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Post by klein on Dec 13, 2012 17:55:57 GMT -5
"Wish" performance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bREDamKepd0#t=03m33s think that Brendan O'Brien needs to get a hold of the mixes of this album. I'd like to see LH work with him again in the future. Yeah! But more importantly, I'd be curious to hear what LH would sound like with a different producer. I think it would be a good change for them. Maybe back to Aniello? Who knows...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2012 18:29:19 GMT -5
Thanks! +1 on the setlist and videos would be great if you are willing to share. Thanks for the review! I'm excited to see them if they come to Boston soon =) You're welcome!!! Ahhhhh! You SHOULD be excited... it's such a great energy to the show! I vote for Boston too! (I'm from Cape Cod) So... *crosses fingers* Today at 12:13pm, idlewild wrote: I'm glad Almeria bounces off the walls with the live shows. Jason's almost giving out an Adam Levine vibe during Moveonday, with the tambourine and dancing. Very peculiar to watch, but absolutely enthralling. Bryce in perfect harmony with Jason during Only You're The One had me beaming like a proud fan if I'm still allowed to call myself one after that slew of disappointed tweets. The videos are great, Christy. Thank you for asking them all the right questions. Idlewild: (Sorry I screwed up the whole quote thing so it doesn't say its from you) .... Anyway... I love Jason's whole vibe... dance like nobody's watching... that's my motto! Glad you like these videos, and you're SO welcome. And Beam AWAYYYYY! That's alright by me... I'll beam right along with ya! I'm not sure what questions I asked them, but I'm glad you think they were the right ones! haha seeing the videos and hearing the songs live I think I have to agree with you Christy!..I might still be skeptical about the album versions (and still think nobody listen is boring as bleep) but live these songs are wicked! Fair enough... thanks for reading! I did take the opportunity during my "Nobody Listen" videography to showcase Jason's footwear and Bryce's hat and do a close up on Winnie! lol I like the atmospheric nature of the song and I think that came across nicely. Don't blame some of us for not loving the album, Christy, so many ears cannot be completely wrong... but I love your review and I am happy somebody listened to my quiet prayers - how I wish that the Almeria songs will sound much better live, "undressed" from all the studio effects and "dressed up" again in the energy the band has on stage... Thanks for the videos and everything you wrote here <3 Haha <3 There is no blame at all from me, but I slightly disagree with the wording you use. Music preference is not about a bunch of ears being "right" or "wrong" ... it's just your individual taste or not your individual taste... that's a big difference. Nobody's ears are wrong... it just either pleases you or does not. It happens to please mine and somehow I just "get it" as to what I hear and experience... that's the best way I can explain the way that I like it. And I like it even better live! But it's ok if you don't... I don't blame anyone! And it's good that it causes a stir. I think that actually means they are doing something right! You are certainly welcome for the videos... no need for thanks... you know I love doing stuff like that! Don't shoot me for saying this, but while I think the videos show the performance of the songs is good and some of the songs come off stronger in their live arrangements than they do on the album, I still think the majority of the songs are just too weak to be lifted out of mediocracy, even with a spirited live performance. The lack of lyrical content and the virtual absence of a real chorus (1 or 2 lines consisting of the same thing over and over again does not make a chorus in my eyes) in many a song just doesn't work for me. I do enjoy the performance, very much even, just not the songs. That said, Right Back Home is positively rad Koen, I would never shoot you! But I can't guarantee that Yosemite Sam won't! haha... I think you are one of the most objective and fair people that I have ever known. I admire your honesty and respect your opinions a lot. I think you have a sound basis for your own opinion of the record and although I wish you loved it as much as some of us do, I don't get offended if you don't. Thanks for reading my review. I do have this secret hope that I could describe the reasons I love it enough that it would change some people's opinions, but that's a disorder that I can easily get some therapy for... LOL I have to say that because of the way you present your opinions, they do challenge me to think about my own. In fact I've been thinking about the whole "lyrical content" issue that you and many others have brought up. I actually have a whole bunch of thoughts on that that I think it would be interesting to discuss further. Maybe that's a separate thread though. But thanks for your feedback! Maybe there will be a day when words will be too much and you just want something to listen to that is simpler. I have a lot of those days. But anyways... *letting go of need to try to get everyone to like the same things I like* haha Thanks for the wonderful videos Christy! The performance in New York looked spectacular. Nice to see how they all (including Winnie) enjoy on stage. I hope they also will play Aftermath on this tour... You're welcome Rein! I have to agree... the only song I really missed hearing was definitely Aftermath. Jude Cole said that the setlist would be changed up a little for the LA show, so maybe it will be played there? *crossing fingers* That song seems so special to me. Right Back Home was nice..but I have to agree with Koen on the rest. "Only You're The One" shows some promise live, wouldn't be surprised if that became a single down the line.... Also, "dance moves you've never seen before in your lifetime"... lol. I only saw the one dancing part in one of your videos, Skrappy and he looked awkward as hell. Was there any more dancing? Well, to each his own Dan. I felt like Jason stepped WAY out of his comfort zone on MoveOnDay in particular and also if you watch All In (a video I did not take) you see him doing some new stuff. So, not everyone can be on So You Think You Can Dance (or be an amazing zumba expert like me hahahaha) but to me, it worked. The best way I can describe it was a hybrid of dancing and stomping... I have coined it "Stancing" haha... I give the guy credit. And I hope he does it more!!! I don't think the videos can quite capture what I'm talking about, but a lot of fans were excited and noticed a change in Jason's confidence and performance level. One man's awkward is another man's awesome... just remember that haha <3 Okay, so I overall agree with Christy's review (i tried starting a thread for the album release party but nobody responded so oh well this one will do )... However, I really think they "tracked" a lot of their songs, as in they recorded a live version of their concert set list in a recording studio and played it back while jason sang over top of it. We can tell more as the live recordings come in when they officially go on tour, but they sounded TOO GOOD in my opinion during the concert. Maybe it was just from where I was standing, but I have never heard them sound better live, which is a red flag to me, since most of these songs (the first half) they have never played live. I am sure there were parts that weren't tracked (for instance the accoustic versions of TMA, everything, and wish, however even wish sounded EXACTLY like the version I have) Just my honest opinion. Cool, Danielle! Sorry I missed the thread you already started. Some of the background vocals are definitely "prerecorded" or something. I think you are correct. I also think a lot of bands do that. And I don't think it means that they are not really playing their instruments or not really singing... I just think it's used as support. They've done that all along on Halfway Gone and also on It Is What It Is when they played that live. To me it's kind of like "looping" ... they've played it at some point, but it's just another layer. What people's opinions on that are going to be I'm sure is going to vary. I'm sure there are some purists who would not want to see anything prerecorded. So, again, that is up to your taste. It sounded good to me too! I'm pretty sure there was no tracking on Wish. I think he's just that good on acoustic. Just my opinion. And I read in another thread that you got a bad impression of Jude Cole. I didn't have the same reaction at all. I thought he was very kind and complimentary and actually took time to talk to a couple of us even though I could tell it wasn't all that convenient. I have nothing but good things to say about Jude. So, I was surprised to hear your interpretation. Anyway... too bad we didn't see each other... we could have said hello and compared notes! Hey everybody.... thanks for reading and commenting! I appreciate it!
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Post by klein on Dec 13, 2012 19:51:56 GMT -5
Oh trust me I know first hand how hard it is to be (or at least appear) energetic on stage when you've got a million other things you're doing thinking about, like: playing your guitar and staying on tempo & trying not to mess up any chords or pickings, sing on key, remember all the lyrics, etc. - it's a lot of work. The whole "performance" part is really a job on its own. Personally, sometimes during a show I'd move around and make some hand/body motions (out of fairness to the definition of the word I will not use the term 'dance') when playing and then looking at video of it later I realized I moved way less than I thought I did and looked a lot more "static" than I felt while playing. So I'm not blaming him or anything, just saying his awkwardness reminded me a lot of myself when I try to dance or move around on stage. Lol But like with anything it's probably something he will keep working on and integrating more and more of into the show, which is cool. Also, I like your word "stancing". Edit: One more thing re: pre-recorded sounds in the concert. You are correct. They have actually been doing it for a while now but most people probably can't tell (that's the point). Most bands do this nowadays and as long as they don't pre-record for example the entire piano part of "Aftermath" instead of playing it live I see no problem with it. It's just a way to enhance the sound and also can serve as a way to make the song feel more rich in a live setting, where you don't have the same luxury that you have in the studio of being able to mix each instrumental track so it blends in perfectly with everything else. They definitely don't do it for the Acoustic section, he's just really good at playing guitar.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2012 20:31:50 GMT -5
What is Winnie playing in the beginning of MOVEONDAY? Anyone know? www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVAI_EAZfZ8&list=UUh5sF1Yz1xDfBDs4rjX9htw&index=8Thanks Dan for explaining your thoughts more... yeah, I don't think people really put a lot of thought into how much a performer has to actually work at while up there on stage. And if dancing around doesn't seem natural, it's extra work and extra nerves, which is never good for a smooth performance. And sometimes people make it LOOK so easy, so you really don't realize all that they're doing. And Dan... maybe take some zumba classes... not only is it a GREAT way to get in touch with your *inner dancer* but its also a GREAT way to meet chicks! LOL Thanks for your insight on the tracking too. I noticed this trend a few years back with many of the bands I like and at first I didn't know what to think, but now I don't mind and I can see why they do it.
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Post by celticflower on Dec 14, 2012 4:16:48 GMT -5
Christy..thank you for taking the time to respond to so many people! about the prerecorded: I agree..as long as it's not the whole piano part..then I see no problem with it..it can add to the song, and sometimes artists play with the prerecorded stuff and it can actually enhance the creativity. Jason's acoustic parts are no way recorded..
for me this album is really not necessarily strong for the lyrics *some of them are really quirky, cryptical, and mysterious..but some of them are also simple to the point of boring..where they could have been amazing*
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Post by celticflower on Dec 14, 2012 4:18:01 GMT -5
and I LOVE to see Jason dancing..I think what Christy said is true: he's out of his comfort zone..first I was like what the ..is he on something, but I absolutely LOVe seeing him like this!and I think they make a great gang on the stage.they look so in sync:D
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Post by danielle on Dec 14, 2012 10:29:17 GMT -5
This post will have a lot of different topics.
I wish I had the recording of Jude introducing "his" band. It would have been easier to support what I am saying about it. When Stanley Climbfall came out september 17, 2002 (yes I remember that date) I saw lifehouse around that time at kings island ohio (i actually think i saw them before the album was released maybe August 2002). Me and my mother ran into rick and sean at the amusement park. We talked for a few minutes and to hear the passion in rick's voice about how his favorite song was wash because he loved the drum part that HE created, vs. now when Jude took credit several times for the instrumentation (re: in his review that was posted or on stage) is such a contradiction. Its hard to believe the band gave over their creative rights to Jude Cole and if so, that Jude is so open to take credit for it. I said in a previous post, but musicians are all about ego, and for a band to originate its own songs for the first few cd's to not having as many creative rights just doesn't make sense to me.
And as far as the tracking, I hadn't heard them use that technique ever until the album release, just looping. However, most of the shows I've seen over the past few years have been live radio shows. During the album release, it sounded like all of the songs were tracked and not just background vocals but lead vocals as well. People are entitled to their own opinions and that is mine. If I was a musician, i would want to be appreciated by my live performances which wouldn't include tracking.
I have been around for a while, buying their cd in December 2000 and seeing them live for the first time March 5, 2001. Jason has definitely progressed in his performance skills, but its interesting to note that they are still playing in the same 1-2.5K capacity venues they have been playing in for years. You can also see a clear divide between new, "older" and oldest fans. When I see them perform live, I know what they sounded like in 2001 on Jay leno, every radio performance over the past 12 years, every song (including wish that no one else knew at the album release show). I am not the only one but it was comforting to hear that Jason's voice wasn't perfect. And to hear the performance at the album release the image they were trying to portray was that it was. It wasn't real to me, it was TOO GOOD.
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Post by aminta on Dec 14, 2012 10:46:25 GMT -5
"Wish" performance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bREDamKepd0#t=03m33s think that Brendan O'Brien needs to get a hold of the mixes of this album. I'd like to see LH work with him again in the future. Yeah! But more importantly, I'd be curious to hear what LH would sound like with a different producer. I think it would be a good change for them. Maybe back to Aniello? Who knows... Guys you speak my mind Haha <3 There is no blame at all from me, but I slightly disagree with the wording you use. Music preference is not about a bunch of ears being "right" or "wrong" ... it's just your individual taste or not your individual taste... that's a big difference. Nobody's ears are wrong... it just either pleases you or does not. It happens to please mine and somehow I just "get it" as to what I hear and experience... that's the best way I can explain the way that I like it. And I like it even better live! But it's ok if you don't... I don't blame anyone! I was only refering to the part of your review where you used the word "wrong" describing the reactions of people who don't feel the same about Almeria as you. We know each other, bandmate, so I know you haven't been dead serious about that and I'm glad you cleared up that it's all about individual taste and I agree with it. But believe me, I'm really not happy that I cannot fall in love with the newest Lifehouse album and that's enough sadness for my fan heart. I just don't believe in anything forced, especially when it comes to love for music, or for a person... it just happens, sometimes with time, or just doesn't. As to asking Lifehouse about the less enthusiastic fan responses to Almeria, it was kinda clear to me they wouldn't mind. They are artists and well, they are big boys, so they can handle criticism and I think they can only grow getting feedback from fans. I think that the neverending flattering can make them even a bit lazy. And honestly, I haven't seen any nasty comments, Lifehouse is lucky enough to have a great fanbase. As to Jude, I don't really know what kind of agreement the band has with him. Maybe Jason prefers to work with him. I will be thankful for the things he did for the band and well, he was a big part of No name face too. But I get the same self indulgence vibe Danielle speaks about from the comments he wrote about Almeria songs. I am not too happy he becomes a LH songwriter (Nobody listen) and I would want him to give more space in the studio to Ben, Ricky and Bryce. Ben an Bryce created a lot of good stuff in the past months and for me it's a waste of potential within the band that they can't voice all of that on the Lifehouse record. And as we see from Christy's videos, they add much more life to this music during shows.
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Post by gogonutz on Dec 14, 2012 11:12:51 GMT -5
From the videos I cannot make out if they were tracking songs or not, but they have been using the technique on some of the songs before (primarily Halfway Gone and I'm pretty sure also for First Time and It Is What It Is), so if they made use of it, I'm not surprised.
As for the acoustic part, that is right in Jason's comfort zone, so I highly doubt (I'm not saying they didn't, but I just don't think they would) they used tracking there.
But like I said, the videos don't give me the right recording quality to figure out if there was made use of tracking or not. I'm with the people who say that as long as the essence of the song is still performed live, tracking can complement, but it shouldn't become a major part of the show, which you are suggesting did happen.
I would also assume they might still be practicing the songs in their live renditions, so may be they make a little more use of it now until they really get the hang of the songs live, I don't know, I'm just spectulating here.
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Post by gogonutz on Dec 14, 2012 11:25:25 GMT -5
and Christy, it's not so much that I need very elaborate lyrics. Sometimes simple is better. But it still needs to grab me, convince me. And sometimes even just an instrumental track would be better. When I read Jude's take on the songs there were a lot of things that made me think: WTH, but the mention of Slow Motion being an instrumental track actually made sense to me.
The main two things with Almeria, for me, are that the songs, both lyrically and musically don't inspire me. I do not get the feeling the performers of the songs (in whatever form or shape they were in the studio) were 100% into the songs. And if they were, I'm not hearing it. The second point is, that the songs are so polished and overproduced that all the life has been squeezed out of them, which enhances my feelings towards point #1.
I'm sure part of that is my own taste and my own development in listening to music, but part of it is a change of direction from the band and the people around them. And my opinion (and I stress that it is my opinion) is that this is not the right course. If they are behind it, I wish them all the luck and success, but I just don't see it.
For me, it would be interesting to separate the band members and let them have time to theirselves to come up with rough demos, not influenced by each other, just pure emotion and pure inspiration coming from within. And with those demos they could work out new songs for a next album. It's just an idea I had, and maybe that wouldn't work at all, but in my mind that would bring all of them back to their core/their roots and would bring out the most meaningful songs, whether that is portrayed in the music, the lyrics, or both. And it would feel like it was coming from them, instead of coming from Jude and other co-conspirators. Cause it's the honesty, genuinity and raw emotion that I am missing the most. Because that was what inspired me and what I connected to.
I'm still hoping that by giving the album time to sink in and hearing the songs live and maybe getting them across more I will grow into the album more, but as of now, my hopes aren't too high.
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Post by ledvedderman on Dec 14, 2012 11:44:12 GMT -5
This album has a Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" to it...and that's just not my cup of tea. Lifehouse is a live band, let them do what they do best.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2012 11:50:19 GMT -5
Ok... I guess this is a case of agree to disagree. Thanks for explaining more. I truly hope you all find what you're looking for someday and it's awesome that you have some suggestions for their future. I know that comes from a good place Off topic, but something I definitely want to get off my chest... I really actually miss the positive community that I used to feel here in these forums, and I'm not sure if you all realize that people who feel differently than you don't really feel welcome here. Anyway, maybe that's not the purpose that you all see for the forum and in that case, I just misunderstood. I realize that people have a right to say whatever they want and disagree and mourn the loss of who they thought the band was and all that good stuff. It just used to be a little more balanced here in the past I think. No offense, but it just feels pretty toxic. And when I voiced that to other friends that used to be on the forum, they explained that was the very reason they don't come here anymore. I don't know what the solution is because a lot of you clearly are disappointed and should definitely be able to voice your opinions... so I guess it's just a catch 22 and just "Is What It Is"... I know that I will get blasted for saying this, but I don't want to be a person that shrinks out of and fades away from the forum without telling you all why. I think you guys want the truth... if that's the one thing I've learned you definitely want people to be able to be honest. I do care about you guys. It hurts my heart to say this stuff... Nevertheless, sometimes it's time to move on. But please always remember... "I wish the best of everything for you... hope you know that honestly I do..." <3 Peace!
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Post by gogonutz on Dec 14, 2012 12:02:26 GMT -5
I was actually thinking that there is a very vocal atmosphere on here and a lot of stress has been laid on the disappointment of a number of forum members, myself included. I can totally see how that comes across as a negative atmosphere and how that would keep people away. I was thinking on if, and if so, how, I should change that, but I feel that people should also be able to voice their disappointment.
I'm glad there are a lot of people who do enjoy the new album and still praise them for it, because I wish Lifehouse the best and they have the most amazing fans. And I would actually love for more people to come here and tell how they think about things, even if they have a different opinion than me.
That said, the tone has become quite negative, but I genuinely think all of us still wish the best for Lifehouse, even if we are disappointed or disagree with some of the decisions they made. And I understand the treshold to join the forum is higher when you think the atmosphere isn't what you were hoping for, but I would encourage anyone to join, tell us what you think, I'm open to hearing why you think it is good and what else there is to enjoy.
It was never my (and I hope it was no one's) intention to scare away people or to have people back off. But I do understand what you're saying and I do understand how that makes some people feel. And for that I am sorry. Because that was never the intention.
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Post by aminta on Dec 14, 2012 12:18:52 GMT -5
Christy you and other fans are welcome here, but maybe it's just a matter that we don't say things you want to hear? That we're not always 100 % positive about everything that the band is doing? I have a weird feeling about some things happening on Twitter since the last few months, some people don't speak out loud what they think out there because the "superfans" already accuse them of being ungrateful to the band and stuff and tweet that to the band. That's why I talk about not wanting to be part of that 'who's the super fan contest". I don't think we need to protect the band like if they were little kids or create fake divisions between the fans... I had the feeling you're becoming part of it too the other day - when you posted in the other thread here, in response to Olga, I believe... saying something that sounded like : if you don't like it in here, you don't have to play with these bad kids, take your toys and come to us. Sorry, but this is how it looked like and I was surprised. Especially that Koen posted a few times he wants to keep things respectful and really discuss the songs. Do you guys think it'll make the band happy watching us getting offended at each other or fighting who's a good/bad guy? I don't think so. So many of you are my friends and behind your opinions, about Almeria or not, I see your beautiful personalities and even if I disagree, I see where you all come from. The board is toxic? I remember arguments happening at Lifehouse Fans or the official board and believe me, those weren't pleasant ones. It's kinda sleepy here now as most of us grew up and are busy with work and daily problems.
Christy you mean a lot to me as a friend and I want you to feel good here. I reposted your review at Lh B-sides FB to create some balance. I don't want to see you go.
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Post by celticflower on Dec 14, 2012 12:22:46 GMT -5
as we discused, Christy, I see your point..however, I am with Koen that giving the possibility to voice every single opinion *whether positive or negative* is more important and relevant here...it might scare away new fans..but for me this board is about being yourself, being able to voice whichever opinion you have (ok, respectful of course but you get my point) when this would no longer be the case, I think I would not come here anymore..since then it would become fake to me..
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