Release_Me wrote:The only thing which holds back S/T from being a great album is the songwriting which just isn't 'hooky' enough (WWS, MiTS and mayble Unemployable excluded). The subject matter is very serious and better melodies would do well to offset that seriousness. The band's playing is excellent though and I find none of the songs to be clunkers like some of you. The other problem with S/T is the fact that it sounds more dated than any other albums beside maybe Ten. Still, it's my joint 5th with Yield.
Interesting you say that, as S/T was the album that Eddie had said he was really working to be super melodic on. I'm pretty sure I read an interview with him where he discussed a conversation he'd had with Johnny Ramone about creating the perfect melody and how he'd been trying to bake that into the S/T songs.
It's all subjective though - what's an earworm to one person is forgettable to another. I point to the pop charts as Exhibit A of that, m'lud.
Ed saying he worked hard on the melodies probably implies that they weren't great to begin with. I don't mean that in a negative way, but there's something about the melodies which just 'happen' that makes them better than those which are worked upon endlessly. There are definitely some great melodies, like WWS, MiTS and Unemployable. The rest of the songs have ok to good ones. When the songs are that loud and abrasive in nature, a memorable melody really helps in making a lasting impact. Something that makes you go back to the songs in 10 years. I hear that in most of the Vs songs which were similarly hard rocking. In S/T, not to the same extent.
There's a lot to like in the album and this is only a minor complaint. It is still my 5th favourite.
BootsToAsses wrote:Yeah I feel Lightning Bolt will easily surpass S/T and Backpspacer for me. Perhaps even Riot Act which I adore when I'm in the right frame of mind.
Whether or not it can come close to Vitalogy/Yield/Binaural is another story altogether.
BootsToAsses wrote:S/T is in my top 5 PJ albums easily. I fuckin' love that one. A couple of misfires for me (Paachutes, Unemployable, Gone) but the rest is wonderful.
Agree with gone, but I think the other two are great. Its a strange album for me... Gone is the only song I dont really like but there is something in the album that grates... Its got good individual songs... is it the drums or the production?...
Looking forward to LB more and more, took a few listens to like the partial leaks but they are good so far.
It's the production. It ruined this album for me. So crunchy, abrasive and loud.
yep but those first five are a great run of all out kick ass rock songs that could've been (and maybe still will be with the BO'B remix release in 2020) saved.
BootsToAsses wrote:Do people generally prefer Backspacer over S/T?
If so, I don't get it.
Not here, for the most part. Although I do, personally
If Backspacer was a movie it would be the Phantom Menace. Awesome lasers but a lack of substance and staying power.
While a Western guitar motif lost on the swings drum bass fusion, get your own thoughts into the subconscious often forgotten. "Pendulum" is a sweeping soul from the ballast.
It looks like Infallible and Swallowed Whole are going to be this album's Got Some, Unthought Known, Unemployable, Marker In the Sand.
The other tracks are very forgettable dross (there is nothing new in Lightning Bolt, Getaway or Mind Your Manners) and I don't exactly maintain high hopes for the likes of Future Days or Sleeping By Myself, knowing how Sirens has turned out.
My only remaining hope is that Yellow Moon and Pendulum are pleasant surprises and that turns this into a 4 star album rather than a 2 star one.
Release_Me wrote:The only thing which holds back S/T from being a great album is the songwriting which just isn't 'hooky' enough (WWS, MiTS and mayble Unemployable excluded). The subject matter is very serious and better melodies would do well to offset that seriousness. The band's playing is excellent though and I find none of the songs to be clunkers like some of you. The other problem with S/T is the fact that it sounds more dated than any other albums beside maybe Ten. Still, it's my joint 5th with Yield.
Interesting you say that, as S/T was the album that Eddie had said he was really working to be super melodic on. I'm pretty sure I read an interview with him where he discussed a conversation he'd had with Johnny Ramone about creating the perfect melody and how he'd been trying to bake that into the S/T songs.
It's all subjective though - what's an earworm to one person is forgettable to another. I point to the pop charts as Exhibit A of that, m'lud.
I think there are great melodies on S/T but the delivery (the harshness, the screaming) masks it. Its like making a great dish but adding too much salt. LW is a perfect example as the "reprise" displays a beautifel melody but the delivery overwhelms it.
If Ed only held back a bit in that album it could have been a PJ classic album. Even on a song like COMBACK - its nicely peformed until the "ohhhhh COme baack Come BaaAaack" part" - he reaches too high above his register.
All of my issues vocally with S/T (and most of Backspacer) seem to be a non-issue on LB as the delivery on the songs I have heard is brilliant.
Based on some of the recent posts I am putting S/T on right now and will give my official thumbs up or down and you can pretty much take that to the bank and end the debate
but those first five are a great run of all out kick ass rock songs that could've been (and maybe still will be with the BO'B remix release in 2020) saved.
YES
