Not now
It's not happening now
The love I felt is null and void
cuz it's not happening now
what do i have but thinly felt memories
Not now
it's not happening now
How can I relive love when it's only a memory
It's not happening now
the love is null and void.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Steve Wilson Series Part 2: Porcupine Tree Deadwing: Part 2
Steve Wilson, the musician has some mind bending tunes. In this second part, the Porcupine Tree members will state their opinions on Deadwing. The Arriving Somewhere But Not Here DVD is a mystical experience. I will also dispense the emotions of the Deadwing era bonus tracks. I will analyze the script Steve Wilson released for the Deadwing feature film. I will also highlight Lasse Hoile's music videos for Deadwing: Lazarus, Start of Something Beautiful, and Glass Arm Shattering. I am presuming you are familiar with Porcupine Tree. If not, once you listen to any of his albums from beginning to end, in one sitting, you will become a real fan, and understand the Porcupine Tree hysteria.
Porcupine Tree memorabilia
Not much is known about Deadwing since Wilson concealed information, thinking the album would serve as a companion for the feature film.1 But, I finally found the Deadwing Script that then entire Deadwing album is based on. The screenplay of Mike Bennion and Steve Wilson is essentially a ghost story. So many of the fore-coming characters may be ghosts. Figuring out which ones is the challenge. This is only the first fifteen pages of the film but it makes many references to the album; such as a reference to the line in Mellotron Scratch 'A tiny flame inside my hand', the man mentioned in Lazarus 'My David don't you worry', and to the artwork in the album's cover insert (more specifically the page with the lyrics to "Halo" scrawled in it2
Getting the album might be better than simply downloading since you can see the artwork that is the image for the songs.
Steve Wilson / Porcupine Tree's attitude
Steve Wilson gives every record the same effort. He states that writing is a painful process for him.4 Steve Wilson likes to work in a self consumed vacuum (Fear of a Blank Planet) In the second interview (Fear of a Blank Planet 2) Steve Wilson mentions some interesting things: Being a producer, performer, and writer the strong only has the power and emotion on the first take. Hearing it thousands of times takes away from that. Also his 4 favorite albums he worked on are: 1. Ghosts on Magnetic Tape with Bass Communion, 2. In Absentia and 3. Fear of a Blank Planet with Porcupine Tree and Blackwater Park with Opeth. He talks about being depressed with the release of a record (Fear of a Blank Planet) He also hates being compared to other bands. And hates that critics and journalists have "their fucking opinions".
Another thing astounding about Steve Wilson or Porcupine Tree is his commitment to excellent quality music. He has finally become famous with porcupine tree by 2005 when Deadwing comes out but he is not afraid about exploring different musical paths. And possibly alienating older fans for his pursuit of spiritually transcendent music. And for the recent fans he is not afraid of going away from the heavier stuff to return in the direction of the older Porcupine tree stuff that is more exploratory.5
Arriving Somewhere But Not Here DVD
Revenant is simply the intro to The Arriving Somewhere But Not Here DVD - delving into the ghostly theme of Deadwing.
Open Car
Steven Wilson does charades to the rocking lyrics and music of open car. This song's blistering tempo gives a sense of getting over a shattered relationship. You don't need him or her, you are a free man or woman.
Blackest Eyes
Blackest Eyes is the first track of In Absentia - one of Steve Wilson's favorite albums he created. And it is my favorite album opener. One of Wilson's favorite albums because of the in depth theme of serial killers and going insane. The heaviness of the guitar matches the heavy subject matter of the song - a guy takes a woman into the woods to kill her. Wilson uses hand motions to symbolize crying. The song describes the conflict of the killer and normal life. He kills and then lives mundanely, hiding his crimes in his sheds, where he relives them. "Something taking over me" refers to demons taking over the killer. "wiring loose in my head" as wilson points to his head. A strong guitar riff excites you.
Lazarus
We move from evil spirits in Blackest eyes to the angelic or benign spirits in Lazarus. David and Lazarus aren't referencing the biblical characters, instead they are found in the deadwing movie script. The beautiful chorus and guitar solos occur in a song when a band has the same guy, in this case Steven Wilson, be both lead guitarist and lead singer. None of the fights that have plagued so many great bands.
The chorus is audio gorgeousness:
moonlight is bleeding
from out of your soul
Hatesong
The yo-yo between good and evil continues - back to evil. The loud bassy rhythmic riff of Hatesong sucks you into the poetry of the song. You quickly notice a pattern in the song, both lyrically and musically. The rhyme scheme is predictable you know "head" is coming. But who cares, you have the manic energy of
The alternative rock guitars drive you into space. Then you notice Gavin Harrison's delicate, yet rhythmic technical drumming. At the end, Harrison does he his hard core loud drumming. Hardcore fans love this jam, but songs like this and
Don't Hate Me are more enjoyable for the musicians than the audience. The rhythm they get into is musical ecstasy. So you can enjoy it but experimenting with different musical instruments and trying to start such an epic jam. The song itself paints a picture of snow falling in London. You are cold and wandering on an eerie winter's night. But why are you hating Wilson thinking you are special? haha. Don't Hate Me is from Porcupine Tree's Stupid Dream of 1999. The song has a great music solo - all band mates jam their instruments without singing. The happy bassist Colin Edwin always kills it. While watching this I focus on differentiating the sounds coming from each instrument.
Mother and Child Divided
A bonus track to Deadwing. A tremendous instrumental for fans of long passages of hard alternative rock.
Buying New Soul
Another bonus track from Deadwing. The song sounds cheerful. But this biographical tune may not have a cheerful message. But I love some of the lyrics anyway.
Catchy singing to loud music. I have too many So Called Friends. I love the part where he sings "What kind friend are you?", When Wesley and Wilson sings the chorus the higher pitched guitars brings a descending bridge to the song. Musician Bill Watt weighs in,
Heartattack In a Layby. The yo-yo effect (good to evil, manic to sad ) continues. "The fever pushing the day by" is an interesting lyric. The song is a story about a man dying on the side of the road, having a heartattack in a lay by. The song is SO EMOTIONAL because he is thinking about how his girlfriend would have forgiven him and made up with him. Then, ironic lyrics are sung
"I am perfectly fine I just need to lie down, we'll grow old . . . together." The way Wilson goes from normal to high pitched during these lines is special. Musician Bill Watt describes this as
Definitely goes back to the ghostly theme of the Deadwing script. But Mr. Wilson expresses anger towards the ghost. His emotions explode into the song with
Halo
This catchy tune with the steady rhythm is perfect for gawkers. You can stare at people as they bob their heads to the beat. The satirical lyrics tell us God is everywhere. The driving guitar sounds like music from an Evel Knievel documentary.6 The industrial drums perfectly fit the song.
The Sound of Muzak
Encore! Encore! Encore! This relaxed tune with strong music that critiques the music industry, gets us started. An excellent music solo and Fantastic outro - an unbelievable effort by the whole band.
Even Less This true rocker from Stupid Dream pumped me up for Division 2 tennis matches. Except now, I cringe at the stacking shelves part, since I fell into this line of work. The song is about a lost friend- one you couldn't save. The lead guitar notes stomp the landing of this epic song.
Trains
they finish with Trains, after promising a full-17-minute-blow-out-version of Free bird the next night.
A guitar string breaks and the music stops. But John Wesley gets the audience clapping and listening to the ear-melting-song. and back into it as they continue the song in its majestic audio glory. The loud finish gets my lazy cat up, as we both enjoy the music. He purrs, I roars.
Deadwing comes in different editions that feature some cool bonus tracks. The band recorded 15 songs during the Deadwing sessions. You probably have the 9 track album. Tracks 10 through 15 include the re-recorded She's Moved On, Revenant, Mother and Child Divided, Half-light, So-called Friend (Lazarus single), and Christenings. The latter was released as part of Blackfield's 2007 album Blackfield II.2 And while there isn't much I could find for interviews for Deadwing; I will reserve the right for addendums to this article feauturing special interviews on Deadwing. However, I can confidently say they were proud of their creations. And these bonus tracks were not solely penned by Wilson. Revenant was written by keyboardist Richard Barberi. Mother and Child Divided was a combined effort from Steve Wilson and drummer Gavin Harrison - the rest- a band effort.2
Porcupine Tree half-light is so mellow. But gets intense with a desirable sound I have craved my whole life. The thing I love about PT music is the gentle guitar sounds over their music's main beat.
Deadwing as a whole, is much heavier sounding than this; It is more about the long guitar passages. The music of Deadwing can bring dopamine to the brain in a similar way cocaine might. Probably not as strong, but listening to Deadwing is a healthier substitute that keeps you out of jail. And this intense good feeling can help you get over any failed passionate romance.
Deadwing Music Videos
internet radio alternative, or alternative internet radio stations they don't play the great tracks from Deadwing often enough, if at all.
You may have had similar experiences with the album, or maybe completely different. It doesn't matter, any uninterrupted experience of this album is good. If you are trying to get over a loss of a loved one, relationship, commitment, after you have done everything psychologically recommended by shrinks, pastors, so-called experts, listen to Deadwing and feel its power. In part 2, I have covered the bonus tracks from this era; as well as the DVD: Arriving Somewhere But Not Here; I have tried to focus on in depth interviews with Steve Wilson and other Porcupine Tree members and associates, producers etc. regarding Deadwing. I also focused on Lasse Hoile's music videos for Deadwing: Lazurus, The Start of Something Beautiful, and Glass Arm Shattering. And what happened in the script of the unmade, Deadwing movie. Thanks for reading!
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7455UX9LYQ
5. Source to be found
6. Bruce Nash Produced TLC documentary 1999
Porcupine Tree memorabilia
Not much is known about Deadwing since Wilson concealed information, thinking the album would serve as a companion for the feature film.1 But, I finally found the Deadwing Script that then entire Deadwing album is based on. The screenplay of Mike Bennion and Steve Wilson is essentially a ghost story. So many of the fore-coming characters may be ghosts. Figuring out which ones is the challenge. This is only the first fifteen pages of the film but it makes many references to the album; such as a reference to the line in Mellotron Scratch 'A tiny flame inside my hand', the man mentioned in Lazarus 'My David don't you worry', and to the artwork in the album's cover insert (more specifically the page with the lyrics to "Halo" scrawled in it2
Getting the album might be better than simply downloading since you can see the artwork that is the image for the songs.
Summary / slight analyzation of Deadwing script
The main character David is working on the sound of a film. But you don't realize this. You are brought into the scene with a mother singing a lullaby to a small boy about 3 years old. She tries to give him a pill but he doesn't take it; instead he (Lazarus) escapes into the woods on a moon-light night and falls in the mud. A vagrant lights a match but the sound isn't right, three separate sounds before David (who is in the office studio) gets it right. But then the little boy appears in his fictional film. He rewinds and the boy is gone from the shot. He heads home after a little fire in his office building, no one is there. He heads onto the train, everyone is yawning and weird. He sees that his reflection is not human. After a while, the vagrant alone remains. Is it the same one as in the video? David heads home through a park. It rains and he notices drawings. The small boy must have made drawings in this park because there is a pendant like the one the young woman putting him to bed possesed. But how could this fictional video become reality? David gets back to his small house. Located among noisy neighbors. He has discs stored and filed. He has an image he is working out of a jigsaw puzzle. He hears a clanking sound in his pipes. He falls asleep we hear his heart beat. Again, this was all part of the video he is working on. His boss is now on his coattails, not liking the clanking sound in the video. How can he be in his own video? The boss instructs him on a complex video project. He goes back home, seeing an anti-child abuse poster with a small boy saying, "I can't sleep. When I sleep that's when the monster comes." on the subway wall. so this could all be a demonic possession which would explain the shadows or ghosts (the little boy) and David having no memory when or where he was. A young lady, Elizabeth meets David at the train station. Could this be the young woman from the beginning? But now they are still and both hear irregular footsteps-someone limping in the dark. As they wait Elizabeth fears the footsteps more and more. As the train pulls away David sees a man's shadow in the distance at the station. This women Elisabeth, who is unknown to David, states that she is safe from the shadowy figure as long as she is with David.3
Steve Wilson gives every record the same effort. He states that writing is a painful process for him.4 Steve Wilson likes to work in a self consumed vacuum (Fear of a Blank Planet) In the second interview (Fear of a Blank Planet 2) Steve Wilson mentions some interesting things: Being a producer, performer, and writer the strong only has the power and emotion on the first take. Hearing it thousands of times takes away from that. Also his 4 favorite albums he worked on are: 1. Ghosts on Magnetic Tape with Bass Communion, 2. In Absentia and 3. Fear of a Blank Planet with Porcupine Tree and Blackwater Park with Opeth. He talks about being depressed with the release of a record (Fear of a Blank Planet) He also hates being compared to other bands. And hates that critics and journalists have "their fucking opinions".
Another thing astounding about Steve Wilson or Porcupine Tree is his commitment to excellent quality music. He has finally become famous with porcupine tree by 2005 when Deadwing comes out but he is not afraid about exploring different musical paths. And possibly alienating older fans for his pursuit of spiritually transcendent music. And for the recent fans he is not afraid of going away from the heavier stuff to return in the direction of the older Porcupine tree stuff that is more exploratory.5
Arriving Somewhere But Not Here DVD
Revenant is simply the intro to The Arriving Somewhere But Not Here DVD - delving into the ghostly theme of Deadwing.
Open Car
Steven Wilson does charades to the rocking lyrics and music of open car. This song's blistering tempo gives a sense of getting over a shattered relationship. You don't need him or her, you are a free man or woman.
Blackest Eyes
Blackest Eyes is the first track of In Absentia - one of Steve Wilson's favorite albums he created. And it is my favorite album opener. One of Wilson's favorite albums because of the in depth theme of serial killers and going insane. The heaviness of the guitar matches the heavy subject matter of the song - a guy takes a woman into the woods to kill her. Wilson uses hand motions to symbolize crying. The song describes the conflict of the killer and normal life. He kills and then lives mundanely, hiding his crimes in his sheds, where he relives them. "Something taking over me" refers to demons taking over the killer. "wiring loose in my head" as wilson points to his head. A strong guitar riff excites you.
Lazarus
We move from evil spirits in Blackest eyes to the angelic or benign spirits in Lazarus. David and Lazarus aren't referencing the biblical characters, instead they are found in the deadwing movie script. The beautiful chorus and guitar solos occur in a song when a band has the same guy, in this case Steven Wilson, be both lead guitarist and lead singer. None of the fights that have plagued so many great bands.
The chorus is audio gorgeousness:
Follow me downto the valley below
moonlight is bleeding
from out of your soul
Hatesong
The yo-yo between good and evil continues - back to evil. The loud bassy rhythmic riff of Hatesong sucks you into the poetry of the song. You quickly notice a pattern in the song, both lyrically and musically. The rhyme scheme is predictable you know "head" is coming. But who cares, you have the manic energy of
Yes, I'm hearing voices too, and I'm more cut up than you. Yeah!
The alternative rock guitars drive you into space. Then you notice Gavin Harrison's delicate, yet rhythmic technical drumming. At the end, Harrison does he his hard core loud drumming. Hardcore fans love this jam, but songs like this and
Don't Hate Me are more enjoyable for the musicians than the audience. The rhythm they get into is musical ecstasy. So you can enjoy it but experimenting with different musical instruments and trying to start such an epic jam. The song itself paints a picture of snow falling in London. You are cold and wandering on an eerie winter's night. But why are you hating Wilson thinking you are special? haha. Don't Hate Me is from Porcupine Tree's Stupid Dream of 1999. The song has a great music solo - all band mates jam their instruments without singing. The happy bassist Colin Edwin always kills it. While watching this I focus on differentiating the sounds coming from each instrument.
Mother and Child Divided
A bonus track to Deadwing. A tremendous instrumental for fans of long passages of hard alternative rock.
Buying New Soul
Another bonus track from Deadwing. The song sounds cheerful. But this biographical tune may not have a cheerful message. But I love some of the lyrics anyway.
Buying new soul at the start of every yearSo Called Friend
Catchy singing to loud music. I have too many So Called Friends. I love the part where he sings "What kind friend are you?", When Wesley and Wilson sings the chorus the higher pitched guitars brings a descending bridge to the song. Musician Bill Watt weighs in,
"That's the bridge and I can't really explain. It's like a background echo. I really like that part. That's really progressive rock there."Arriving Somewhere But Not Here
- The feature presentation of this article begins with a slow intro to its own atmosphere with a weird backdrop. Then, the high note quitar lick and the plucking of the strings by John Wesley. The lyrics take us to a dark night as Wilson sings about not trusting much. Wilson points to you as he sings "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" The music kicks in. The black and white cinematography of the projection screen shows someone travelling full speed down a freeway. You are full of adrenaline as you listen to the loud, pulsating, vibrating music.The crowd cheers but then hush as they realize the song is maybe 2/3rds through. Wesley makes the playing look simple, and you wish to try. The quality music solo concludes with an exuberant thank you from Wilson. Right into a tragically sad
Heartattack In a Layby. The yo-yo effect (good to evil, manic to sad ) continues. "The fever pushing the day by" is an interesting lyric. The song is a story about a man dying on the side of the road, having a heartattack in a lay by. The song is SO EMOTIONAL because he is thinking about how his girlfriend would have forgiven him and made up with him. Then, ironic lyrics are sung
"I am perfectly fine I just need to lie down, we'll grow old . . . together." The way Wilson goes from normal to high pitched during these lines is special. Musician Bill Watt describes this as
The Start of Something Beautiful"Polyphony. He is singing two different things at the same time. I like to think of that as wrap around polyphony. Like in microsoft word you can do wrap around text. The guitar in this song is amazing. Almost classical guitar sounding. It's Clementesque but avoids Padulaisms"
Definitely goes back to the ghostly theme of the Deadwing script. But Mr. Wilson expresses anger towards the ghost. His emotions explode into the song with
The more I show the way I feel the less I find you give a damn . . .Later, Wilson tells the ghost "father never wanted you". So, a person getting over a breakup could relate to this mad emotion. John Wesley plays a fast guitar solo. The musical melody echoes the chorus - trapping you inside the song.
Halo
This catchy tune with the steady rhythm is perfect for gawkers. You can stare at people as they bob their heads to the beat. The satirical lyrics tell us God is everywhere. The driving guitar sounds like music from an Evel Knievel documentary.6 The industrial drums perfectly fit the song.
The Sound of Muzak
Encore! Encore! Encore! This relaxed tune with strong music that critiques the music industry, gets us started. An excellent music solo and Fantastic outro - an unbelievable effort by the whole band.
Even Less This true rocker from Stupid Dream pumped me up for Division 2 tennis matches. Except now, I cringe at the stacking shelves part, since I fell into this line of work. The song is about a lost friend- one you couldn't save. The lead guitar notes stomp the landing of this epic song.
Trains
they finish with Trains, after promising a full-17-minute-blow-out-version of Free bird the next night.
A guitar string breaks and the music stops. But John Wesley gets the audience clapping and listening to the ear-melting-song. and back into it as they continue the song in its majestic audio glory. The loud finish gets my lazy cat up, as we both enjoy the music. He purrs, I roars.
Deadwing comes in different editions that feature some cool bonus tracks. The band recorded 15 songs during the Deadwing sessions. You probably have the 9 track album. Tracks 10 through 15 include the re-recorded She's Moved On, Revenant, Mother and Child Divided, Half-light, So-called Friend (Lazarus single), and Christenings. The latter was released as part of Blackfield's 2007 album Blackfield II.2 And while there isn't much I could find for interviews for Deadwing; I will reserve the right for addendums to this article feauturing special interviews on Deadwing. However, I can confidently say they were proud of their creations. And these bonus tracks were not solely penned by Wilson. Revenant was written by keyboardist Richard Barberi. Mother and Child Divided was a combined effort from Steve Wilson and drummer Gavin Harrison - the rest- a band effort.2
Porcupine Tree half-light is so mellow. But gets intense with a desirable sound I have craved my whole life. The thing I love about PT music is the gentle guitar sounds over their music's main beat.
Deadwing as a whole, is much heavier sounding than this; It is more about the long guitar passages. The music of Deadwing can bring dopamine to the brain in a similar way cocaine might. Probably not as strong, but listening to Deadwing is a healthier substitute that keeps you out of jail. And this intense good feeling can help you get over any failed passionate romance.
Deadwing Music Videos
Lazarus
The video is about a little boy from the Deadwing script.
The great imagery follows the story of a little boy who walks in a park at midnight. Hawaiian-like- guitars. 50s video footage of a place is rural and peaceful. It's summertime, kids are playing in the pool and a family gathering or party is happening in the backyard. The drums at 3:23 re-jolts the song. While introducing the song Lazarus during the Shepherds Bush Empire concert in December 2005, Steven Wilson explained that this song was about a mother communicating with her young son - 'from the grave'.2
Start of Something Beautiful
Glass Arm Shattering
Whether it's an alternative rock station, alternative internet rock station, alternative internet radio,The video is about a little boy from the Deadwing script.
Start of Something Beautiful
Artistic and then some; the video features clay models, growing vines, and worms. The male clay model pretends to play the violin with the female clay models' feelers. The growing plants are the start of something beautiful. They are in some factory trying to fix a wounded winged animal. Funny that this is what Steven Wilson and Lasse Hoile envisioned for this song. However, the spiraling imagery perfectly fits the solo.
Glass Arm Shattering
Slow and melodic, the low energy of the video is fine. A naked female sinks to an underwater abyss. Lightning flashes and fish swim over her slim body. This short haired woman is in a blissful coma. A naked man finds her, and so starts the underwater affair. Swim to the surface you idiots!
In addition to the music videos above, Deadwing had two singles: Shallow and Lazarus. Those singles and the album itself can be purchased through Rhapsody.
Listen to all your favorite Alternative & Punk songs for free.
internet radio alternative, or alternative internet radio stations they don't play the great tracks from Deadwing often enough, if at all.
You may have had similar experiences with the album, or maybe completely different. It doesn't matter, any uninterrupted experience of this album is good. If you are trying to get over a loss of a loved one, relationship, commitment, after you have done everything psychologically recommended by shrinks, pastors, so-called experts, listen to Deadwing and feel its power. In part 2, I have covered the bonus tracks from this era; as well as the DVD: Arriving Somewhere But Not Here; I have tried to focus on in depth interviews with Steve Wilson and other Porcupine Tree members and associates, producers etc. regarding Deadwing. I also focused on Lasse Hoile's music videos for Deadwing: Lazurus, The Start of Something Beautiful, and Glass Arm Shattering. And what happened in the script of the unmade, Deadwing movie. Thanks for reading!
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7455UX9LYQ
5. Source to be found
6. Bruce Nash Produced TLC documentary 1999
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Steve Wilson Series part 1, Porcupine Tree: Deadwing part 1
Google
Steve Wilson, the musician has some mind bending tunes. This article will profile select albums of Steve Wilson. Starting with Porcupine Tree Deadwing. For this first part, I will explain how the music in Deadwing helps you close a relationship, or commitment in your life. I also share what I experience and envision while enjoying the Porcupine Tree album Deadwing. In the second part, I will get more of the Porcupine Tree band artist's opinions for each song. I will also communicate the mystical experience that is the Arriving Somewhere But Not Here DVD. I will also dispense the emotions of the bonus tracks from the deadwing era. And go over Steve Wilson's plans for the Deadwing movie. I am presuming you are familiar with Porcupine Tree. If not, once you to any of his albums from beginning to end, in one sitting, you will become a real fan, and understand the Porcupine Tree hysteria.
Steve Wilson and the band's process is really cool
Making of Deadwing
Audio CD (exploratory stories outside of songs)
Deadwing
As you listen to this in a dark room on an uncomfortably hot September night, you think about being honored at school, work or your public life. You also feel the darkness - thinking of scary ghost investigations where Zak, Nick, and Aaron travel deep into the basement of Missouri Penitentiary. They hear growls, voices, and footsteps. Yet you feel energy, calmness, you feel swell.
Shallow
You are happy as you are hear the heavy-guitar-sound you always wanted to hear. You feel daring and brave. The donut melts in your mouth, and the chocolate milk helps you slip down your pills, as you walk around the campus or office, like a king. Although, you may be annoying people as the sound blasts through your giant headphones. But you feel too powerful with the heavy guitar riffs and sound. The industrial sound matches the lyrics alluding to being alone in an industrial city.
Lazarus
Porcupine Tree Lazarus The music video and lyrics provide imagery of moonlight, valleys. Night time brings a washed out moon , through the fog. I think of playing competitive tennis. You may think of going after what you want most. I love the country-esque guitar chords and notes. David learns a lesson. He is strengthened. Who is David? Who is Lazarus? Are these the biblical characters David and Lazarus. I will explain in the next article. But enjoy the train sound that ends many of the songs on Deadwing, including the title track, Deadwing.
Halo
This song is dance-able yet sleep-inducing. I envision a forest. Later the heavy guitar reminds me of an Evel Knievel documentary where Robert Craig Knievel is always over-the-top with his antitcs and excessive stunts. I live for this insanity - the driving guitars and ooh sounds in the forest the music mimics compel me further into madness. And I hope you are also delirious.
Arriving Somewhere But Not Here
The guitar rings with a grungy, and emotional sound that gives a cool, dark, and sad feeling. The feeling of rising above life, ascending into energy and excitement. The uplifting solo brings an alternative triumph to the mainstream way of setting goals and achieving them, and having perfect relationships. You are happy something is over; that relationship, club, sport, or other commitment. But you will be Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. So, keep planning (although the plans are compromised) and start over. Driving guitars energize you; you feel powerful and even briefly intimidating. The heavy metal riff lacks rhythm but the song brings you back to amazement. And the beautiful guitars mellow you as you walk through the wilderness at night. Pretend you can conjure up wildlife. Raise your hands in power. Or for you free wheeling junkies with the pedal to the medal you will find yourself unconsciously speeding on the interstate. Just avoid the motels with fleas on the bed that would ruin your little road trip. Great outro to Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.
Mellotron Scratch
Again, the song is dance-able, but slowed down from Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. Thus, relax you old chap, and compromise your plans. A relaxing and enjoyable chorus. You can picture snow boarders and skateboarders spinning and flipping in slow motion on a half pipe. You are happy to hear energizing rhythm found in the ringing guitars. Another fun outro but unlike Arriving Somewhere But Not Here, Mellotron Scratch focuses on Steve Wilson's dual vocals.
Open Car
A very different song - fast paced, heavy guitars with short vocal notes. I picture a women
riding with me in a convertible. Or a woman with hair blowing in the wind, locked out of a car in a mall parking lot. The song's lyrics ask you questions: You want the relationship to work but . . . will it? Can you stand her? Can she stand you? A dark-themed musical piece.
Start of Something Beautiful
A change of pace from the loudness of Open Car. Start of Something Beautiful is a haunting song. And the lyrics imply this:
You are rising above a relationship where she doesn't care, neither do you, as you do your own thing. You are experiencing inner conflict but are enjoying the solos on this album as the music is new to you. Damn, it's exciting - throw something. The music day-dreams you into past experiences with friends. And into what is exciting to you. The power in the guitars are and help you to leave that relationship with your dignity in tact. You are angry but will move on. I guess, it wasn't the start of something beautiful.
Glass Arm Shattering
Into a trance. You view a bright autumn day in New England. You walk among happy Octoberans. They have an ipod boom box playing tunes. This music video of Glass Arm Shattering- is Steve Wilson's vision of the song. I enjoy the distinctive guitar sound. Does anybody know what the chords are that leave you zoning out?
and on Special editions:
Redone She's Moved on from Lighbulb Sun
Like many British bands Porcupine Tree does an amazing thing during this phase of theri career, they instantaneously record extra track. They re-recorded She's Moved On from Lightbulb Sun. This gives the song a heavier guitar sound, yet mellower feel. Porcupine Tree She's Moved On.
On youtube, the top commenter Wissam El Bahry says it all,
My take on the redone She's Moved On is sadness and happiness at the same time. Calming. I imagine I am last in the race. Your girl has found someone else but you have also moved on. Then an Explosion of emotion; you are fully into what you are doing; Screw everything in the past! You are good, in the here and now.
You may have had similar experiences with the album, or maybe completely different. It doesn't matter, any uninterrupted experience of this album is good by the members of Porcupine Tree and good by you. If you are trying to get over a loss of a loved one, relationship, commitment, after you have done everything psychologically recommended by shrinks, pastors, so-called experts, listen to Deadwing and feel its power. In part 2, look forward to me covering the bonus tracks in this era; as well as the DVD: Arriving Somewhere But Not Here; and focusing in depth on interviews featuring the words and opinions of Steve Wilson and the Porcupine Tree members, producers etc. I will also focus on Lasse Hoile's music videos for Deadwing: Lazurus, The Start of Something Beautiful, and Glass Arm Shattering. And what happened to the Deadwing movie. See you there.
Steve Wilson and the band's process is really cool
Making of Deadwing
Audio CD (exploratory stories outside of songs)
Deadwing
As you listen to this in a dark room on an uncomfortably hot September night, you think about being honored at school, work or your public life. You also feel the darkness - thinking of scary ghost investigations where Zak, Nick, and Aaron travel deep into the basement of Missouri Penitentiary. They hear growls, voices, and footsteps. Yet you feel energy, calmness, you feel swell.
 |
| Porcupine Tree Lazarus kid |
Shallow
You are happy as you are hear the heavy-guitar-sound you always wanted to hear. You feel daring and brave. The donut melts in your mouth, and the chocolate milk helps you slip down your pills, as you walk around the campus or office, like a king. Although, you may be annoying people as the sound blasts through your giant headphones. But you feel too powerful with the heavy guitar riffs and sound. The industrial sound matches the lyrics alluding to being alone in an industrial city.
Lazarus
Porcupine Tree Lazarus The music video and lyrics provide imagery of moonlight, valleys. Night time brings a washed out moon , through the fog. I think of playing competitive tennis. You may think of going after what you want most. I love the country-esque guitar chords and notes. David learns a lesson. He is strengthened. Who is David? Who is Lazarus? Are these the biblical characters David and Lazarus. I will explain in the next article. But enjoy the train sound that ends many of the songs on Deadwing, including the title track, Deadwing.
Halo
This song is dance-able yet sleep-inducing. I envision a forest. Later the heavy guitar reminds me of an Evel Knievel documentary where Robert Craig Knievel is always over-the-top with his antitcs and excessive stunts. I live for this insanity - the driving guitars and ooh sounds in the forest the music mimics compel me further into madness. And I hope you are also delirious.
Arriving Somewhere But Not Here
The guitar rings with a grungy, and emotional sound that gives a cool, dark, and sad feeling. The feeling of rising above life, ascending into energy and excitement. The uplifting solo brings an alternative triumph to the mainstream way of setting goals and achieving them, and having perfect relationships. You are happy something is over; that relationship, club, sport, or other commitment. But you will be Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. So, keep planning (although the plans are compromised) and start over. Driving guitars energize you; you feel powerful and even briefly intimidating. The heavy metal riff lacks rhythm but the song brings you back to amazement. And the beautiful guitars mellow you as you walk through the wilderness at night. Pretend you can conjure up wildlife. Raise your hands in power. Or for you free wheeling junkies with the pedal to the medal you will find yourself unconsciously speeding on the interstate. Just avoid the motels with fleas on the bed that would ruin your little road trip. Great outro to Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.
Mellotron Scratch
Again, the song is dance-able, but slowed down from Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. Thus, relax you old chap, and compromise your plans. A relaxing and enjoyable chorus. You can picture snow boarders and skateboarders spinning and flipping in slow motion on a half pipe. You are happy to hear energizing rhythm found in the ringing guitars. Another fun outro but unlike Arriving Somewhere But Not Here, Mellotron Scratch focuses on Steve Wilson's dual vocals.
Open Car
A very different song - fast paced, heavy guitars with short vocal notes. I picture a women
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| Porcupine Tree Deadwing Album Art |
Start of Something Beautiful
A change of pace from the loudness of Open Car. Start of Something Beautiful is a haunting song. And the lyrics imply this:
I got your voice on tape, I got your spirit in a photographRecently, I walked briskly in Myles Standish State Forest in Massachusetts and heard native american tribal drumming. Also in Plymouth, MA I felt as if I saw an Native American chief in the corner of my eye. When you see your lover only in the corner of your vision, you have a failing relationship, which, the song also addresses.
You are rising above a relationship where she doesn't care, neither do you, as you do your own thing. You are experiencing inner conflict but are enjoying the solos on this album as the music is new to you. Damn, it's exciting - throw something. The music day-dreams you into past experiences with friends. And into what is exciting to you. The power in the guitars are and help you to leave that relationship with your dignity in tact. You are angry but will move on. I guess, it wasn't the start of something beautiful.
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| Porcupine Tree Deadwing |
Glass Arm Shattering
Into a trance. You view a bright autumn day in New England. You walk among happy Octoberans. They have an ipod boom box playing tunes. This music video of Glass Arm Shattering- is Steve Wilson's vision of the song. I enjoy the distinctive guitar sound. Does anybody know what the chords are that leave you zoning out?
and on Special editions:
Redone She's Moved on from Lighbulb Sun
Like many British bands Porcupine Tree does an amazing thing during this phase of theri career, they instantaneously record extra track. They re-recorded She's Moved On from Lightbulb Sun. This gives the song a heavier guitar sound, yet mellower feel. Porcupine Tree She's Moved On.
On youtube, the top commenter Wissam El Bahry says it all,
"this track is divine! make sure u listen to it on a decent copy and sound system!"and the second top comment by username male drops is also more relevant than most top comments:
"amazing solo"
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| Porcupine Tree Deadwing |
You may have had similar experiences with the album, or maybe completely different. It doesn't matter, any uninterrupted experience of this album is good by the members of Porcupine Tree and good by you. If you are trying to get over a loss of a loved one, relationship, commitment, after you have done everything psychologically recommended by shrinks, pastors, so-called experts, listen to Deadwing and feel its power. In part 2, look forward to me covering the bonus tracks in this era; as well as the DVD: Arriving Somewhere But Not Here; and focusing in depth on interviews featuring the words and opinions of Steve Wilson and the Porcupine Tree members, producers etc. I will also focus on Lasse Hoile's music videos for Deadwing: Lazurus, The Start of Something Beautiful, and Glass Arm Shattering. And what happened to the Deadwing movie. See you there.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Alternative Rock Tool: Lateralus
Listen to Tool's third album, Lateralus, and have an other worldly experience.
Tool is:
The sounds of Lateralus allude to many themes like the Fibonacci sequence, a natural mathematical pattern, the occult, and eternity. Although to me I sense they are presented here as opposites. Any occult stuff refers to activities in our present earthly life. And the eternity simulated through allusions to spirals and circles refers to an endless life in heaven.2 The vocalist Maynard lyrically influences the idea of eternity symbolized by spirals. The drummer Danny Carey also influences themes and sounds of the album. He works on poly-rhythmic drumming to sound like 5 african drummers in a voodoo ceremony. And he's not against using samples from African drums in his Simmons pads.2 The music is what counts and it comes more alive the more familiar you get with each song; the more you can decipher the code and learn the lyrics. I also explain critical reviews that give great insight on the many details of each Tool song. The music contains something dark. The whole album is one musical piece. The way Tool collaboratively writes their music while allowing Maynard to give the influence of eternity and Carey the influence of Occult creates music that leads to an otherworldly experience.
1. The Grudge (8:36)
The Grudge is driven by percussion and Maynard's voice; and is a slow burning song about a slow burning hatred or grudge for someone. The song features many different sounds and rhythms: The beginning sounds like a washing machine turning on. Maynard's 30 second scream about 7 minutes in, is impressive.1 The song is in 5th meter/4 .2 This song also features: a good guitar riff, demonic voice, heavy sound, wistful- atmosphere, emotional bridge. The neat lyrics celebrate sin and holding a grudge. I definitely enjoy the guitar effects- with wah wah pedals around 6 minutes. Drummer Danny Carey brings a feeling of tribal warfare to this song. This originates from his documented interests in the occult; skeletons hang in his studio, as well as ominous spider webs and lights that are never switched on. The modern drummer2 solos in the grudge and also in schism are about all hell breaking loose.2
2. Eon Blue Apocalypse (1:04)
A very short song with introspective guitars. It is very eastern and mystical. A. Eon Blue Apocalypse is based on Adam Jones' great dane Eon who died of bone cancer. And we are already into . . .
3. The Patient (7:14)
The music is trance inducing til the end. Indeed, The Patient is a heavy metal grind from drummer Danny Carey2 The progressive rock song has a catchy guitar beat, and rattle snakes- rattling, hissing. Around
2:20 the music gets loud and guitars lash in. Maynard's voice blends into the background of wailing (but not screeching) guitars. The lyrics again focus on a grudge, someone desperately keeping a relationship alive.
4. Mantra (1:12)
Scary music that explores a decrepit place. B. Mantra's unique sound originates from Maynard gently squeezing his cat - slowed down immensely. Mantra serves as a transition into Schism.
5. Schism (6:47)
Tool Schism3, a mainstream radio hit, begins with a catchy bass-line, grabbing you in, and never letting you forget. The song is mainstream because of the poppy, rhythmic guitars with catchy singing / yelling.The lyrics concentrate on a rift / schism between you and another. Similarly, when Maynard sings, "I know the pieces fit because I watched them fall away." He is referring to a growing relational gap between two people.
I love the long stretches of guitar because you get more music for your money. The faded vocals add a dimension to the song that is great to listen to while on drugs; stimulants, drugs for attention deficit, pot etc. The craziness of this song lasts and the music empowers a long undertaking. The music matches your anger and informality.The drum and band bring increasingly intense, celebratory music.2
6. Parabol (3:04)
The song sounds like a Gregorian hymn. A hymn of desperation with quiet, little music. The guitars scratch. Maynard's sings softly. Right INTO . . .
7. Parabola (6:03)
The Roland vocoder is used because Danny intends for the audience to have a ritualistic experience through tribal drumming. C. Drummer Danny Carey samples himself breathing through a tube to simulate Buddhist Monks chanting to achieve Parabola's interesting sound.2
The previous song serves as an intro, now the true song starts. Full music, full vocals, the way Maynard extends the note for "holy", this is the sound of Tool we waited for. A very heavy song. Heck, Parabola is a full explosion with searingly loud guitars and an energetic large band atmosphere. Later in this song Maynard's vocals become more tense and powerful.1
We have waited through this album for this rock / heavy metal sound with wistful, resonating guitar. I crave the watery guitar riff at 1:36. This gives you energy, as the music flows around 3:30 with louder grooves that get you drumming with whatever is in your hand. Adam Jones guitar part melts your ears.
8. Ticks and Leeches (8:10)
The loudest song on the album; contains the harshest vocals-Maynard needed three weeks to fully recover his voice after recording Ticks and Leeches. Tool has performed Ticks and Leeches live only once. Danny showcases his talent in this percussion driven song. The other instrumentalists also produce searing work. But Maynard's performance is angry with bitter lyrics and a bitter vocal style.1
My notes on Ticks and Leeches are before the dash on each line:
D. Danny Carey's performance on drums on Ticks and Leeches was ranked #3 on Nutsie.com for top 100 rock drum performances.2 The hyper speed rhythms and double bass eruptions back up this high ranking. The steady and fast complicated rhythms utilizes percussion symbols, deep sounds, like banging intensely on wood. Danny lives and breathes with the occult; his studio contains occult objects: an Enochian magic board, talking drums, a zebra-skin recliner, ancient masonry fragments, a gargoyle decorated ceiling, dinosaur mobiles and skulls, Two hundred year old masonic swords, geometric designs, a mace, a virtual occult library, a bronze bust from sculptor Szukalski, framed photos of Carl Palmer, an Aphex Twin poster, and a weird looking Jacob's ladder.2 Through these items he brings an incredible vibe to Ticks and Leeches with his 1977 octaplus stainless steel ludwig set. Finally, Ticks and Leeches deserves praise because it is written in an unusual meter 10/4. The opening drumming patter features double bass that originated from Tool's Opiate album era is one of the most powerful tunes Danny has done.
9. Lateralus (9:24)
Lateralus Music video4 has so many memorable moments. Lateralus commences with a memorable guitar riff. Then an unequaled loudness. The lyric, "Feed my will to feel this moment." is monumental.1The chorus- overthinking - overanalyzing is also memorable. As is the classic solo at 4:15. Spiral out of control. "Spiral out, keep going" signifies eternity. You will remember this for eternity. 7 minutes in, the constantly changing nature of the music leaves you in the dust, unless you come along. With the robotic vocals that become more intense as the music becomes more intense.The guitar riffs at the very end resemble a weird ambulance sound or hospital emergency alarm to me. Carey's interest in sacred geomerty continues by the meter of the song following the fibonacci sequence, 9/8, 8/8, 7/8, dividing the song into three parts. I feel they went with this sound not caring that it was unconventional but didn't go out of their way to create a song in this meter.
E. Disposition, Reflection and Triad form a continuation. Tool created music in this way because they are creative and open to ideas in jams. These tracks were originally recorded as one 20 minute track, but were split to suit the attention span of most people. Certainly me!
10. Disposition (4:46)
Disposition's music doesn't sound like a guitar. Disposition is a contrast of clear/ bright to a murky/ dark sound. You can't hear the strumming of the guitar but hear whispering, followed by silenced - impending doom and emptiness. The weather changes; you think of LSD - I mean Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
Disposition is a slow track, with simple, repetitive lyrics and repetitive, beautiful background music. The song is perfect for relaxing- unfocusing.1
11. Reflection (11:07)
Reflection is a groove oriented, trance -like and different than other songs. A long wait for vocals - all the better to appreciate the band's musical skills. The vocal style is slightly tense with higher pitch from Maynard. 1 The song gets heavier, and could be used for a gameshow or videogame. The Bewww of the guitar could fit as you explore adventures in Doom the video game, or stealing cars in Grand Theft Auto. It's psychedelic, trippy, and trancey. The trippiness is Brazillian Music- like this skateboard blue torch video with Paulo Diaz.5 Reflection has Instrumental passages with a different guitar vibe. The vocals return with weird movement. 7:38 is a progressive solo i hoped to hear on this album, if you categorize Tool as a Progessive rock band. Go outside at night, get high, or get the adrenaline going and listen to this song and experience the other-worldliness. A good long tune with breaks of intensity but a continuity to it.
F. Carey skillfully and mysteriously bangs piano strings as samples for Reflection. This movie-special-effect- like sound has a watery driving tone. Musician Bill Watt describes the effect, "It's unlike any other instrument, really. It is quite a unique experience. The way the piano is made and the whole pressing motion and the fact that its not actually electronic, its as if you are making the sound and not the piano".
12. Triad (8:46)
Turn it up! Listen to the haunting, screaming waves of sound. Wholesome musicianship. You want more of this quality music. These creative musicians use Jungle drums, and arena rock guitars. The bridge of the song signals troubles arriving - like a tribe invading a village (Jungle). So rock out! You start to think, "who cares, leave your life behind; have a strong abandoning of your life, values, and morals." Because the song amps you up: you scream, "who cares", you are possessed! The funky guitar could be featured in one of the play station cool boarders video games. The variation of tone. The music returning at 5:30. The fun, the awesomeness. Track 12 is trance inducing to say the least. -- musician Sean Lozier. Triad is an instrumental, that impresses upon you the musicianship of Tool.1
13. Faaip De Oiad
These are the thoughts of Sputnik music.com reviewer: "Secret" track (but listed on case back cover) - A recording of a 1997 phone call made to Art Bell's morning radio show, Coast to Coast AM, from a man claiming to be on the run from his former employers in Area 51. He was spieling it seriously, which equals uneasy comedy if you like that sort of thing (I do:)). It is played over what seems to be white noise (to add to the callers mysterious effect)...the title is in Enochian, which is the language of the Angels as dictated to a man in the 16th century (called Kelley) and his assistant, in visions (I bought a book on it after getting hooked on the album). It means (I think) roughly Voice of God.1
Because it is a hidden track the song begins after a long pause. It's spooky. Music for the X-men, like Excalibur's lighthouse level. I think of the basement of a building where someone pretends to be a dentist. It's raining. The alarm is stuck on. You are in an old school gym. It's now thunder and lightning. In the transcript of the call he talks of Area 51 - ALIENS! I ask you: Do they exist? Are they real? The gasp and desperation of the caller's voice. calm down haha. But he panics, and the music stops; he was shut down or exterminated. Aliens are among us!
G. Drummer Danny Carey2 brings the occult to songs like Mantra, Parabola, Ticks and Leeches, and Faaip De Oiad. He uses off-metered beats, intricate tribal patterns, intense tom figures and double bass dexterity.
Faaip de Oiad is Enochian for The Voice of God. The repeated theme is eternity. God is eternity. The connections to spirals, circles, and Fibonacci Sequence also point to eternity.
H. Faaip de Oiad samples a a recording of a 1997 call at Art Bell's radio program Coast to Coast AM. The effects are whirling-wind-like sounds. The phone call has the weak connection. Also the fact that it is from a serious AM radio show brings informativeness, knowledge and true fright to the song. The caller feels he is haunted by aliens that are momentarily going to establish his location and annihilate him. He believed they had infiltrated the military, particularly area 51, and were going to sabotage the country from within. National Disasters were imminent. The government is aware but is allowing them to wipe out the majority of humanity, instead of moving people to alien safe zones.
Danny's thoughts are wondering whether the area 51 guy was rational, panicked, or schizophrenic.
The last track came about as Carey was messing around with reverb units late one night and they went haywire. It sounded like a transmission from outer space. It blows up and goes down the tubes. So he proceeded to make it as anxiety ridden and horrifying as possible. 2.
General Answers
Fibonacci Sequence
alternative metal6 magazine reveals that Tool Lateralus is based on the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical pattern found in nature. Tool structures the songs based on these patterns. 9/8, 8/8, 7/8 time signatures to represent 987 the 17th number in the fibonacci sequence. Keenan's lyric, "spiral out, keep going." refers to the eternal spiral shape formed in the sequence. The theme of circles is constant in Keenan's work, whether in A Perfect Circle or in Tool's Lateralus. According to Keenan, "circles are the symbol of eternity with no beginning and no end". Spirals are several circles and it becomes much more powerful. Drummer Danny Carey likes sacred geometry and has large geometric grids on his studio ceiling and on his Simmons pads (drum pads).2 The Fibonacci sequence also represents the human's desire to explore and expand for more knowledge and a deeper understanding of everything.
Biography
Interview with Keenan7 tells us that napster and free file sharing websites prevent musicians from earning money for their creations. Album sales needed to support their careers. Keenan on file sharing:
They aren't. Some may accuse Tool of being satanic, but in the words of Danny Carey,
Why the name Lateralus?
A hardcore alternative metal band like Tool names an album Lateralus after Vastus lateralis, a major human leg muscle (largest part of the quadriceps), and after lateral thinking. Admittedly, the reasons for Vastus lateralis is that it is a big muscle to say the least, and Tool's songs have weight and strength. Lateral thinking is a way of solving problems by rejecting traditional methods and employing unorthodox and illogical means.8 Tool produces music so unconventionally. They conjur lyrics and ideas so differently than a conventional thinker does. They achieve musical pleasure in a very unique way of songwriting / thinking. In fact musician Sean Lozier says,
Lateralus receives praises: Kerrang's album of the year 2001. The song Schism won 2002 Grammy award for best metal performance. Schism and the album as a whole received such accolades because of the way the band writes the songs, and because of the ultimate effect. Also the uniqueness of Schism. And I will share the thoughts of the critical reviews that explain their love for Laeralus:
The Danny Carey: Demon On Drums article on toolshed.net explains: The way they write an album as described by Carey keeps the band together. Asked if all songs are based around his drumming Carey explains, "Some of them are built around my drumming, but just as many were built around bass and guitar riffs. . . [Adam and Justin] play in weird time signatures. I go with what they are doing, and that sets the stage for the whole writing process. Writing is a very open, organic process for us. We will jam on one of these riffs for a few hours with the tape machine running, then go back and find the jewels that pop up. . ." 2
schism9 has a very unique music video and concept. To reiterate what I said before: It's about an emotional and relational rift between two people. And the long stretches of rock music in the song give you much bang for you buck.
all music10 reveals this album as a progressive metal album in the ever developing talent of Tool. The album can't be taken at face value or through one listen. The album features complex rhythm changes, haunting vocals, and never ending twists and turns. The album's last track is about a phone call about area 51 over dissonant electronic noises as a way for the listener to think for themselves, as Tool does.
metacritic11 seems to be overly critical, but a snippet of the top highest rated review sums up the progressive metal album pretty well: "It is dense, it is long, it is complicated. But it is also a triumph of artistry over blind anger." Yahoo music has the same review as metacritic, but you can read the review easier on yahoo music15. They explain that Tool combines powerful sound with layers of guitar and experimental sound.
british magazine drowned in sound12 hypes Tool. The review explains that Tool deliver a complex and unexpected sound. This album will surprise and excite you. You can discover new guitar riffs and time signatures in this album, years after your first listen to the album.
pop matters13 suggests that the reason Lateralus got accolades is because they are meditatively dark with Keenan screaming over Jone's driving guitars and Justin Chancellor's gloomy bass; while Carey pounds the drums. This is nothing new but it's an experience you wish to take when you feel leisured.
One strong vote of support is by the well known critic, David Fricke. He writes for Rolling Stone (the magazine that despicably glorified suspect #2 on its hallowed cover), whose community gave the album 5 stars while Fricke gave it 4. In his rolling stone review14 Fricke describes Lateralus as an insane emotional experience with instruments:
The fantastic review by sputnik music1 of each track on Lateralus is incorporated into my analysis of each track, in the beginning of this article.
Lateralus' Emotional Effect
Lateralus achieves its dark, complex, and stormy emotions with complex mixtures of time signatures, banging drums, howling vocals, and blaring guitar riffs; The occult inspired drumming Carey brings to the album; and through the drum solos that end each song climatically. There isn't much irony in Lateralus. The repeated words and phrases are circles and spirals that signify eternity. The album's narrative is in present tense so you are in the moment and don't know what, or if anything is coming next. Not much foreshadowing; it's a better experience in this way.
For further information, or a more complete understanding of the topics discussed please refer to these sources.
Tool is:
- Maynard James Keenan - vocals, and a bit of guitar on Disposition, I think.
- Adam Jones - guitar
- Justin Chancellor - bass
- Danny Carey -percussion.1
The sounds of Lateralus allude to many themes like the Fibonacci sequence, a natural mathematical pattern, the occult, and eternity. Although to me I sense they are presented here as opposites. Any occult stuff refers to activities in our present earthly life. And the eternity simulated through allusions to spirals and circles refers to an endless life in heaven.2 The vocalist Maynard lyrically influences the idea of eternity symbolized by spirals. The drummer Danny Carey also influences themes and sounds of the album. He works on poly-rhythmic drumming to sound like 5 african drummers in a voodoo ceremony. And he's not against using samples from African drums in his Simmons pads.2 The music is what counts and it comes more alive the more familiar you get with each song; the more you can decipher the code and learn the lyrics. I also explain critical reviews that give great insight on the many details of each Tool song. The music contains something dark. The whole album is one musical piece. The way Tool collaboratively writes their music while allowing Maynard to give the influence of eternity and Carey the influence of Occult creates music that leads to an otherworldly experience.
1. The Grudge (8:36)
The Grudge is driven by percussion and Maynard's voice; and is a slow burning song about a slow burning hatred or grudge for someone. The song features many different sounds and rhythms: The beginning sounds like a washing machine turning on. Maynard's 30 second scream about 7 minutes in, is impressive.1 The song is in 5th meter/4 .2 This song also features: a good guitar riff, demonic voice, heavy sound, wistful- atmosphere, emotional bridge. The neat lyrics celebrate sin and holding a grudge. I definitely enjoy the guitar effects- with wah wah pedals around 6 minutes. Drummer Danny Carey brings a feeling of tribal warfare to this song. This originates from his documented interests in the occult; skeletons hang in his studio, as well as ominous spider webs and lights that are never switched on. The modern drummer2 solos in the grudge and also in schism are about all hell breaking loose.2
2. Eon Blue Apocalypse (1:04)
A very short song with introspective guitars. It is very eastern and mystical. A. Eon Blue Apocalypse is based on Adam Jones' great dane Eon who died of bone cancer. And we are already into . . .
3. The Patient (7:14)
The music is trance inducing til the end. Indeed, The Patient is a heavy metal grind from drummer Danny Carey2 The progressive rock song has a catchy guitar beat, and rattle snakes- rattling, hissing. Around
2:20 the music gets loud and guitars lash in. Maynard's voice blends into the background of wailing (but not screeching) guitars. The lyrics again focus on a grudge, someone desperately keeping a relationship alive.
4. Mantra (1:12)
Scary music that explores a decrepit place. B. Mantra's unique sound originates from Maynard gently squeezing his cat - slowed down immensely. Mantra serves as a transition into Schism.
5. Schism (6:47)
Tool Schism3, a mainstream radio hit, begins with a catchy bass-line, grabbing you in, and never letting you forget. The song is mainstream because of the poppy, rhythmic guitars with catchy singing / yelling.The lyrics concentrate on a rift / schism between you and another. Similarly, when Maynard sings, "I know the pieces fit because I watched them fall away." He is referring to a growing relational gap between two people.
I love the long stretches of guitar because you get more music for your money. The faded vocals add a dimension to the song that is great to listen to while on drugs; stimulants, drugs for attention deficit, pot etc. The craziness of this song lasts and the music empowers a long undertaking. The music matches your anger and informality.The drum and band bring increasingly intense, celebratory music.2
6. Parabol (3:04)
The song sounds like a Gregorian hymn. A hymn of desperation with quiet, little music. The guitars scratch. Maynard's sings softly. Right INTO . . .
7. Parabola (6:03)
The Roland vocoder is used because Danny intends for the audience to have a ritualistic experience through tribal drumming. C. Drummer Danny Carey samples himself breathing through a tube to simulate Buddhist Monks chanting to achieve Parabola's interesting sound.2
The previous song serves as an intro, now the true song starts. Full music, full vocals, the way Maynard extends the note for "holy", this is the sound of Tool we waited for. A very heavy song. Heck, Parabola is a full explosion with searingly loud guitars and an energetic large band atmosphere. Later in this song Maynard's vocals become more tense and powerful.1
We have waited through this album for this rock / heavy metal sound with wistful, resonating guitar. I crave the watery guitar riff at 1:36. This gives you energy, as the music flows around 3:30 with louder grooves that get you drumming with whatever is in your hand. Adam Jones guitar part melts your ears.
8. Ticks and Leeches (8:10)
The loudest song on the album; contains the harshest vocals-Maynard needed three weeks to fully recover his voice after recording Ticks and Leeches. Tool has performed Ticks and Leeches live only once. Danny showcases his talent in this percussion driven song. The other instrumentalists also produce searing work. But Maynard's performance is angry with bitter lyrics and a bitter vocal style.1
My notes on Ticks and Leeches are before the dash on each line:
- drumming (bass) - in reference to the strong double bass drumming.
- guitar rocks- Adam Jones rocks the guitar.
- phlem- Something I coughed up as we drove over a speed bump.
- watery- the watery sound of the bass and guitars.
- classic rock- this is music that could be found in the classic rock genre.
- guitar riff- one that you will remember.
- disturbing lyrics- particularly "suck me dry", ticks and leeches, choking parasites etc.
- this song brings you down (in some ways) like a parasite.- The song brings some negative feelings.
- vibrating guitars- great sound, your car, cd player will vibrate.
- quiet- like the eye of the storm.
- 4 min crying guitar- the guitar notes are extended.
- faded vocals,- have an eerie effect.
- 6 minutes the music has a vengeful return-The song gets louder. screaming- more of an eerie feeling.
D. Danny Carey's performance on drums on Ticks and Leeches was ranked #3 on Nutsie.com for top 100 rock drum performances.2 The hyper speed rhythms and double bass eruptions back up this high ranking. The steady and fast complicated rhythms utilizes percussion symbols, deep sounds, like banging intensely on wood. Danny lives and breathes with the occult; his studio contains occult objects: an Enochian magic board, talking drums, a zebra-skin recliner, ancient masonry fragments, a gargoyle decorated ceiling, dinosaur mobiles and skulls, Two hundred year old masonic swords, geometric designs, a mace, a virtual occult library, a bronze bust from sculptor Szukalski, framed photos of Carl Palmer, an Aphex Twin poster, and a weird looking Jacob's ladder.2 Through these items he brings an incredible vibe to Ticks and Leeches with his 1977 octaplus stainless steel ludwig set. Finally, Ticks and Leeches deserves praise because it is written in an unusual meter 10/4. The opening drumming patter features double bass that originated from Tool's Opiate album era is one of the most powerful tunes Danny has done.
9. Lateralus (9:24)
Lateralus Music video4 has so many memorable moments. Lateralus commences with a memorable guitar riff. Then an unequaled loudness. The lyric, "Feed my will to feel this moment." is monumental.1The chorus- overthinking - overanalyzing is also memorable. As is the classic solo at 4:15. Spiral out of control. "Spiral out, keep going" signifies eternity. You will remember this for eternity. 7 minutes in, the constantly changing nature of the music leaves you in the dust, unless you come along. With the robotic vocals that become more intense as the music becomes more intense.The guitar riffs at the very end resemble a weird ambulance sound or hospital emergency alarm to me. Carey's interest in sacred geomerty continues by the meter of the song following the fibonacci sequence, 9/8, 8/8, 7/8, dividing the song into three parts. I feel they went with this sound not caring that it was unconventional but didn't go out of their way to create a song in this meter.
E. Disposition, Reflection and Triad form a continuation. Tool created music in this way because they are creative and open to ideas in jams. These tracks were originally recorded as one 20 minute track, but were split to suit the attention span of most people. Certainly me!
10. Disposition (4:46)
Disposition's music doesn't sound like a guitar. Disposition is a contrast of clear/ bright to a murky/ dark sound. You can't hear the strumming of the guitar but hear whispering, followed by silenced - impending doom and emptiness. The weather changes; you think of LSD - I mean Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
Disposition is a slow track, with simple, repetitive lyrics and repetitive, beautiful background music. The song is perfect for relaxing- unfocusing.1
11. Reflection (11:07)
Reflection is a groove oriented, trance -like and different than other songs. A long wait for vocals - all the better to appreciate the band's musical skills. The vocal style is slightly tense with higher pitch from Maynard. 1 The song gets heavier, and could be used for a gameshow or videogame. The Bewww of the guitar could fit as you explore adventures in Doom the video game, or stealing cars in Grand Theft Auto. It's psychedelic, trippy, and trancey. The trippiness is Brazillian Music- like this skateboard blue torch video with Paulo Diaz.5 Reflection has Instrumental passages with a different guitar vibe. The vocals return with weird movement. 7:38 is a progressive solo i hoped to hear on this album, if you categorize Tool as a Progessive rock band. Go outside at night, get high, or get the adrenaline going and listen to this song and experience the other-worldliness. A good long tune with breaks of intensity but a continuity to it.
F. Carey skillfully and mysteriously bangs piano strings as samples for Reflection. This movie-special-effect- like sound has a watery driving tone. Musician Bill Watt describes the effect, "It's unlike any other instrument, really. It is quite a unique experience. The way the piano is made and the whole pressing motion and the fact that its not actually electronic, its as if you are making the sound and not the piano".
12. Triad (8:46)
Turn it up! Listen to the haunting, screaming waves of sound. Wholesome musicianship. You want more of this quality music. These creative musicians use Jungle drums, and arena rock guitars. The bridge of the song signals troubles arriving - like a tribe invading a village (Jungle). So rock out! You start to think, "who cares, leave your life behind; have a strong abandoning of your life, values, and morals." Because the song amps you up: you scream, "who cares", you are possessed! The funky guitar could be featured in one of the play station cool boarders video games. The variation of tone. The music returning at 5:30. The fun, the awesomeness. Track 12 is trance inducing to say the least. -- musician Sean Lozier. Triad is an instrumental, that impresses upon you the musicianship of Tool.1
13. Faaip De Oiad
These are the thoughts of Sputnik music.com reviewer: "Secret" track (but listed on case back cover) - A recording of a 1997 phone call made to Art Bell's morning radio show, Coast to Coast AM, from a man claiming to be on the run from his former employers in Area 51. He was spieling it seriously, which equals uneasy comedy if you like that sort of thing (I do:)). It is played over what seems to be white noise (to add to the callers mysterious effect)...the title is in Enochian, which is the language of the Angels as dictated to a man in the 16th century (called Kelley) and his assistant, in visions (I bought a book on it after getting hooked on the album). It means (I think) roughly Voice of God.1
Because it is a hidden track the song begins after a long pause. It's spooky. Music for the X-men, like Excalibur's lighthouse level. I think of the basement of a building where someone pretends to be a dentist. It's raining. The alarm is stuck on. You are in an old school gym. It's now thunder and lightning. In the transcript of the call he talks of Area 51 - ALIENS! I ask you: Do they exist? Are they real? The gasp and desperation of the caller's voice. calm down haha. But he panics, and the music stops; he was shut down or exterminated. Aliens are among us!
G. Drummer Danny Carey2 brings the occult to songs like Mantra, Parabola, Ticks and Leeches, and Faaip De Oiad. He uses off-metered beats, intricate tribal patterns, intense tom figures and double bass dexterity.
Faaip de Oiad is Enochian for The Voice of God. The repeated theme is eternity. God is eternity. The connections to spirals, circles, and Fibonacci Sequence also point to eternity.
H. Faaip de Oiad samples a a recording of a 1997 call at Art Bell's radio program Coast to Coast AM. The effects are whirling-wind-like sounds. The phone call has the weak connection. Also the fact that it is from a serious AM radio show brings informativeness, knowledge and true fright to the song. The caller feels he is haunted by aliens that are momentarily going to establish his location and annihilate him. He believed they had infiltrated the military, particularly area 51, and were going to sabotage the country from within. National Disasters were imminent. The government is aware but is allowing them to wipe out the majority of humanity, instead of moving people to alien safe zones.
The last track came about as Carey was messing around with reverb units late one night and they went haywire. It sounded like a transmission from outer space. It blows up and goes down the tubes. So he proceeded to make it as anxiety ridden and horrifying as possible. 2.
General Answers
Fibonacci Sequence
alternative metal6 magazine reveals that Tool Lateralus is based on the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical pattern found in nature. Tool structures the songs based on these patterns. 9/8, 8/8, 7/8 time signatures to represent 987 the 17th number in the fibonacci sequence. Keenan's lyric, "spiral out, keep going." refers to the eternal spiral shape formed in the sequence. The theme of circles is constant in Keenan's work, whether in A Perfect Circle or in Tool's Lateralus. According to Keenan, "circles are the symbol of eternity with no beginning and no end". Spirals are several circles and it becomes much more powerful. Drummer Danny Carey likes sacred geometry and has large geometric grids on his studio ceiling and on his Simmons pads (drum pads).2 The Fibonacci sequence also represents the human's desire to explore and expand for more knowledge and a deeper understanding of everything.
Biography
Interview with Keenan7 tells us that napster and free file sharing websites prevent musicians from earning money for their creations. Album sales needed to support their careers. Keenan on file sharing:
"In a way, it does destroy the music scene, not just record companies, even more the artists, the people who write the songs and who don't get paid. I think there are a lot of other industries out there that might deserve being destroyed. The ones who get hurt the most by MP3s, are not so much companies or business, but the artists, people who are trying to write the songs."Tool Satanic?
They aren't. Some may accuse Tool of being satanic, but in the words of Danny Carey,
"There's no effort to appear a certain way. We just want to stay true to what we do. Maybe because we dig a little deeper within each other, stranger things come out that people aren't exposed to."He values sacred geometry - these are some of the shapes he draws on his Simmons pads. It's about tracing the manifestation of matter into the physical world. You know you are getting a good cd because of drummer Danny Carey's commitment to staying sharp and familiarizing himself with different techniques like poly-rhythmic exercises. Carey concentrates on freeing himself from time, there are no restraints of time on Lateralus. The complex rhythms and variations makes the straight rock grooves impactful to the listener. Carey jazz-drums, and double-basses strongly and loudly. He hones good drum phrases he discovers, so he can apply it to any tool jam. Some of the samples used on the album include a "Jacob's Ladder", a large transformer that produces an electrical crackling noise.
Why the name Lateralus?
A hardcore alternative metal band like Tool names an album Lateralus after Vastus lateralis, a major human leg muscle (largest part of the quadriceps), and after lateral thinking. Admittedly, the reasons for Vastus lateralis is that it is a big muscle to say the least, and Tool's songs have weight and strength. Lateral thinking is a way of solving problems by rejecting traditional methods and employing unorthodox and illogical means.8 Tool produces music so unconventionally. They conjur lyrics and ideas so differently than a conventional thinker does. They achieve musical pleasure in a very unique way of songwriting / thinking. In fact musician Sean Lozier says,
"what makes tool stand out is their approach to songwriting. they integrate a lot of odd meter time signatures in most of their songs to keep the listener honest. Their music doesn't revolve around one person, it's always a collective effort. The topics that Keenan Maynard chooses are meaningful and relevant. For example Schism. The basic concept of communication is a lost art and the music isn't behind the lyrics, it's beside them. (same volume) That's why they haven't broken up yet. Every member contributes."Critical Praise for Lateralus
Lateralus receives praises: Kerrang's album of the year 2001. The song Schism won 2002 Grammy award for best metal performance. Schism and the album as a whole received such accolades because of the way the band writes the songs, and because of the ultimate effect. Also the uniqueness of Schism. And I will share the thoughts of the critical reviews that explain their love for Laeralus:
The Danny Carey: Demon On Drums article on toolshed.net explains: The way they write an album as described by Carey keeps the band together. Asked if all songs are based around his drumming Carey explains, "Some of them are built around my drumming, but just as many were built around bass and guitar riffs. . . [Adam and Justin] play in weird time signatures. I go with what they are doing, and that sets the stage for the whole writing process. Writing is a very open, organic process for us. We will jam on one of these riffs for a few hours with the tape machine running, then go back and find the jewels that pop up. . ." 2
schism9 has a very unique music video and concept. To reiterate what I said before: It's about an emotional and relational rift between two people. And the long stretches of rock music in the song give you much bang for you buck.
all music10 reveals this album as a progressive metal album in the ever developing talent of Tool. The album can't be taken at face value or through one listen. The album features complex rhythm changes, haunting vocals, and never ending twists and turns. The album's last track is about a phone call about area 51 over dissonant electronic noises as a way for the listener to think for themselves, as Tool does.
metacritic11 seems to be overly critical, but a snippet of the top highest rated review sums up the progressive metal album pretty well: "It is dense, it is long, it is complicated. But it is also a triumph of artistry over blind anger." Yahoo music has the same review as metacritic, but you can read the review easier on yahoo music15. They explain that Tool combines powerful sound with layers of guitar and experimental sound.
british magazine drowned in sound12 hypes Tool. The review explains that Tool deliver a complex and unexpected sound. This album will surprise and excite you. You can discover new guitar riffs and time signatures in this album, years after your first listen to the album.
pop matters13 suggests that the reason Lateralus got accolades is because they are meditatively dark with Keenan screaming over Jone's driving guitars and Justin Chancellor's gloomy bass; while Carey pounds the drums. This is nothing new but it's an experience you wish to take when you feel leisured.
One strong vote of support is by the well known critic, David Fricke. He writes for Rolling Stone (the magazine that despicably glorified suspect #2 on its hallowed cover), whose community gave the album 5 stars while Fricke gave it 4. In his rolling stone review14 Fricke describes Lateralus as an insane emotional experience with instruments:
"Drums, bass and guitars move in jarring circles of hyperhowl and near silent death march."But I wouldn't categorize this music as making one march to their death. Instead, if you enjoy the craziness and for you words like terrific imply something good - you will feel madness bubble out of you, having listened to Lateralus. Fricke adds that the music flows seamlessly and that Ticks and Leeches makes some statement. Especially the lyrics "Suck me dry"
The fantastic review by sputnik music1 of each track on Lateralus is incorporated into my analysis of each track, in the beginning of this article.
Lateralus' Emotional Effect
Lateralus achieves its dark, complex, and stormy emotions with complex mixtures of time signatures, banging drums, howling vocals, and blaring guitar riffs; The occult inspired drumming Carey brings to the album; and through the drum solos that end each song climatically. There isn't much irony in Lateralus. The repeated words and phrases are circles and spirals that signify eternity. The album's narrative is in present tense so you are in the moment and don't know what, or if anything is coming next. Not much foreshadowing; it's a better experience in this way.
Conclusion
The songs are based on Meynard's interest in the Fibonacci sequence, a pattern found in nature. As a result, many of the songs are in weird time meters. Therefore, variations of rhythms, intense guitars, drums, and odd noises with occultic themes is what awaits you. Tool are not satanic, they just push themselves artistically to try new, dark things. Lyrical themes of spirals and circles symbolize eternity. Lateralus was well-received by critics and fans because of its adventurous quality. Yet, you experience high tension when you hear Faaip De Oiad and its allusions to aliens. Danny samples digeridoo amongst other noises including growls through a tube to achieve the tibetan monk sound on the album and overdubbing an oberheim through a vocoder. The musicianship of Tool members Keenan and Carey in Lateralus, bring you an occultic, eternal, and otherworldly experience. An empowering experience, that leaves you energized, but in a dark state of mind. For further information, or a more complete understanding of the topics discussed please refer to these sources.
Sources
1. Bartender Emeritus, "Tool Lateralus Review", Sputnikmusic.com, Indie Click Music Network, Viacom, Tribes, January 14, 2005 http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/83/Tool-Lateralus/
2. Ken Micallaf, (transcribed by Ruskin F.), "Danny Carey: Demon On Drums,"
The Tool Page, toolshed.down.net, Modern Drummer, June 2001.
3. Scrotiemcboggerballs, "Tool Schism music video (HD)", uploaded September 26, 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATsrCNJhic4
4. Jacob Mundaca, "Tool Lateralus Music video", uploaded April 29, 2010
4. Jacob Mundaca, "Tool Lateralus Music video", uploaded April 29, 2010
5. FoVision, "Paulo Diaz and Eric Bork Bluetorch TV", uploaded April 2, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYNniZb4UIA
6.Graham, Harmann, "No. 1: Tool, Lateralus' -Top 21st Century Metal Songs." Loudwire.com,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYNniZb4UIA
6.Graham, Harmann, "No. 1: Tool, Lateralus' -Top 21st Century Metal Songs." Loudwire.com,
7. Gabriella, "Interview with Maynard Keenan Of a Perfect Circle," nyrock.com, September 2000,
8. "Lateral thinking", the free dictionary.com, 2003, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lateral+thinking
9. Siinfactor 5, "Tool Schism," uploaded April 27, 2006, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhjG47gtMCo
9. Siinfactor 5, "Tool Schism," uploaded April 27, 2006, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhjG47gtMCo
10. Rob Theakston, "Lateralus Tool Review", Allmusic.com, Rovi,
11. Dotmusic, "Critic review: Tool Lateralus", Metacritic.com, Gamespot proproperties,
12. Terry Bezer, "Tool Lateralus review", Drowned in Sound, May 13, 2001
13. Eden Miller, "Tool: Lateralus", Popmatters.com, May 14, 2001
14. David Fricke, "Tool Lateralus Review," Rolling Stone Reviews, Rollingstone.com, May 14, 2001
15. Simon P. Ward, "Tool- Lateralus", dotmusic, Launch, May 18, 2001
Monday, June 24, 2013
Alternative Rock Artist JGE
JGE or John Guyette Experiment is a fun folk-pop-new-age project from myself (Bobby Hurley), and rising music star, Bill Watt. We free ourselves to create emotionally captivating music. The music and pictures of the videos reflect our taste in music, entertainment, and culture. These influences include Blind Melon, Oasis, Genesis, 1970s alternative rock, 1990s tv theme songs, and music from the weather channel. The playing of JGE often sounds like Irish wake music - no matter how hard we prevent this.
My solo work has good vision, but just needs talent to reach my exactly-desired-sound. Maybe I will hire someone years from now in South Shore Massachusetts area. But Bill's solo work is about using his talent to play chords and go in that direction. So take your perception of what is weird, set it aside for a while, and find a message in the music of JGE.
Laptops for Less
Variations of an Irish Temperament
Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's, is in this video collage! The sad sounding part from 2:35 to 3:05 shows pictures of Vault and Dave Thomas. When your crazy Vault energy drink wears off you are sad as you experience a sugar and caffeine crash. What's even more depressing is that Dave Thomas, the great Wendy's founder, and war veteran is dead.1, 1a. We prefer these sad sounding chords such as Em, (e minor), and Dm (d minor) because this music cuts out what's unimportant and you naturally reflect on what is. Variations of an Irish Temperament also contains the chords E, G, and C. I was inspired by the play of Nick McCabe, an extraordinary guitarist most known for the Verve. Listen to the incredible sounding Weeping Willow to sympathize with my opinion. As far as Variations of an Irish Temperament goes we hope to have background experimental electric guitar solos here and there. During Variations of an Irish Temperament, we definitely jammed -letting the music flow. This spontaneous play was hard to replicate and done with humor. The humorous pictures include Kevin Garnett. Bill and I joked that someone will be found hanging from a tree with this song playing on loop from a boom box. So be aware of placing this song on loop, but enjoy!
Being for the Benefit of John Guyette is a play off of the Beatles Being for the benefit of Mr. Kite. Somehow, I don't see the Beatles ever suing us! haha I played a tune with very low bass notes while Bill plays interesting notes and chords.
The song's images match my vision, and features the exact picture, exactly when I envision them: A man underwater on a horse; Opie and Anthony at 2:18; At 2:22 is the appearance of Assumption College professor Peter Clemente, who is not responsible for any of JGE's music; When I feel the music resembles the solo and general riff from U2 New Year's Day is a picture of U2; and people jumping off cliffs. Wouldn't you like to try that feat into the shallow sea? At the song's end, Bill plays his Ring Around The Rosy-like song; I think of a dance with lights.This part seems Spanish, if not Irish- I am sure it offends both cultures.
Bill developed the main beat for Huge Jet Tony. He dedicates the song to his grandfather. This great video features many crazy wrecks. It also features: semi trucks; Fr. Lamothe from Assumption College playing the harp; 1:49 includes a laughable looking Rich Vos, whose material from that show is hilarious; At 2:30 Bill's playing is reminiscent of a Red Hot Chilli Peppers guitar part; George Carlin and Carnegie Hall.,which are connected since Carlin filmed an HBO special there; Marat Safin showing rare sportsmanship to Federer after he defeated him in a classic 2005 Australian Open Semifinal; random families; an amazing picture of the statue of liberty; snow mobile and dirt bike acrobatics; my cat; Bill's cat; your cat; his cat; pizza; and Tom Hanks and Bill Murray from the movie Big performing on large Piano keys. However, it is a mosquito that shuts down the music's production.
Solomon Stark
Original lyrics, original music, a timeless theme, and mediocre singing. I use the scary sounding key of A minor chords3 from the Are You Afraid of the Dark intro; Am, Dm, and E7. I base the beat, both music and vocals around The Black Crowes She Talks to Angels. I had heard the song once before, and only joyfully rediscovered the song that played in my head after I recorded the indie rock song Solomon Stark. Solomon Stark has a classic guitar beat, leaving you wanting more; continue to satisfy yourself by listening. Bill plays a beautiful guitar tune in this song.
The lyrics to Solomon Stark are about a free man who does what he wants, when he wants, and who isn't stopped by anyone. He is a self-made man, who follows his interests. The space rock guitar outro continues, as does the illusion pictures.
Summers In Maine
One definitely notices a crescendo in sound, especially at the end. This was recorded in a dorm room so you can hear doors opening and closing. Can you imagine the suffering of those next door? And unlike Dave Matthews or Bruce Springstein, JGE shuts up and plays. This is an original song based on adventures for the mind, in Maine.
But the continual rhythm guitar riffs combined with Bill's soft luscious lead guitar-work bring a mellow vibe. Bill's Irish melody gets progressively faster to accompany my faster rhythm guitar work. I have slept while listening to this music.
No Man Street
The song's title is a combination of the genesis song lonely man on the corner and the idea of a ghost town after summer ends. This punk, garage band like song gets your adrenaline flowing; especially if you watch the video. Images include scary places like Ghost Adventures lock downs, and famous authors. The creepy sounding chords contribute to a theme of Halloween and ghostly spirits. Shorter songs can give one a full experience; Porcupine Tree influenced me with songs like Great Expectations and Your Unpleasant Family.
Walking The Track
My distinctive up, down, up, down guitar strumming and slow chord changes make this a pleasant tune. And Bill's complimentary mellow guitar make this a song one can play in the background and get shit done. The pictures of the boys walking on the train tracks is from the movie Stand By Me. Find yourself enjoying this alternative rock online as you peruse this blog.
At The Night
I sing over Bill's recorded guitar. The song is about my crazy adventures; an epic night-time ten mile bike expedition through Worcester, MA. I fly 40 mph in the break down lane, at times inches away from oncoming cars. In pitch dark, I drive down a rural street guessing where potholes and manholes are. I am paranoid of wild animals. Bill's melodic guitar reflects the spirit of adventure by having a sad feel that opens your mind to drastically different experiences. This brings your mind from boredom to an exciting dark place you've never been.
No Frisbee For Me
Frisbee being Bill and I's innuendo for porn. So this song was done in humor. Bill is clearly trying to play Blind Melon No Rain. This is psychedelic music for psychedelic people. My guitar rings and resonates. It's interesting in terms of psychotropic music, and authentic because it's one unedited take that you hear background noise, doors closing, and people talking. What artist can claim no editing on a track these days?
Bobby Hurley
solo
After All This Time
is a loud alternative rock song. I hope it reminds you of alternative rock from the 1990s. My song features the chords B, E, and Am. I hope someday to get the perfect version of the melody I hear in my head. The song is supposed to have sunny imagery. But with a little madness in the playing. Enjoy the picture of my hiking at Tucker's Preserve in Pembroke.
The Ultimate Diversion
This is the instrumental for After All This Time. I want to capture madness with the music. Don't you want more? I would love to play this on electric guitar someday. The ultimate guitar, I was inspired by Porcupine Tree's Blind House.
Bill's solo songs
One day I talked to Bill on facebook, asking him about his music in general; what the main idea was, he responds: "It's really all about mood really. Sometimes when you play the chords and the way you play them, I'll think, "Okay all I'm seeing is this type of music, so let's go with that." It's all over the place, the solo work, I won't even know what's gonna happen. I Play a couple notes and something will pop up."
JGE Moving On has a steady beat. Bill describes freedom in this song:
JGE Piano version of Variations of an Irish Temperament
We bring heart and emotionalism to the music; like many of our influences, who we sound nothing like. I am a huge fan of Porcupine Tree, particularly some of their most emotional songs like Half Light and Fadeaway.
When listening to JGE, try to find the spontaneity of our instrumental music, message, and ideas. Embark on your project without inhibitions of trying new things. In this way, you can put enough effort to create something beautiful; like many bands that created masterpieces.
So now my youtube channel is explained. Check out my latest offering, Run DMC dance.
And get ready for my take on Tool's Lateralus.
My solo work has good vision, but just needs talent to reach my exactly-desired-sound. Maybe I will hire someone years from now in South Shore Massachusetts area. But Bill's solo work is about using his talent to play chords and go in that direction. So take your perception of what is weird, set it aside for a while, and find a message in the music of JGE.
Laptops for Less
Variations of an Irish Temperament
Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's, is in this video collage! The sad sounding part from 2:35 to 3:05 shows pictures of Vault and Dave Thomas. When your crazy Vault energy drink wears off you are sad as you experience a sugar and caffeine crash. What's even more depressing is that Dave Thomas, the great Wendy's founder, and war veteran is dead.1, 1a. We prefer these sad sounding chords such as Em, (e minor), and Dm (d minor) because this music cuts out what's unimportant and you naturally reflect on what is. Variations of an Irish Temperament also contains the chords E, G, and C. I was inspired by the play of Nick McCabe, an extraordinary guitarist most known for the Verve. Listen to the incredible sounding Weeping Willow to sympathize with my opinion. As far as Variations of an Irish Temperament goes we hope to have background experimental electric guitar solos here and there. During Variations of an Irish Temperament, we definitely jammed -letting the music flow. This spontaneous play was hard to replicate and done with humor. The humorous pictures include Kevin Garnett. Bill and I joked that someone will be found hanging from a tree with this song playing on loop from a boom box. So be aware of placing this song on loop, but enjoy!
This was a song created in madness in a worcester, MA Assumption College dorm- the result: psychedelic music. I was chemically exhausted and furious about having my time wasted. So I begin with great tension, saying to Bill, "You are the lead so take it." He was beginning with his trippy, sergeant pepper-like guitar sound. Indeed, Bill bases his play on The Loungers from Beatles songs Within Without You, and Love You Too. He claims, "when playing guitar he draws more from others than when playing piano." I base my bongo drums on the main beat from Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. We are really influenced by 90s alternative rock.
Is that really water at the end? No, it isn't. Did the mirage fool you? This song includes images of public figures such as John Stamos and Michael Jackson. Both of whom are inside jokes for Bill and I. We laughed many times over Stamos's funny lines on Full House and put his posters on people's dorm room doors. Bill also went around singing You Are Not Alone in front of girl's rooms in the dorm.
Refresh yourself, your life, and rediscover the joy of victory. A roadside billboard once said, "A clean engine delivers power".2 Similarly, a clean mind delivers power and new interest in life. This video leads you on visual journey through the underwater caves around 3:20; it's breathtakingly beautiful, and refreshes the mind. This video also features glaciers, majestic caves, trickling streams, and roaring waterfalls. I recommend you enjoy this by grabbing a chair, headphones and the beverage and substance of your choice. You could even enjoy the mp3 or cd version of this song driving through an exotic location.
This Irish song dance festivity has changing chords, variations of intensity, and Bill Watt's famous Irish notes.
Conscientious Dreamer is what we all strive to be. Isn't it? We want the world at our command. Not through political power but by dominating life with our talents, personality and perspective. We do this by being conscious of our shortcomings and fixing them. And dreaming big!
Again, it's all about the pictures: assumption alumni, the idiot wearing a jacket indoors with a balloon is me. The pictures of celebrities (if you use that term loosely) include Phillip Kohlschreiber, a german top 20 tennis player, visiting the zoo; Robbie Knievel jumps his motorcycle over planes on the US Intrepid; the Winchester Mystery House, a mansion with stairways leading nowhere, windows opening to a second story free fall. The WMH was built over 38 years by a woman who communicated with ghosts in seances to guide her in the design;You like the picture of Robbie Madison flying over a football field? I figured you would; Finally, you enjoy Alfonzo Ribiero -Alfonzo Ribiero! The end of Conscientious Dreamer creates in you, a desire to listen to The Rolling Stones Wild Horses.
Suburban Nuthouse features pictures from my sisters trip to Arcadia. She and her boyfriend at the time, danced to the music. I hope you do too. The pictures are beautiful because the way the sun glares, the waterfalls, cliffs, peaceful blue skies, sunsets, mountain peaks for climbing, etc. Can't you hear my Tim the tool man grunt? Enjoy!
This song is dedicated to my late uncle Brian Spence of Hollis New Hampshire. My mom thinks of the cute pet picture theme; I hope it convinces you that now is the time for a pet monkey. And Bill and I experiment with random styling of chords and notes; it sounds unique and easy to listen. My chords sound dark. Bill does his Irish notes over the main beat. You hear our banter.
Being for the Benefit of John Guyette is a play off of the Beatles Being for the benefit of Mr. Kite. Somehow, I don't see the Beatles ever suing us! haha I played a tune with very low bass notes while Bill plays interesting notes and chords.
The song's images match my vision, and features the exact picture, exactly when I envision them: A man underwater on a horse; Opie and Anthony at 2:18; At 2:22 is the appearance of Assumption College professor Peter Clemente, who is not responsible for any of JGE's music; When I feel the music resembles the solo and general riff from U2 New Year's Day is a picture of U2; and people jumping off cliffs. Wouldn't you like to try that feat into the shallow sea? At the song's end, Bill plays his Ring Around The Rosy-like song; I think of a dance with lights.This part seems Spanish, if not Irish- I am sure it offends both cultures.
Solomon Stark
Original lyrics, original music, a timeless theme, and mediocre singing. I use the scary sounding key of A minor chords3 from the Are You Afraid of the Dark intro; Am, Dm, and E7. I base the beat, both music and vocals around The Black Crowes She Talks to Angels. I had heard the song once before, and only joyfully rediscovered the song that played in my head after I recorded the indie rock song Solomon Stark. Solomon Stark has a classic guitar beat, leaving you wanting more; continue to satisfy yourself by listening. Bill plays a beautiful guitar tune in this song.
The lyrics to Solomon Stark are about a free man who does what he wants, when he wants, and who isn't stopped by anyone. He is a self-made man, who follows his interests. The space rock guitar outro continues, as does the illusion pictures.
Summers In Maine
One definitely notices a crescendo in sound, especially at the end. This was recorded in a dorm room so you can hear doors opening and closing. Can you imagine the suffering of those next door? And unlike Dave Matthews or Bruce Springstein, JGE shuts up and plays. This is an original song based on adventures for the mind, in Maine.
But the continual rhythm guitar riffs combined with Bill's soft luscious lead guitar-work bring a mellow vibe. Bill's Irish melody gets progressively faster to accompany my faster rhythm guitar work. I have slept while listening to this music.
No Man Street
The song's title is a combination of the genesis song lonely man on the corner and the idea of a ghost town after summer ends. This punk, garage band like song gets your adrenaline flowing; especially if you watch the video. Images include scary places like Ghost Adventures lock downs, and famous authors. The creepy sounding chords contribute to a theme of Halloween and ghostly spirits. Shorter songs can give one a full experience; Porcupine Tree influenced me with songs like Great Expectations and Your Unpleasant Family.
Walking The Track
My distinctive up, down, up, down guitar strumming and slow chord changes make this a pleasant tune. And Bill's complimentary mellow guitar make this a song one can play in the background and get shit done. The pictures of the boys walking on the train tracks is from the movie Stand By Me. Find yourself enjoying this alternative rock online as you peruse this blog.
At The Night
I sing over Bill's recorded guitar. The song is about my crazy adventures; an epic night-time ten mile bike expedition through Worcester, MA. I fly 40 mph in the break down lane, at times inches away from oncoming cars. In pitch dark, I drive down a rural street guessing where potholes and manholes are. I am paranoid of wild animals. Bill's melodic guitar reflects the spirit of adventure by having a sad feel that opens your mind to drastically different experiences. This brings your mind from boredom to an exciting dark place you've never been.
No Frisbee For Me
Frisbee being Bill and I's innuendo for porn. So this song was done in humor. Bill is clearly trying to play Blind Melon No Rain. This is psychedelic music for psychedelic people. My guitar rings and resonates. It's interesting in terms of psychotropic music, and authentic because it's one unedited take that you hear background noise, doors closing, and people talking. What artist can claim no editing on a track these days?
Bobby Hurley
solo
After All This Time
is a loud alternative rock song. I hope it reminds you of alternative rock from the 1990s. My song features the chords B, E, and Am. I hope someday to get the perfect version of the melody I hear in my head. The song is supposed to have sunny imagery. But with a little madness in the playing. Enjoy the picture of my hiking at Tucker's Preserve in Pembroke.
The Ultimate Diversion
This is the instrumental for After All This Time. I want to capture madness with the music. Don't you want more? I would love to play this on electric guitar someday. The ultimate guitar, I was inspired by Porcupine Tree's Blind House.
Bill's solo songs
One day I talked to Bill on facebook, asking him about his music in general; what the main idea was, he responds: "It's really all about mood really. Sometimes when you play the chords and the way you play them, I'll think, "Okay all I'm seeing is this type of music, so let's go with that." It's all over the place, the solo work, I won't even know what's gonna happen. I Play a couple notes and something will pop up."
JGE Moving On has a steady beat. Bill describes freedom in this song:
"Moving on it wasn't so much of thinking about certain things as it was just feeling free. I think when that was written I felt really free. I Imagine the perfect amount of wind, and being somewhere where everything I needed is there".This is by far the most successful video to date. With over 2,000 views.
JGE Piano version of Variations of an Irish Temperament
- Bobby: so it was fun and challenging to play, what feelings do you associate with the piano version of Variations?
- Bill: Pride in heritage, and passed away family and friends. Although I'm only 1/8 Irish.
We bring heart and emotionalism to the music; like many of our influences, who we sound nothing like. I am a huge fan of Porcupine Tree, particularly some of their most emotional songs like Half Light and Fadeaway.
When listening to JGE, try to find the spontaneity of our instrumental music, message, and ideas. Embark on your project without inhibitions of trying new things. In this way, you can put enough effort to create something beautiful; like many bands that created masterpieces.
So now my youtube channel is explained. Check out my latest offering, Run DMC dance.
And get ready for my take on Tool's Lateralus.
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