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!?

[LiveattheOasis]

I think the negativity that some are having a hard time experiencing ... "COULD BE THE WINGS THAT, CARRY YOU HOME

[Pokey]

I think the negativity that some are having a hard time experiencing ... "COULD BE THE WINGS THAT, CARRY YOU HOME

God that's like whenever Morrissey does anything even slightly commercial there are people quoting "Re-issue, re-package, re-evaluate the songs, double pack and a photograph, extra track and a tacky badge!"

It honestly isn't clever

As for this whole "if you don't like SFBM it must be because it's going over your head!" BS .. it's the same as me saying that if you like SFBM you're just easily pleased .. a comment no SFBM person would like to take. (but it's true )

The whole analogy of people who dislike the album being like people who don't look for beauty in the ocean but in a billboard model is pretty weak. I think anyone who appreciates true beauty would prefer listening to talented human beings exploring the wealth of their talents .. something Live is not doing. It's like they've regressed (I think that's the right word) which isn't pleasurable to listen to after you know what they're capable of.

True that an angsty album would speak more to me about my life at the moment, but the content isn't largely what people are against here. It's the complete and utter cheesiness of it. The random "no child!" and the lyrical genius that is "it shines shines shines, shines shines shines, it shines shines shines" are unbelievably lame.
TDTH was an album with love and water themes and they didn't need all this crap through it to make it a pretty damn awesome album.

People who are looking at this as a deep spiritual album would be the same people who were going nuts over the lyrics in "Anna's song" by Silverchair because "Anna wrecks you life" sounds like "anorexia life" and the lead singer had anorexia, omg fucking deep!

Or if you want to look at them as cheap, fun, catchy pop songs then that's cool.. it's what they are. They do have a nice message but they're nothing profound. If you like them for what they are it's totally cool .. but other people like Live for the sort of awesome material they were making in the 90s, and there is nothing to say they can't keep the themes of what is relevent to them today and incorporate that with the creativity of yesteryear.

The other part is that the songs written back then are standing the test of time, as each album goes on they only tend to play one or possibly 2 tracks from it on the next tour. (V = Overcome. BOP = Heaven.) and I bet after this is all said and done the majority of this album will be forgotten about as well. It's all very well to say "but they have to play the classics for the casual fans!" .. that's BS. If they were making classics now they'd be playing them, but they aren't .. there isn't anything Epic about Live anymore.

These are the sorts of reasons I am pretty sure that a lot of fans can't get behind this .. not because we can't appreciate the lyrics or it's going over out heads.

[SJN1279]

The other part is that the songs written back then are standing the test of time, as each album goes on they only tend to play one or possibly 2 tracks from it on the next tour. (V = Overcome. BOP = Heaven.) and I bet after this is all said and done the majority of this album will be forgotten about as well. It's all very well to say "but they have to play the classics for the casual fans!" .. that's BS. If they were making classics now they'd be playing them, but they aren't .. there isn't anything Epic about Live anymore.

It is very hard for old bands to make new classics on a consistent basis. Fans and record companies are always onto the next big thing. This industry tends to forget about past stars very fast. Think of all the 80's,90's bands that are still touring today. They get buy on their classics, not because they still aren't making good music, its because companies are out there trying to make a quick buck on the next big thing.

LIVE being in the mainstream for 15 years straight is a rarity in the music business. Their concerts are always packed and they still have a great following. Most people on this board love Secret Samahdi, but the album only produced hit songs based on Throwing Copper's lead-in success. That was LIVE's hot period.....once your hot period ends it is almost impossible to come back.

LIVE is still around in their original form, and we should be enjoying it. Its an amazing accomplishment to stay together for such a long period of time.

[Pokey]

It is very hard for old bands to make new classics on a consistent basis. Fans and record companies are always onto the next big thing. This industry tends to forget about past stars very fast. Think of all the 80's,90's bands that are still touring today. They get buy on their classics, not because they still aren't making good music, its because companies are out there trying to make a quick buck on the next big thing.

To hell with what "the industry" does, that shouldn't effect the band's ability to make new classics.

[SJN1279]

To hell with what "the industry" does, that shouldn't effect the band's ability to make new classics.

Songs need major and sustained radio airplay to become "classics." LIVE are making damned good songs, but without radio airplay to back them, they won't become must-play classics to play in concert.

[SJN1279]

Songs need major and sustained radio airplay to become "classics." LIVE are making damned good songs, but without radio airplay to back them, they won't become must-play classics to play in concert.

People want to hear the songs they know in concert. In many venues that I've seen LIVE in, Heaven is just as big a song as anything off of Throwing Copper. If Mystery picks up on radio, it will be another LIVE "Classic."