LIVE vs. the perception of SFBM Options

[flaterik]

There is a lot of talk going on about pop or not pop, old vs. new LIVE, etc. I for one am a bit disappointed in the finished product of the SFBM album, but now I realize why. I had heard some early versions of some of the new songs (don't know where ) and saw the boyz play some of the new stuff in New Jersey last November and I was stoked. Then I got my hands on the disk and...well... it tasted like a British Ale...flat and warm! Now on the weekend I saw the Rockpalast broadcast and WHAMO!! It was clear. I always knew the new songs were good (ok, average by LIVE standards, but still light years ahead of standard radio trash ), but the production on the album and the overzealous "accoustic version" marketing just killed them. Made them flat. The songs have their moments but just don't go anywhere. When you see the new songs played in concert you will know what I mean. Totally different energy!!!!

Any thoughts!?

[pizan0]

Hey kids,

Ever since the leaks of the album starting coming out, I've noticed that I haven't really enjoyed viewing the message boards at fansoflive too much anymore. Let me start off by saying that even with all the negative hype surrounding this album, my first impression after only 2 listens was that I found it to be a very pleasant surprise. After 2 listens, I liked it better than BOP and liked it 100X better than V, which will (for me) probably always rank at the bottom of Live's albums.

Is SFBM Live of old, the Live that I initially went bonkers over? No, absolutely not. But I find that it does offer me something - somewhere in the mix of the album, I am able to extract the essence of what I love about this band. I can't get enough of these subtleties. For instance, mystery's beautiful lyrics and meaning, wings' catchy hook and great message, sofia's almost "bluesy" feeling, night of nights' amazing lyrical performance (imo) and its blend of new/old Live sounds.

With these aspects said, I do understand why some people would see this album as overproduced - I actually do agree with that to a certain extent. The "raw" feeling of the guitars is sort of lost at times - and although this may have been a production, and/or Live's decision, I do think an edgier factor would have made this album even better. Its great to read others' opinions about the album, good and bad. But what has been bothering me lately is not the negative reviews or anything like that, its the fact that I've noticed how some have completely given a negative spin on everything about the band. From Ed's attitude with the public, his voice, the setlists, the direction of the band's sound, the producer, the shows, the new album, the band not putting their heart into the album and letting ed run the show, etc.

The list goes on and on. What has become of many of the Live fans here? It seems that its not a matter of just not liking an album or the new direction of sound anymore...its now a matter of this seemingly "personal" vendetta against anything the band does!!! I was even surprised to see that NectarDan (no offense dan) has a quote on the bottom of his messages from a reviewer that completely bashes Live. Its almost as if it was an enjoyable experience to see that a reviewer bashes the band and the music. Again, let me repeat that other opinions don't affect the way I feel about Live's music, but I don't "enjoy" seeing negative reviews nor do I get a kick out of them!

Many many people have posted negative comments about Live and the new album which is obviously their opinion. But since when have so many people gotten so negative about almost everything Live does? I think this message board is an amazing forum and way to express our likes and dislikes about the band - but its sheer lack of positivity and open-mindedness (save a few people) have resulted in a feeling on the board that makes me much less excited to read.

I guess many people are just not happy with Live anymore....that's fine...that's your perogative. But for those of you that still have great hope, still love the band's sound, still respect them as artists, let's get some positive vibes back in here!

I apologize for the long post....just needed to get this off my chest.

[Costakoui]

Hey kids,

Ever since the leaks of the album starting coming out, I've noticed that I haven't really enjoyed viewing the message boards at fansoflive too much anymore. Let me start off by saying that even with all the negative hype surrounding this album, my first impression after only 2 listens was that I found it to be a very pleasant surprise. After 2 listens, I liked it better than BOP and liked it 100X better than V, which will (for me) probably always rank at the bottom of Live's albums.

But what has been bothering me lately is not the negative reviews or anything like that, its the fact that I've noticed how some have completely given a negative spin on everything about the band. From Ed's attitude with the public, his voice, the setlists, the direction of the band's sound, the producer, the shows, the new album, the band not putting their heart into the album and letting ed run the show, etc.

Because they do not like the album and because Live has not produced another TC they interpret all aspects of the band in such a way as to support their initial argument.

I agree with you that SFBM is better than BoP, much better than V and, to me, better than MJ.