Live's new single - Forever Options

[thefunkyredcaboose]

Oh yeah I never meant to imply that I didn't think it was Gracey, or that the drumming was even bad. I think what I miss is the syncopation that he normally uses in his basic beat for the song. Here he really only uses it for fills and since I think the syncopation-type stuff is what makes him unique as a drummer it's kinda disappointing.

He could have used these kind of beats in numerous other Live songs but instead there would always be something more creative about the basic beat, here it's just "blah" and the flat sounding toms really don't help that. I too have been inspired a lot by Gracey as a drummer (and Chad as a guitarist) so it's hard to hear Live songs where their unique attributes aren't used as a part of the song.

I also realize this is all because it's a pop/rock song, but to me that's a problem so I guess that's where we differ. The only thing separating a song like Run to the Water from being a pop song were the drums, bass, and Taylor's guitar work, so it's sad to see that go.

Still dig the production though, very curious.

[SJN1279]

I think its an amazing song and probably the band's strongest single in years. I have little doubt that it will be an overseas smash. I do have reservations about the US, since I don't know how much clout Vanguard Records have in the industry. Have any bands hit it big on the label in recent years?

[thefunkyredcaboose]

I think the success of it as a single in the US will be how much money is put into the promotion. Mystery could have been a big single ESPECIALLY with the Daughtry version but we saw what became of that! This song is very similar to Mystery.

I don't know much about Vangaurd records though.

[Merica]

Just listened to it - very catchy indeed, I like!

[SecretInsomnia]

well... after being impressed the first time and also surprised that I liked a new song that has been created after SFBM, here a more justified review about the song.

- I really like the intro + the drums (although the drums doesn't sound like Gracey)
- I think Ed's voice was quite good, and not irritating like on SFBM sometimes 'mysteryiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie' and other songs. I agree with someone who said there seems to be a little angst/emotion returned in Ed's vocals and that's really hopefull for the next album
- the song defenately should need some more kick ass guitar. I don't expect Live to be rock like they did in the 90ies, but at least the kind of guitar Radiant Sea had, just a little distortion or something during the song, and a solo of Taylor would have made the single a perfect combination for rock fans and pop/radio listeners.
- Live must really watch out in not becoming a band making 'Ed-songs'!! We all know Ed writes Live's music for years now, but until now (even on SFBM) you could here each member contributed a little of his style. This is the first song by Live that seems to lack anything that is not Ed's. It really clould be (I don't think so) but it really could have been recorded by Ed with help of the studio. But Ed remains a good songwriter, he proofed that now. I compare it with Walk Into This Room: that would be a really good Live song too, but it's not made by Live.
- honestly, still I think this is a good song by Live and I haven't been surprised by a Live song/single at the first time hearing since... well a long time.
- It's not that I only like it, I also think this could be a grand single, but that depends on the label, and since they haven't a major label now I dunno... But my expectations are as big as my expectations for a Lift me Up single (if they had chosen for that).

[Soxwsc]

I just got home from work, and now I'm listening to it on repeat. My initial response was that it was just ok, it had a "You Are Not Alone"/ "All I Need" type of vibe to it, but with an actual melody.

I've listened to it about 10 times now, and I have to say I am definitely pleased with this latest effort. It doesn't go overboard and get annoying like "Radiant Sea", it's well-structured, sounds good, and the lyrics are outstanding. I can't remember the last time I listened to a new Live release that didn't have something embarrassing about it.

And if it does make it to US radio (Adult Contemporary is the best bet here), I can see people liking it and calling in to get it played. It has a depressing vibe to it and people love that. Girls in black would eat it up. Most guys would just let their soccer-mom wives obsess over it and get a kick out of it themselves. Younger guys wouldn't even hear it.. they don't listen to adult contemporary, but if they did they have no reason to hate it.

It won't get played on US radio though because it's not on an official studio album, and in order for the industry to embrace Live again, they'd have to release a stellar track that would blow everyone away. While this song is heads above all their other recent releases, it's not good enough.

[Andrew]

Is there any news about Purifier?

[SJN1279]

It won't get played on US radio though because it's not on an official studio album, and in order for the industry to embrace Live again, they'd have to release a stellar track that would blow everyone away. While this song is heads above all their other recent releases, it's not good enough.

"A stellar track that blows EVERYONE away" I don't think such a song exists or ever will.

I think Forever is definitely good enough to succeed on US radio,but all depends on the money/promotion put behind the song. I feel this song has the ability to become a cross over hit as well. It also is the perfect wedding/prom/graduation song that could be picked up by a number of television series this spring. I'm taking a wait and see attitude.

I'm also betting there will be a strong push for the song after Xmas this year leading up to the band's Spring 2009 US tour.

[Hoodstock]

http://www.myspace.com/live

song is streaming right now at the above link, so hopefully it'll stay up.

It's also playing on friendsoflive.com.

I really like the song. At face value I think it's catchy and sounds good. I think in today's radio market this is actually a single and is one of the better songs they have made since TDTH.

I'm really interested in hearing Purified since it features John Popper.

In case you didn't read this from friendsoflive.com

10/8/08 - DVD and CD Update

It’s official… the LIVE DVD will be released in 2008…and very soon! The DVD, entitled Live at the Paradiso - Amsterdam, will be released in early November (specific release dates and territories will be announced soon). The DVD includes seventeen tracks plus bonus behind-the-scenes footage of the band in Amsterdam. The CD contains sixteen songs with two new studio tracks including the new radio single, "Forever," and the song “Purifier” which features a guest appearance by John Popper of Blues Traveler. Enclosed are the track-listings for each and you can hear a sneak peak of the new single, “Forever”, on LIVE’s web site and MySpace page.

The CD track list includes:
1. Simple Creed
2. All Over You
3. The River
4. The Dolphin's Cry
5. I Walk the Line
6. Selling the Drama
7. Lightning Crashes
8. Turn My Head
9. I Alone
10. Heaven
11. Lakini's Juice
12. Overcome
13. Operation Spirit
14. Dance with You
15. Forever (new studio track)
16. Purifier (new studio track)

The DVD track list includes:
1. Simple Creed
2. All Over You
3. Mirror Song
4. The River
5. The Dolphin's Cry
6. I Walk the Line
7. Selling the Drama
8. They Stood Up For Love
9. Lightning Crashes
10. Turn My Head
11. Wings
12. I Alone
13. Heaven
14. Lakini's Juice
15. Overcome
16. Operation Spirit
17. Dance with You

We also have the official cover artwork for the DVD:




And the official cover artwork for the CD:





The upcoming weeks promise to be super-exciting. Keep checking into the Friends of LIVE web site for all of the latest news and updates on the DVD and CD release and how you can pre-order your copy in advance!


Good job to whoever got the cover art right!

This post has been edited by Hoodstock: Oct 9 2008, 7:49 pm

[thefunkyredcaboose]

It has a depressing vibe to it and people love that. Girls in black would eat it up.

Not really sure what is depressing about this song?

I think the love for this song showcases how low everyone's expectations are at this point... sad.

[Existentialist]

I know it's not an awesome song, but it is pretty good and I think it's without a doubt their best song since TDTH era. Unfortunately, I agree with Nick that this thing has serious potential to be a fairly huge hit. No matter what he or anyone else thinks, V, BOP and SFBM were just flat out not going to be successful no matter how much marketing and money was behind them. This has that potential.

[roliver]

It's terrible. Soft rock. Ed's voice is shot. Cliche lyrics. Wow.

[Hoodstock]

It's terrible. Soft rock. Ed's voice is shot. Cliche lyrics. Wow.

Heaven, The River, Forever. This apparently is the direction the band is heading ... softer rock. In fact, they've been there for a while.

I miss the harder days but I like all three songs and I do think if Forever is marketed it has single potential.

The fact that they still put out music when a majority of bands from their time period have faded and disappreaed surpasses all expectations! The Live fan base has it much better than other 90's fan bases. Just enjoy it and be thankful.

This post has been edited by Hoodstock: Oct 9 2008, 8:57 pm

[HiItsNino]

I like it, great song - but then again I am a Live fan and tend to like all of their stuff. It definately represents growth in their sound. Glad to see them moving beyond Copper...

[Bingy]

. . . . . . It's ok