View Full Version : Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
LouBarlow
19-01-2005, 16:53
Read two reviews of this thus far, with both singing it's praises, but it's really a bit ordinary isn't it?
Granted, my listening this week has been spoilt by my indulging in the Songs: Ohia back-catalogue, and the quite excellent Arcade Fire LP (cheers once again jon!), but this is just a dull record to my ears.
With the news that the wonderful Ikara Colt have split, this sounds like Bloc Party's early attempt at a Colt revival, with a sub-standard Damon Albarn wannabe on lead vocals.
It's not bad or anything, Pioneers is a great track and I dig the drumming, but it is just disappointing considering the hype (how many times have we said that?)
I'm hoping repeated listens will reveal some of the genius that the reviews thus far have mentioned...
Anyone else heard it yet?
ian_davies
19-01-2005, 18:58
Not had a chance yet, but I'll just say that I've been a fan since I first heard Banquet last year and they are great live. Probably my most anticipated album at the moment.
Mr Majestik
19-01-2005, 19:02
I rather like it.
It's not going to change the world but it's a decent debut with plenty to build on in the future. Think there a bit too 'indie' to live up to all the 'band of 2005,hype and do a Franz Ferdinand though.
Disappearer
19-01-2005, 19:04
I don't think they've got massive crossover potential either - but you never know. the album's quite good but nothing earth-shattering.
LouBarlow
19-01-2005, 19:15
I don't think they've got massive crossover potential either - but you never know. the album's quite good but nothing earth-shattering.
Exactly right - it strikes me as the indie equivalent of background music...pleasant enough but not erecting my tool
mrwriter
19-01-2005, 19:29
I like it. Didn't at first, but it's grown on me.
Will never be my favourite band, but there's a few really good songs on there, and some fillers...
Radiohead
19-01-2005, 20:21
Not great but not awful (unlike their name).
Like the single at the moment. Just getting the album now.
jmdomain
20-01-2005, 00:02
Read two reviews of this thus far, with both singing it's praises, but it's really a bit ordinary isn't it?
Granted, my listening this week has been spoilt by my indulging in the Songs: Ohia back-catalogue, and the quite excellent Arcade Fire LP (cheers once again jon!), but this is just a dull record to my ears.
With the news that the wonderful Ikara Colt have split, this sounds like Bloc Party's early attempt at a Colt revival, with a sub-standard Damon Albarn wannabe on lead vocals.
It's not bad or anything, Pioneers is a great track and I dig the drumming, but it is just disappointing considering the hype (how many times have we said that?)
I'm hoping repeated listens will reveal some of the genius that the reviews thus far have mentioned...
Anyone else heard it yet?
With the Bloc Party album, the singles are the best thing on it. Everything else is ballads!
They're not going to replicate the success that Franz Ferdinand but they'll get to a good level of popularity.
mr_lambchop
20-01-2005, 00:20
Quite like the album - loved the drumming style at the start and have to say that the singles are great. Had it on in the background at work and only a few songs really jumped out at me.
mr L
stewboss
23-01-2005, 16:52
I think it's a pretty good effort in a sea of mediocrity.
They're a lot more cutting edge live though. The production on the cd is much more polished.
Radiohead
09-02-2005, 13:25
On further listens I'm getting right into this - some really tight playing and great tunes.
A very good effort.
I really like it too, espcially the first three tracks with number three being the best for me.
Great debut album.
Disappearer
09-02-2005, 19:10
Liking it the more I listen to it, especially after seeing them on the NME tour at the weekend - by far the most impressive on the bill.
LouBarlow
09-02-2005, 19:13
Still don't see it/feel it, but the first track is nice.
wakeupjake
09-02-2005, 19:39
been listening to this for a while now and its a grower. not like when u hear something a few times u enjoy the singalong vlaue etc. its like suddenly you just 'get it' every vocal every riff just means something. the two guitarists play so tightly its rediculous at times....the intro to Banquet is a great example. The lyrics are meaningful dealing with politics/consumption/relationships. kele's voice is urgent, almost a call to arms in places. I just cannot get enough of Bloc Party...especially on a set of headphones. Altho i bloody well passed up a chance to see them a few months back, and still kicking myself everytime i hear the blooming album. most memorable bit of the album (altho not my favourite song) is 3.20secs into Positive Tension...i sang that out loud on the bus,didnt go down too well with the granny in front of me:)
I can't get into either...it's a decent enough debut but I keep flicking back to the Doves effort which is threemendous and the latest Rilo Kiley, as recommended by so many forumites, and really rather splendid.
LouBarlow
09-02-2005, 19:49
I'm presuming everybody digging the new Rilo Kiley (as I am) have seeken out their previous record 'Execution of all Things' which is even better imho...
I'm presuming everybody digging the new Rilo Kiley (as I am) have seeken out their previous record 'Execution of all Things' which is even better imho...
Er, no.
This better be on a nice-price......and good //attempts to justify a wanton purchase based on the excellence of current album despite having a million other things on the go//
jmdomain
09-02-2005, 20:15
I'm presuming everybody digging the new Rilo Kiley (as I am) have seeken out their previous record 'Execution of all Things' which is even better imho...
Digged it back in July 2003 (Now that was a good month). :D
blast from the past (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165633&highlight=rilo+kiley)
Post #35. :thumbs:
robbiez666
09-02-2005, 23:25
not bad, not good pure average
LouBarlow
10-02-2005, 20:02
I have to admit it is growing on me a little *beep* *beep* *beep* *beep*
A definite 7/10 er
mcallisterian
11-02-2005, 14:27
thumbs down from me and i saw em on the NME tour, nothing special at all!!
KeyserSoze
11-02-2005, 15:11
Not bad, The drummer is wicked though.
Helicopter sounds really good in clubs too with those 'pauses' in the song.
Mr Silly
11-02-2005, 20:27
I really like it and was impressed from the first listen
LouBarlow
14-02-2005, 16:23
Quite a turnaround for me - am liking this a lot now. I think it sounded deceptively run-of-the-mill when I first heard it, but it certainly grows on you a lot...
Disappearer
14-02-2005, 16:55
Yeah, a real grower. Enjoying this a lot now.
TheCookieMonster
16-02-2005, 20:19
Man, add me to the many others who are loving this, first listen was good, second was better, third was awesome :notworthy. Love how the tracks change direction suddenly and how more layers are added :thumbs:
Very Gang of four influenced on further listening which is not a bad thing at all. In fact they are appearing on a future cover version project, as Okereke said it in a recent interview.
I'm loving this to be honest.
Took 3/4 listens but I'm a big fan :thumbs:
Mr Silly
23-02-2005, 21:54
Tour annouced for October
:clap:
Heard them on 4Music and thought they were nothing special, but listened to the album last night and loved it from the start... and "sub-standard Damon Albarn" Is that even possible?! :lol:
jonorigin
10-03-2005, 12:14
Music :thumbs:
Singing :gag: (i couldn't find a mary poppins smiley)
Going to see them tonight in Milan, will let you know what they are like live.
Johnny Vodka
25-04-2005, 12:10
I've not had a chance to listen to the album as much as I'd like to, but am enjoying it. One of the better UK acts around at the moment? :shrug:
:thumbs: Along with others, didnt like em at first, but i like em more and more every time i listen to the album
douglasb
25-04-2005, 13:06
Man, I am SO not paying any more attention to anything that anyone lumps in with the "influenced by Gang of Four / post-punk, etc." wave. I just bought the Battle CD blind and what a ordinary piece of indie rock that is.
Bought at the same time was the Clor CD and that's definitely a bit better. Oddly enough, it struck me that Clor sound exactly what the handful of "Romo" bands were supposed to sound like a few years back and that was just laughed at.
D.
ian_davies
25-04-2005, 18:42
Saw them again last week in Manchester (3rd time), although Kele seemed to be shouting sometimes rather than singing, they were still awesome! But that might have something to do with the dedication I got :)
Definitely worth checking out in October if you like the album! Even just to see how fast Russell plays that guitar at times...
What a great night tonight. Kele got better as he sung more songs, as Ian says at first just shouted songs. The Italian crowd were subdued as usual but the three of us got them going. Kele asked the question "Do you have any request's?" to which we replied yes "Chas and Dave" :lol:
I managed to get Pioneers across and they played it there.
Some pics of us with the band to follow!
ian_davies
26-04-2005, 12:11
What a great night tonight. Kele got better as he sung more songs, as Ian says at first just shouted songs. The Italian crowd were subdued as usual but the three of us got them going. Kele asked the question "Do you have any request's?" to which we replied yes "Chas and Dave" :lol:
I managed to get Pioneers across and they played it there.
Some pics of us with the band to follow!
Glad you enjoyed it Phil! Nice guys aren't they? Hehe, managed to meet them before the last gig, and got Gordon to dedicate Pioneers to me and my friends. Cheeky sod I am :)
There's still tickets left for October people! Don't delay :D
6 out of 10. Better luck next time.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/PhilC/Kelesmall.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/PhilC/Russelsmall.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/PhilC/Guitarsmall.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/PhilC/Ussmall.jpg
cracking photos :thumbs:
Were they pretty easy going? That rat-lookalike dude from popworld seemed to think they took themselves far to seriously, and hated being interviewed (although I would probably be irritated if he interviewed me!).
Wow, look at Kele's Kenny Everett sized comedy hands! :p Is he making a move on your missus Phil? :D
You see that bird in the photo where Russel looks like he is sleeping on my mates shoulder? She's on the left of the pic.
Well she was a groupie who tagged onto him and was with Kasabian the week before. Needless to say we told him or at least I phrased it "Apparently she can suck a Golf ball through a hose pipe" :lol:
He thanked us for ruining his night! You should have seen his body language change after that :D
Anyway just mailed the lads the photos.
Got loads more of the night.
LouBarlow
27-04-2005, 11:56
6 out of 10. Better luck next time.
Nah, 3 out of 5...just like his dad.
:D
Serrrrrriously though, a very good album and OMG an indie band with a black lead singer!111*
I am not a racialist, it's just that this has been mentioned in just about every article I have read about them.
The Dears have a black lead singer too. Nothing unusual about it IMO.
LouBarlow
27-04-2005, 14:53
Hot Chocolate too...
SpankySpanky
27-04-2005, 15:29
Hot Chocolate too...
Yes, Derren Brown was his name IIRC. He believes in miracles, I think.
;) :p
SS
Derren Brown :lol:
Errol Brown more like.
Mo Solid Gold as well - I though they had promise a few years back!
Derren Brown :lol:
Errol Brown more like.
Bah, thought it was a bit of a coincidence, the 2 coolest men on the planet sharing the same name. :(
Mr Majestik
27-04-2005, 16:09
No members of Keane are black.
Although thier cd cover is.
SpankySpanky
27-04-2005, 16:29
Derren Brown :lol:
Errol Brown more like.
Whoosshhhh....
Surprised at you, Philc.
;)
SS
Radiohead
27-04-2005, 19:27
Phil, you are such a name-dropper.
:lol:
LouBarlow
27-04-2005, 19:37
Yeah but in fairness the members of Bloc Party are hardly world-famous like simon Le Bon or Lou Barlow...keep things in context Mr Heed!
Heard this album way, way too much at school and now everytime is comes on it annoys the hell out of me - to the point that The Killers did a couple of months ago. Bah.
Phil, you are such a name-dropper.
:lol:
Wait a minute, do I hint a touch of Jealousy somewhere in there?
I go to Italy to see a mate and we book tickets to Milan, now I know at this point that there is a good chance that with the little English speaking crowd that we will get backstage and have it in my mind that, that is what we will do. So we do it.
I have been backstage loads all around the World but I ain't going to mention who I've met (Got photos to prove it).
Whose name did I drop in that lot? I met the band and at the end of the day they are just people like me and you! I'm sure that I'd talk about you on here if I met you! Or maybe slag you off :D
All in all a great gig and they deserve all the praise they get especially Russell and Kele :D
Idle Child
05-05-2005, 01:11
i think "Banquet" is probably the best tune i've heard all year. It's got a real catchy hook to it, and i love how the lead singer sounds on it. I've tried checking out their other tunes, but so far nothing is hitting me like the jumpines of Banquet. It's a punchy number.
Mr Majestik
05-05-2005, 07:30
I'd say helicopter is thier most imediate and punchy track.
As most of the folks on here say though the album takes a few listens.
Anyone got the 'Silent Alarm Remixed' album? Pretty good stuff on there (the Sheriff Whitey, M83 and Ladytron ones especially). Not too keen on the Luno remix, I prefer the Polysics one (it was on an NME cover CD a while back I think.)
Remix Listing...
01. Like Eating Glass [Ladytron Mix]
02. Helicopter [Sheriff Whitey Mix]
03. Positive Tension [Jason Clark Remix]
04. Banquet [Phones Disco Edit]
05. Blue Light [Engineers Anti-Gravity Mix]
06. She's Hearing Voices [Erol Alkan's Calling Your Dub Reworking]
07. This Modern Love [Dave Pianka's Making Time Remix]
08. The Pioneers [M83 Remix]
09. Price Of Gas [Automato Remix]
10. So Here We Are [Four Tet Remix]
11. Luno [Bloc Party Vs Death From Above 1979]
12. Plans [Replanned By Moqwai]
13. Compliments [Shibuyaka Remix by Nick Zinner]
Kirs-tea
02-09-2005, 09:05
Anyone got the 'Silent Alarm Remixed' album? Pretty good stuff on there (the Sheriff Whitey, M83 and Ladytron ones especially). Not too keen on the Luno remix, I prefer the Polysics one (it was on an NME cover CD a while back I think.)
Remix Listing...
01. Like Eating Glass [Ladytron Mix]
02. Helicopter [Sheriff Whitey Mix]
03. Positive Tension [Jason Clark Remix]
04. Banquet [Phones Disco Edit]
05. Blue Light [Engineers Anti-Gravity Mix]
06. She's Hearing Voices [Erol Alkan's Calling Your Dub Reworking]
07. This Modern Love [Dave Pianka's Making Time Remix]
08. The Pioneers [M83 Remix]
09. Price Of Gas [Automato Remix]
10. So Here We Are [Four Tet Remix]
11. Luno [Bloc Party Vs Death From Above 1979]
12. Plans [Replanned By Moqwai]
13. Compliments [Shibuyaka Remix by Nick Zinner]
Excellent remix album. I love the Whitey one :thumbs:
Fever Dawg
02-09-2005, 11:57
I'd say helicopter is thier most imediate and punchy track.
As most of the folks on here say though the album takes a few listens.
I'm struggling with it myself.
The opening track is the only one that's doing anything for me at the moment.
Good solid album. Am surprised how much i keep going back to it for a listen. As others have said some nice drumming throughout.
Great summery-windows down in the car-blaring to all and sundry-type album.
Mr Silly
02-09-2005, 16:37
Anyone heard the Streets/Bloc Party track?
Heard it this morning on Jo Whiley. More Streets than Bloc Party, but good fun
Mr Majestik
02-09-2005, 16:41
The video's good but the tracks pretty rank. Certainly nowhere as good as 'The Streets Vs The Futureheads' one that was out last year.
wakeupjake
06-09-2005, 06:20
the new single ,off the forthcoming second album, Two More Years is superb. I caught it on MTV2's NME Chart Show. check it out if u havent done so already.
the new single ,off the forthcoming second album, Two More Years is superb. I caught it on MTV2's NME Chart Show. check it out if u havent done so already.
:thumbs: Agreed, tis most excellent. Hinting at a slight change in style too, towards the electronic possibly (they mentioned this in an interview I read somewhere.) Can't wait to see them in October. :)
Hinting at a slight change in style too, towards the electronic possibly (they mentioned this in an interview I read somewhere.)
It's mentioned in the interview over on Pitchfork (http://www.pitchforkmedia.com)
Didn't realise they had a new single on the horizon already ; when's it (and the 2nd album) due ?
wakeupjake
06-09-2005, 17:20
"The new Bloc Party single, 'Two More Years', will be released on 03.10.05. Likely b-sides are 'Hero' and a remix
of 'Banquet' by The Streets, which features Mike Skinner rapping over the original track."
not sure about the new album tho. googled like a mofo but nothing concrete that i could see.
wakeupjake
07-09-2005, 18:02
bump!
video found here
http://www.wichita-recordings.com/videos.htm
Radiohead
07-09-2005, 18:10
I love Silent Alarm but this remix album is doing nothing for me so far.
I quite like it, the DFA1979 cover is pretty damned good.
Kirs-tea
04-10-2005, 11:17
Anyone heard and like/dislike the new single 'Two More Years'?
It's not quite as catchy as other singles on first hearing but it's a bit of a grower.
Nick[Blarg]
04-10-2005, 11:39
Absolutely love the new single. Hopefully the new album will be just as good!
The online stores are listing a new deluxe +DVD release of 'Silent Alarm' including the new track.
I quite like the new track, definately a grower. The video isn't a patch on the Pioneers one though.
Kirs-tea
04-10-2005, 12:55
I quite like the new track, definately a grower. The video isn't a patch on the Pioneers one though.
The Pioneers vid is brilliant :thumbs:
ian_davies
04-10-2005, 17:00
New release also has Little Thoughts, which was only available as a single and on the US version of Silent Alarm previously. Might get it just for the new DVD....
Seeing them for a fourth time this month! My band of the year (bar Arcade Fire and Bullet for my Valentine)
Fever Dawg
05-10-2005, 18:39
Really like the new single! :thumbs:
Kirs-tea
06-10-2005, 15:45
Does anyone know who's supporting Bloc Party on their latest UK tour? :help:
Dr Dev Alahan
06-10-2005, 20:57
Does anyone know who's supporting Bloc Party on their latest UK tour? :help:
It was Kaito at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh last Sunday.
BP's performance was very average, I was expecting better.
Kirs-tea
07-10-2005, 08:37
It was Kaito at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh last Sunday.
BP's performance was very average, I was expecting better.
Thanks. Were Kaito any good?
I hope Bloc Party are better when I see them at the end of the month!
:eek:
SpankySpanky
07-10-2005, 08:59
It was Kaito at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh last Sunday.
BP's performance was very average, I was expecting better.
I saw them shamelessly miming on CD:UK last week. Totally unforgiveable IMO and as per the sentiments I expressed in my thread of a couple of weeks ago it really is a form of cheating. Makes them no different to the likes of Charlotte Church and Rachel Stevens IMO.
Dr Dev Alahan
07-10-2005, 20:19
Thanks. Were Kaito any good?
I didn't see them. I stayed in the bar while they were on, sorry!
I saw them shamelessly miming on CD:UK last week. Totally unforgiveable IMO and as per the sentiments I expressed in my thread of a couple of weeks ago it really is a form of cheating. Makes them no different to the likes of Charlotte Church and Rachel Stevens IMO.
Yeah, they've lost a fair bit in my eyes lately. I still enjoy the album and they have some cracking tunes but as a band I had hoped for a lot more.
Yeah, they've lost a fair bit in my eyes lately. I still enjoy the album and they have some cracking tunes but as a band I had hoped for a lot more.
They've only done one album and playing 3 or 4 new tracks. I think people expect too much these days from new bands. :shrug:
As for CD:UK, does anyone really care? :shrug:
Dr Dev Alahan
08-10-2005, 23:30
They've only done one album and playing 3 or 4 new tracks. I think people expect too much these days from new bands. :shrug:
Yeah, perhaps you're right. Maybe it's just the amount of hype that some bands get these days which leads people to overly-high expectations. Whatever, I had heard some very good reviews and the performance I saw didn't live up to that.
meat puppet
09-10-2005, 10:59
I bought Silent Alarm and was unimpressed, although a couple of tracks have a sort of immediate appeal it quickly sounds like a band trying to impress instead of actually enjoying what they do.
My niece wanted tickets to see them, lo and behold they are sold out and guess what ? Ebay is full of touts, trying to make a profit :mad:
Commercialism is killing music, a band gets hyped by the press, everyone buys the album, then everyone buys tickets to the gig, then everyone goes away disappointed. The band sinks from view and is eclipsed by the next crop of music industry hopefuls. Its an industry, I know that, I know it has to sell records and make profits, but somehow its all got out of control and the music and performance has taken second place. Music used to be a subversive underground culture which reflected the hopes, fears and aspirations of youth. Now it seems to be like fast food and is quickly rejected due to its lack of real significance, its as common on a teenagers MP3 player as it is on the suburban coffee table and quickly finds itself back on the CD rack covered in dust.
There are real musical performances around and true believers in their art, you have to dig to find them. They will never be seen on sale on Supermarket shelves but their performance is intense and even disturbing. This is the real deal, proper live music with no props and no stadium culture. Many bypass these artists for the cleverly hyped bands of the moment and I cant help feeling music is poorer for it.
SpankySpanky
09-10-2005, 11:29
Never seen Bloc Party live but I've seen them interviewed and also read some interviews in the press and they always seem to come across as incredibly arrogant. Maybe they are the victims of believing their own hype? There is nothing wrong with hype if the artist on the end of it can actually back it up with performances and recordings. Surely the single most hyped artist ever is Bruce Springsteen (I've seen the future of music, and it's Bruce Springsteen etc etc) but it didn't do him any harm, reason being he probably didn't take it too seriously, he undoubtedly had the talent to back it up, plus in his live performances he gave the punters want they wanted (saw him at St James's Park in 1985 and he was on stage nearly 3 hours for chrissakes). Hype is only bad when it can't be backed up by the reality IMO.
Never seen Bloc Party live but I've seen them interviewed and also read some interviews in the press and they always seem to come across as incredibly arrogant. Maybe they are the victims of believing their own hype?
Their hype? Surely you mean the NME, CD:UK and Richard & Judy?
I like 'em, some cracking tunes, off to see them 'live' Later on this month. Anyone else off to Brixton?
Buck Rogers
09-10-2005, 14:19
It's easier for CD:UK if bands mime on their show- and the target audience isn't going to care either way.
SpankySpanky
09-10-2005, 14:32
It's easier for CD:UK if bands mime on their show- and the target audience isn't going to care either way.
I'm sure it is. It could also be stated honestly that it's easier for the venues if a band could mime their way through a whole tour but I'm not sure that would go down too well! (unless it was a Madonna audience). It still doesn't hide the fact that any self-respecting and indeed acclaimed live act should never resort to such a thing no matter what the show or target audience, if only for their own self-respect. It just shows lazyness pure and simple - or a lack of confidence.
Balls man. Morrissey mimed on TOTP and I was a bit miffed at the time. He played J Ross and Jools after that... :notworthy
Bloc Party have proved their worth live as far as I'm concerned.
-Dragon-
10-10-2005, 16:34
playing im pompey tonight and thanks to my access all areas pass i will let you know if they are in fact that arrogant! looking forward to it!
It still doesn't hide the fact that any self-respecting and indeed acclaimed live act should never resort to such a thing no matter what the show or target audience, if only for their own self-respect. It just shows lazyness pure and simple - or a lack of confidence.
For God's sake, we've had all this out before in a recent thread on the matter of miming. It's for technical reasons in the studio mainly and nothing to do with whether a band can hack it live or not.
Mr Majestik
10-10-2005, 16:46
Noticed stage school muppet Katie Meluer was miming her way through her woeful (x1000) single on totp last night.
Everybody else was live.
SpankySpanky
10-10-2005, 16:48
For God's sake, we've had all this out before in a recent thread on the matter of miming. It's for technical reasons in the studio mainly and nothing to do with whether a band can hack it live or not.
I'm sorry, agnetha, but that plainly isn't the case. Blunt has been on there a few times and ALWAYS sings live. It would appear to be up to the artist whether they want to sing live or not. Why didn't he sing live vocals over a recorded backing track, for instance, like Blunt did on his last appearance? You're not seriously suggesting Kele (sp?) asked to sing live and the powers that be told him it wasn't possible due to technical reasons? :shrug: CD:UK' s studio is set up to facilitate the acts playing live, the fact that some don't is almost certain to be because THEY have chosen not to, for whatever reason...
LouBarlow
10-10-2005, 16:51
Doesn't Blunt only need a piano and a mic anyway?
the fact that some don't is almost certain to be because THEY have chosen not to, for whatever reason...
They played live on the Mercurys.. They obviously don't hold CD:UK in as high regard as you do. :p
SpankySpanky
10-10-2005, 17:18
Which would sort of back up my earlier comments on them coming across as particularly arrogant when interviewed, I suppose. They could have always turned CD:UK down if they thought it beneath them, I guess.
Fever Dawg
10-10-2005, 18:58
Of course it would be better if everybody, played live everytime they were on stage but I'd hardly call miming on CD:UK "cheating". Cheating who? AFAIK nobody actually pays money to watch CD:UK do they?
They're showcasing a particular song when they're on programmes like that so you could argue that it should be in the format that people actually buy the song?
SpankySpanky
10-10-2005, 19:29
I'll leave it now, it's just a pet hate of mine, and I'd have absolutely no qualms about calling favourite artists of mine, i.e. Blunty or Arctic Monkeys cheats if I saw them miming, either. In the case of Arctic Monkeys, what they have done with their video is pretty unique and to be commended in my view - totally live 'studio' performance of the song. In other words, the video that will 'sell' the single to the MTV crowd. I was so shocked when I first saw it, I genuinely didn't think it was the 'proper' video until DaveMetcalf put me right. Now, that would be revealing if all artists had to do such a thing. The Rachel Stevens one would be worth watching.
In the case of Arctic Monkeys, what they have done with their video is pretty unique and to be commended in my view - totally live 'studio' performance of the song.
Saw this video this morning on E4Music, excellent stuff I must say (almost swayed my original opinion of 'what is the fuss about?', but they still sound a little too much like someone else who I can't place right now.)
It is only the second time I've seen a non-concert/gig live performance in a promo too (the first being '3 MCs and 1 DJ' by the Beastie Boys.)
As for Bloc Party miming, you could argue that as they're touring a lot, they may well want to save their voices and what-not for 'proper' gigs where backing track and miming aren't an option. I wouldn't write a band off for doing it at all... I just blame Nirvana and their word changing on Top Of The Pops... :)
Fever Dawg
11-10-2005, 15:56
Just been having a browse around the Music Forum on DVD Talk (Big American equivalent of here for those that have never heard of it) and I was pretty amazed to see that 'Silent Alarm' is the forum members album of the year so far.
SpankySpanky
11-10-2005, 16:24
The listener reviews on Amazon US (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump.php?url=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/thedvdforums-20) are almost unanimously extremely positive as well :thumbs:
Fever Dawg
11-10-2005, 16:32
A word of warning Spanky .... don't go in the DVD Talk Music Forum. The James Blunt thread only has 5 replies and a couple of them are a bit luke warm. ;)
The James Blunt thread only has 5 replies)
I'm sure he could sort that out. :lol:
SpankySpanky
11-10-2005, 16:39
Not going anywhere near that one, I find it a struggle keeping the razor blades away from my wrist contributing to the thread here. :nuts:
ian_davies
12-10-2005, 15:00
As for Bloc Party miming, you could argue that as they're touring a lot, they may well want to save their voices and what-not for 'proper' gigs where backing track and miming aren't an option. I wouldn't write a band off for doing it at all... I just blame Nirvana and their word changing on Top Of The Pops... :)
TBH, I think that's exactly it. Kele's been having some difficulty with his voice over the summer, and with this huge UK jaunt in progress, I don't see how anyone could blame him for wanting to save his voice for the shows!
Went to see Bloc Party in Sheffield last night, one of the worse gigs I've been too in ages. They sounded really 'loose' a lot of the time. I don't know if its just the kind of music they play needs to be really tight otherwise it sounds like a mess? If you're just strumming chords you can probably get away with being crapper. The sound mix way way off too.
And the singer had nothing to say between songs but "How you doing Sheffield?". Between every song.
And the new songs were awful.
Shame coz I really liked the album.
SpankySpanky
13-10-2005, 07:58
They sounded great on CD:UK ;)
Edit: Seriously, what has happened to these? I thought they used to get really great reviews live? Have they been touring too long? :shrug:
Maybe the last few bands I've seen live (Ben Folds, Pixies, Futrureheads, Magic Numbers) were that good that my standards have been raised. My mate who I went with thought they were good.
Sheffield Octagon - where I saw them - is not a great venue acoustically anyway.
I'm going to see them at Brixton at the end of the month, hope they're OK. Luckily I haven't been to too many gigs to 'raise the bar' yet. :)
SpankySpanky
13-10-2005, 08:20
Maybe the last few bands I've seen live (Ben Folds, Pixies, Futrureheads, Magic Numbers) were that good that my standards have been raised. My mate who I went with thought they were good.
Sheffield Octagon - where I saw them - is not a great venue acoustically anyway.
I'm not sure I agree about the accoustics, Blunty sounded pretty fantastic there the other night. Maybe the fact that him and his band allegedly spent SIX HOURS in the day getting the sound check right may have contributed, though. Hard work often pays off...and rightly so. ;)
Radiohead
13-10-2005, 08:56
The fact that a sound check took 6 hours would suggest a venue that's acoustically suspect, no?
Barney_Tabasco
13-10-2005, 10:12
Went to see Bloc Party in Sheffield last night, one of the worse gigs I've been too in ages. They sounded really 'loose' a lot of the time. I don't know if its just the kind of music they play needs to be really tight otherwise it sounds like a mess? If you're just strumming chords you can probably get away with being crapper. The sound mix way way off too.
And the singer had nothing to say between songs but "How you doing Sheffield?". Between every song.
And the new songs were awful.
Shame coz I really liked the album.
That's really odd cause i was there and we thought the sound was great, especially the drums.
I thought it was a great gig - the band were on form and the atmosphere was buzzing. I agree though, Keles banter needs sorting - very repetitive.
He's a bit of a drip though, watched an interview with him at Glastonbury and he just seemed totally stoned.
SpankySpanky
13-10-2005, 11:56
The fact that a sound check took 6 hours would suggest a venue that's acoustically suspect, no?
It may also suggest he's a perfectionist and doesn't want to sell his audience short? :shrug: But if you are right about the accoustics at The Octagon then I would suggest a band that sounds 'ropey' there (i.e. Bloc Party according to the earlier party) should maybe have spent a similar amount of time so as not to leave their paying public disappointed? But I suppose they could always blame the 'accoustics'. :doh:
That's really odd cause i was there and we thought the sound was great, especially the drums.
Thinking about it, I was stood right at the back. I may have actually been stood behind the speakers. From where I was the drums were overpowering everything else.
Right at the back? I've not been to one gig that's sounded good or even halfway decent at the back.
yeah, mates I was with didn't wanna move and I was feeling lazy
SpankySpanky
13-10-2005, 19:42
Some of their gig in Birmingham is to be broadcast live on Radio 1 from 10pm tonight as part of John Peel Day. You can listen online...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/johnpeelday/2005/onr1/
Deluxe version of Silent Alarm announced http://www.blocparty.com/go.php?object=news&mode=default&newsID=177
Bloc Party have announced details of the release of a deluxe version of their debut album Silent Alarm through Wichita Records on October 17th 2005.
The new version will be available with a free bonus DVD featuring a 50 minute tour documentary filmed during the band's recent sell out tour of the US plus all of the band's promo videos to date and 5 tracks recorded live at Belfort, France in the summer of 2005. The band's singles Little Thoughts & Two More Years will also be included on the updated edition.
Fans who have already purchased the album will be able to get the bonus DVD for £4.99 from the band's fan club website on the day of release, (www.blocparty.com/marshals) and a week later on their main site, (www.blocparty.com). This version will also include the exclusive bonus track Two More Years (MSTRKRFT Remix).
To join us visit www.blocparty.com/marshals.
Hmmm, that's a bit cheeky, especially for people who have already done the whole 'double dip' with the remix album. Why not wait a little for the next album and release a 'deluxe' 2CD+1DVD edition presented in a nice digipak thing? Probably won't bother as I'm not sure I care enough, which is a shame as I like Bloc Party.
Kirs-tea
19-10-2005, 09:18
More and more bands seem to be doing this. It's very annoying! :mad:
Johnny Vodka
19-10-2005, 09:45
I don't actually have the album yet, just borrowed it off my sis. ;) Will probably get this new edition. :thumbs:
More and more bands seem to be doing this. It's very annoying! :mad:
You can get the dvd seperate though for a fiver..
Kirs-tea
31-10-2005, 10:17
Saw Bloc Party @ Brixton Carling Academy on Saturday night - they were fantastic and the light-show and atmosphere was brilliant. Lots of banter which was very cool :thumbs:
Kaito were cool too. Alot of people boo-ing them which was very unfair. :oh-hum:
ian_davies
31-10-2005, 11:11
Saw Bloc Party @ Brixton Carling Academy on Saturday night - they were fantastic and the light-show and atmosphere was brilliant. Lots of banter which was very cool :thumbs:
Kaito were cool too. Alot of people boo-ing them which was very unfair. :oh-hum:
Oh yeah! The lightshow was superb I thought (saw them at the Manchester Apollo, guestlist ;)) Unfortunately, Snake had me completely mesmerised at one point I forgot I was actually meant to be watching the band!! Hehe.
No new tracks which was a disappointment, but Russell told me recording starts in February, so it's all good!
Kirs-tea
31-10-2005, 11:16
No new tracks which was a disappointment, but Russell told me recording starts in February, so it's all good!
I think they played 2 new songs on Saturday.... :thinking:
Very good show indeed :thumbs:
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