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!?

[Alex]

What i am trying to say is that you are contradicting yourself. On one hand you say that it is subjective and a matter of opinion and on the other hand you say that it is a fact that SFBM is badly produced. How can you talk about FACTS if it is a matter of opinion?

Finding something meaningful in SFBM lyrics is also subjective. I have found a lot, simple straight-forward sentences that touched me. If you cannot find anything, that's fine.

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough. I meant production is somewhat a subjective matter, but it is a fact that SFBM is overcompressed. Like most cds are nowadays... but to me SFBM sounds completely flat and devoid of life... its just there. No dynamic range, or energy, with studio over-precision.

Also to Alex, I love Radiohead but I personally didn't think that Hail to the Thief lived up to their potential just like some are saying about SFBM. I also have to ask, what do you consider "good" production? I'm curious.

I personally love Hail to the Thief... one of my favourite Radiohead albums, after OK Computer and Kid A... probably about equal to The Bends for me. I can definitely see why people don't appreciate it as much as earlier stuff though.

5 albums with good production imo...

1) Jeff Buckley- Grace (Andy Wallace... brilliant producer/mixer. Beautiful album, good dynamic range, perfect sound for the style)
2) Porcupine Tree- In Absentia/Deadwing (both a bit over-compressed but with the most beautiful lush harmonies ever...)
3) Opeth- Damnation/Blackwater Park (same producer/mixer as Porcupine Tree- Steven Wilson. Amazing guitar tones, again with beautiful vocal harmonies)
4) Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon & Wish you were here (...yeah)
5) Mr. Bungle- California (incredibly warm album.. even though it's so eclectic every moment sounds amazing)

All of them have faults... pretty insignificant to those present in SFBM though.