Most Disappointing Release Of 2010

[kgdjpubs]

I'm confused by this ,Martin can't write but he penned a number one single when AOR was on its way out .Perry who is regarded as a god never wrote a number 1(when his type of music ruled the airwaves), blades never wrote a number 1, should these guys be considered less skilled songwriters?

First off, it's ONE song. Granted, it was catchy. Secondly, Perry is a god, but I never once said Perry was a great writer. Contributory for sure, but my guess is Cain penned most of their lyrics from 81 on...not that they were any good, but the music was good. Yeah, there was a handful of nicely worded songs, (Faithfully, Mother Father and maybe BGTY). I guess what I am trying to say is over say 25-30 years, Journey penned what, 25 top[ 40 hits, and Big has about 3? You do the math on this one.

You can't compare because the years were different. Escape, if done by Journey as a relatively new act, would have sold 50,000 copies in 1993. I don't think Mr. Big had all that many good songs, but you're trying to compare apples and oranges here.

I still say popularity is a poor qualifier to determine whether a song/band is good or not. There are too many factors beyond quality and performance that go into making a chart hit. It's something to be factored in, but can't be used as an end-all-be-all.

You have excellent top notch writers, good writers, moderate writers and substandard ones. Where would you put Martun?
As for Perry? I would say he writes about as good as Bruce sings, and Springsteen writes as good as Steve sings.

I'd say Springsteen sings better than Perry writes if we are talking full songs. For melodies and phrasing, it's a different story. Perry would have a big edge.

[Deb]

First off, it's ONE song. Granted, it was catchy. Secondly, Perry is a god, but I never once said Perry was a great writer. Contributory for sure, but my guess is Cain penned most of their lyrics from 81 on...not that they were any good, but the music was good. Yeah, there was a handful of nicely worded songs, (Faithfully, Mother Father and maybe BGTY). I guess what I am trying to say is over say 25-30 years, Journey penned what, 25 top 40 hits, and Big has about 3? You do the math on this one. You have excellent top notch writers, good writers, moderate writers and substandard ones. Where would you put Martun?

MB's original lineup was together from 89-96. Of course Journey was going to have more top 40 hits as AOR/melodicrock was big in the 70s/80s when they were cutting albums. That MB managed to sell multiplatinum and squeeze out 5 (pretty sure GTSM charted very well too) top 40 hits amongst the era of grunge and boybands says ALOT! If some of their AOR friendly songs were released in the 80s they probably would have charted better too:

Next Time Around http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hz6ncvnF5s
Stay Together http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erTdgNWN0K8


And sales/stats and all that aside, I'm not as much into Springsteens style of philosophical/political/blue collar brand of songwriting. Hell, one of my favorites of his is Dancing In The Dark. I'm much more into musicality, great beat, great vocals (I have seen written "EM one of the most underrated vocalists in rock" in reviews more times than I can count, and when they get going their 4 part harmonies are crazy good!) Music is entertainment to me, I don't care to hear about the headlines in my music. Heck, give me a sexy rock bluesy kinda number from 4 extremely talented musicians anyday.........absolutely love how they will just throw a bluesy jam into the middle of a song.......like around the 4 min mark in my sig, love that kind of stuff. To each his own, I guess.

And I'm hoping big time, that since this LA gig is kind of a one off before they start their Japan tour, that we'll get some of the lesser known tracks and a good dose of the new album instead of just the dirty dozen. And will be the first time those 4 have played together for a US show in around 15-20 years..

[Rockindeano]

MB's original lineup was together from 89-96. Of course Journey was going to have more top 40 hits as AOR/melodicrock was big in the 70s/80s when they were cutting albums. That MB managed to sell multiplatinum and squeeze out 5 (pretty sure GTSM charted very well too) top 40 hits amongst the era of grunge and boybands says ALOT! If some of their AOR friendly songs were released in the 80s they probably would have charted better too:

89-96 is seven years. Journey wrote as many hits as MB in ONE sitting, be it Escape or Frontiers, and maybe even ROR. Again, this is not a MB war..I happen to think they are alright. I also know they aren't a super band either. There really isn't one factor amongst them that speaks "great" in my opinion. I DO think Eric could shine on a really good song, written by an outside person like Adams for instance.

Sales/stats and all that aside, I'm not as much into Springsteens style of philosophical/political/blue collar brand of songwriting. Hell, one of my favorites of his is Dancing In The Dark. I'm much more into musicality, great beat, great vocals

Dancin in the Dark may be a fun song, but it sucks when compared to the rest of Bruce's catalog. The music is average at best. His fans don't really clamour for it, and it doesn't see action every show.

And I'm hoping big time, that since this LA gig is kind of a one off before they start their Japan tour, that we'll get some of the lesser known tracks and a good dose of the new album instead of just the dirty dozen. And will be the first time those 4 have played together for a US show in around 15-20 years..

You should really email them and explain to them that you write here at MR and are traveling from Calgary to LAX just for this show. I know Martin reads here, or so I have been told. He knows of me(that shocked me). I bet you could request a song or two and they would probably thank you for your fandom by playing a request. If you don't, I will do it for you Deb. Just bring Wyatt some little hockey figurines ok? Thanks.

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

What about me? I've been accused of having the worst taste in music because I listen to Crazy Lixx, L.A. Guns, and House of Lords..

(Crazy Lixx were great at Firefest. shhhhhh. don't tell Deano) ( I have pictures too. shhhh)

[Rockindeano]

What about me? I've been accused of having the worst taste in music because I listen to Crazy Lixx, L.A. Guns, and House of Lords..

(Crazy Lixx were great at Firefest. shhhhhh. don't tell Deano) ( I have pictures too. shhhh)

Are you hiding from the Feds or something? Explains why you could be at a Crazy Lixx show. No one would go there anyway.

Are you bringing your ass to Soto's gig next week? We talked about you the other day.

Note- Nevermind. I see NAMM is that weekend so I know you will be here. I see Steve Smith is playing friday morning at 10A.

[Deb]

MB's original lineup was together from 89-96. Of course Journey was going to have more top 40 hits as AOR/melodicrock was big in the 70s/80s when they were cutting albums. That MB managed to sell multiplatinum and squeeze out 5 (pretty sure GTSM charted very well too) top 40 hits amongst the era of grunge and boybands says ALOT! If some of their AOR friendly songs were released in the 80s they probably would have charted better too:

89-96 is seven years. Journey wrote as many hits as MB in ONE sitting, be it Escape or Frontiers, and maybe even ROR. Again, this is not a MB war..I happen to think they are alright. I also know they aren't a super band either. There really isn't one factor amongst them that speaks "great" in my opinion. I DO think Eric could shine on a really good song, written by an outside person like Adams for instance.

I'll be the first to admit, as much as I love alot of the MB songs, it is not my absolute favorite vehicle for his voice. He's got some great gritty, soulful, rock pipes that aren't put to his best use on some of the heavier MB songs. On the more bluesy rock, R&B, ballad type MB songs he shines. But with shredders PG & BS in the band that isn't going to change. But I love his earlier EMB and solo stuff so it's all good. Both have their place. And I'm sure once I've got my LIVE MB fix, I'll continue to catch his solo shows when possible.

And I'm hoping big time, that since this LA gig is kind of a one off before they start their Japan tour, that we'll get some of the lesser known tracks and a good dose of the new album instead of just the dirty dozen. And will be the first time those 4 have played together for a US show in around 15-20 years..

You should really email them and explain to them that you write here at MR and are traveling from Calgary to LAX just for this show. I know Martin reads here, or so I have been told. He knows of me(that shocked me). I bet you could request a song or two and they would probably thank you for your fandom by playing a request. If you don't, I will do it for you Deb. Just bring Wyatt some little hockey figurines ok? Thanks.

LOL, that would explain why he said "how about a hug" at the SF show last summer. <<sigh>> But no, I don't think he reads the forums. I've actually met him 3 or 4 times, very down-to-earth guy. LOL, and thanks to Kip Winger the 2nd time I met EM, LOL he was fully aware I was from Canada. And I'm not an aggresive or emailing type fan........I just love hanging with my music friends and rocking out to LIVE shows of my faves. So believe me I'll be happy with whatever is in the setlist......as long as it's EM, PG, BS and PT on that stage! I'm sure there will be some favorites in there like Take Cover, etc. Big Love, Merciless or Voodoo Kiss would just be a bonus is all. Waited a loooong time to finally see a re-united live MB show. Hell ya, I'm caught in the UNDERTOW..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGv5FCS2j8

Although, pretty bummed about missing JSS's show next Thursday, you guys are all going to have a blast!