Box Lost Weekend (feat. Mike Patton) On The Run (feat. Jenna G) Dem Na Like Me (feat. Wiley) S.W.A.G (intro) S.W.A.G (feat. Devlin Love) Drop Audio (feat I.D.) When Ur Lonely Soundface (feat. Beardyman) Got One Life (feat. Navigator) The Perfect High The Qemists are a Rock / Electronic / Drum and Bass fusion group that I was introduced to about 10 months ago. Their debut album Join the Q covers it all, they have a Drum and Bass track featuring Beardyman which is really worth checking out, Grime in Dem Na Like Me, Lost Weekend which is a hardcore rock track and so on... Stomp Box is a properly electro'd up track and a nicely hyped up introduction to the album, there's also a very good Spor remix floating around. The album process to move through hardcore rock, and grime whilst mixing in some "slower" tracks that are no pushovers themselves. There isn't one track on this album that I would skip. The Perfect High is one of my favourite electro tracks of all time. The synth lines along with the rock-electro bass sounds that the Qemists produce really come together in this track to produce a masterpiece. Here are a few tracks for your enjoyment: __________________ Hi :)

08-07-2010, 04:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Haduken are ok, at least judging by the song that I've heard. I hated that Streets album when I bought it just after it came out though, and I'm pretty sure I ended up flogging it so I could buy some cigarettes not long after. Don't let me put you off though Always good to see new journals popping up around here.