Random Music Post (or Random Metal Babbling) #2

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To keep it quick: Lyrics are, in a lot of metal cases, the determining factor of whether they have sold out. If the lyrics are generally the same as they were when they started (not the same, but give the same message), and the message isn't about money, sex, drugs, and killing yourself, then it is safe(r) to assume they might be in it for the love of music and what they preach.

 

So what should the lyrics be about, Saber?

 

I'm not saying what they should be about, more about what they shouldn't... the above mentioned are all stereotypical lyrics: rap 'sings' about money, sex, drugs, and getting shot in the face (while getting paid, mind you), hiphop 'sings' about love and "he left me, boohoo", and stereotypical metal is about killing yourself and death and hate (although, its not).

I prefer hardcore, which is about (to nearly quote a hardcore band): friendship, honesty, and searching for justice. Its also about perserverance (sp). I can give you a couple bands to look up, if you wish...


But, because they are artists, go ahead and write what you want... I just won't be listening to sellout crap.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to ditch songs by what general subject they're about...it's perfectly possible to write interesting, touching or funny songs about death, hate or suicide as well as sex, drugs and getting shot in the face. It's not so much the subject but the way it is handled. If it's written in an unimaginative, generic, clichéd way, you can muck up any subject no matter how much potential it might have. Likewise even a really done to death subject can be turned into a great lyric with an insightful, original approach.

Examples of good (imo) lyrics about these subjects:
Suicide - Suicide Note Pt.II by Pantera
Hate - Disciple by Slayer
Sex - Mechanix by Megadeth (it's funny!)
Drugs - Junkhead by Alice In Chains
Getting shot - Hallowed Point by Slayer is about gun violence in general
Death - erm...that's a bit broad a subject...

 

My point is that they suck!

They don't play any instruments, they don't write their own lyrics, and thir voices are altered to make them sound better. They're bassicly a glam rock band without any tallent.

Give me a Megadeth concert over any of that pop trash any day!

Take 'Holy Wars...The Punishment Due' from Megadeth for example Ara, it's a very powerfull song with real meaning. I suggest you read its lyrics

[ April 03, 2006, 13:13: Message edited by: Kitrax ]

 

Holy Wars...The Punishment Due is based on the Marvel comic, The Punisher.

No, really, it is. It just goes to show that you can write a great lyric about...erm... *unexpected* subjects. It's all about handling the subject matter in an insightful way. Holy Wars is a wonderful song about the impact wars and conflicts have on an individual.

 

Alright, I'll agree, if you write about a subject well, it is fine. But the artists that usually write about those subjects do it in cliched ways, with cliche lyrics (9/10s of the time, I can't tell the difference).

Or maybe thats just hiphop/rap. Either way, it sucks. Blech. Give me pure tough guy hardcore anyday.

 

I'm starting to like some symphonic rock, or whatever it be called.
Aeryon's "The Human Equation" and "Into the electric castle" are on my to-buy list.
Don't worry: lounge, jazz and triphop are still my favorites.

 

Hmm, Elton John doesn't write his own lyrics. Neither did Elvis. Joe Cocker does neither. Robert Plant didn't play any instruments. Hayley Westenra does neither.

There's no reason why not playing an instrument and not writing your own lyrics makes you trash that shouldn't be listened to.

And by the same token, plenty of pop stars do both those things but you'd still call them poppy trash. Ashlee Simpson writes some of her own lyrics but I bet you don't think she's any good.

I think a blanket bagging of pop music is as harsh a generalisation as a blanket dig at all metal being loud noise, or all rap being just someone talking, or all classical music being just silly tunes with no words.

 

Grr, she makes me angry... Her group is called Ashlee Simpson, yet the band (who gets no credit) isn't part of the name. At least the band makes the music (I don't like it, but thats because of the sound).

But I do understand your point HB... of course, I've heard enough Rap/Hiphop to understand that they have no souls.

 

I do agree that most pop is rubbish, but it's not simply because they don't play instruments or write their own lyrics. It's simply that I don't like listening to most of it, although I certainly did enjoy it in the 1980s, which is why I still like 1980s pop music now, even though I can't tangibly explain why Wham! and Debbie Gibson and The Bangles and Duran Duran are any better than Girls Aloud, Kelly Clarkson, Sugababes, or Britney Spears.

 

Actually, I think all those artists suck too! I personally hate Elvis. The only thing he's the king of is hair gel...

 

Oh well, at least you're consistent in your views.

So, to get the Kitrax seal of approval, you have to write your own stuff and play at least one instrument other than your voice. No covers, no use of professional writers, and no vocalists need apply.

 

The problem i have with metal lyrics is that they are so bloody incomprehensible that I need to read them to make anything out of them - I prefer clear vocals over growling.

 

I'm in an Ildjarn week. If you know your BM, Undertaker, you should know them.

 

Hehehe!

Ok, first off, yes: You must write your own lyrics and music. One cover per album or less would be acceptable, so long as the said cover doesn't butcher the original.

And vocalist can only be used as a back-up singer.

Simple as that...but I *do* make a few small exceptions. Josh Groban is pretty good for a singer.

 

So any band with a lead vocalist is out? I wonder which bands that rules out then. I'm sure someone could come up with a list. Led Zeppelin?

 

No no no! You're getting things blown out of proportion.

Let me break it down for you Harby:

99.9% of standalone vocalists suck.

A "real" band (one that has at least 2 guitars or more, a drum set, and whatever other instruments they need (and they write their own music and lyrics)) that has a lead singer that only sings is ok...unless they are an Emo band.

Hmmm...maybe it's best if we just agree to disagree...

 

Heh, what about with Throwdown? They were alright, and then their guitarist and singer switched, and ta-dah! Everything worked liked magic. Brutal, kickass magic.

 

What is this Elmo thing you keep going on about?