Hey guys,
I had said that I wanted to get to get back here before too long and talk about Opeth's new album Heritage.
Here I am.
It was their highest selling debut in the U.S. and I'm sure it's not done charting songs, but there is one single out right now... and also a music video for that single.
So, in the tradition of what I've done with all the other albums, here's the first single and music video off Opeth's 10th studio album Heritage, entitled The Devil's Orchard.
It's probably one of the most eerie and psychedelic videos I've ever seen. Even folks who aren't fans of the band are spreading good buzz about the video.
Check it out and I'll hopefully see you guys before too long with my full mini-review of Heritage.
Be well until then.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
H2Oshack
Hey guys,
So...
I've let about three months get away from me when it comes to the updating of this blog.
I've just been kind of floating to and fro on things (like I do), shifting between reading prose, reading comics, watching a bit of TV and movies, and listening to tunes.
Also, if any of you readers here are into comics, I've started a new blog here http://bestcomicsquest.blogspot.com where I've found a massive list of some acclaimed graphic novels in the form of a huge book. There are 500 of them and I'm reviewing them one by one there. That's also one of the things that's kept me away.
Anyway...
When I last posted, we were going through all the albums of the band Opeth. I was breaking them out, doing a short preview post, giving them a couple week's listening and then giving you my two cents on them.
When I stopped, I had done the sort of preview post for the ninth album Watershed.
I've long since digested that one and all the rest of the first eight. I'm back here today because Opeth's tenth album Heritage has come out and I'd like to finish what I started with Watershed and move onto that one and then perhaps some other music that's recently wormed its way into my listening time.
So, without further ado (and before I disappear from you loyal Llog readers' sight for another three months!), let's get down to Watershed.
If you'll recall when I had been posting this summer, I'd pick my favorite two tracks from each Opeth album, usually a heavy one and then a lighter one, and then post vids for them and tell you why they were my favorite, pointing out moments in each that were special to me.
Let's mix it up a bit and go lighter first and also give you something I haven't done yet: post a video of a live performance of one of the songs. Here's the opening track to Watershed: a beautiful track entitled Coil. (Fear not when you hear the hosts of TV4 introduce this tune in Swedish. The lyrics are in English, like all other Opeth stuff. Stay tuned and give it a listen.)
Coil
Ahhh... There we have it. Coil...
As I said, this one is the opener of Watershed, and it's just your basic pretty ballad. Nothing really busy going on, certainly no traces of Opeth's death metal roots, but a song that just grabs you.
The song is a bit faster here than on the album and there's a bit less here in the instrumentation department, but I wanted to post a nice, simple acoustic version. And guest female vocalist on the song Nathalie Lorichs certainly isn't difficult to look at or listen to, either. ;-)
Now, let's get into what's probably my favorite heavier track on the album, if I've got to pick just one. If you're so inclined, give The Lotus Eater a listen below.
The Lotus Eater
I think I knew the name of this track before any others on the album because of the beginning. That odd, meterless singing by Mikael makes the start of this one really stand out.
From there we go into a ripping, punishing onslaught by the instruments with droning guitar and blast beating drums. When the lyrics start, they're nice, sweet harmonies over this fantastic chaos morphing into brutal death growls and back again. And back and forth we continue to go.
At around 3:40, we get a guitar solo into a nice mellow break that you almost wouldn't believe was the same song.
At 5:10, we come back up a little bit with a slightly distorted guitar leading into a nice little lead guitar piece which, in turn, leads into a little jam that's almost in the jazz/fusion vein.
All these different parts I've listed so far are the reason I love this song and this band. This musicianship is what makes Opeth different from any other band. You can pigeonhole them as death metal and say they're too heavy for your tastes, but I'd say that if you've done that and listened to everything I've posted simply in this one entry, you've got to get the inkling that your argument might be faulty.
After that little jazzy part, we get a nice solid drum fill that leads seamlessly into a more "metal" portion of the song and a bit of the lyrics that I personally find very ensnaring and always find myself singing along to in the car or what not... (The "And the pride of a mother..." part). :-)
Well, loyal, loving, Llogsters... There you have Opeth's Watershed and my two cents. I hope to get back here soon to post on Heritage and then perhaps move onto the work of Devin Townsend. (Can you tell I've been in the mood for metal lately?)
Again, the blog on comics/graphic novels (and probably the one that I'll be updating a LOT more frequently than this one) is at http://bestcomicsquest.blogspot.com . Stop on by there if sequential art is as close to your heart as it is to mine.
Also, if you're noticing that you're into most of the stuff that I'm into and want to "hear" rapid fire rants, praises, thoughts, musings, ramblings, insanities, and snippets, head on over to Twitter and follow me @lloydduvalljr .
I hope you're all well.
Peace...
So...
I've let about three months get away from me when it comes to the updating of this blog.
I've just been kind of floating to and fro on things (like I do), shifting between reading prose, reading comics, watching a bit of TV and movies, and listening to tunes.
Also, if any of you readers here are into comics, I've started a new blog here http://bestcomicsquest.blogspot.com where I've found a massive list of some acclaimed graphic novels in the form of a huge book. There are 500 of them and I'm reviewing them one by one there. That's also one of the things that's kept me away.
Anyway...
When I last posted, we were going through all the albums of the band Opeth. I was breaking them out, doing a short preview post, giving them a couple week's listening and then giving you my two cents on them.
When I stopped, I had done the sort of preview post for the ninth album Watershed.
I've long since digested that one and all the rest of the first eight. I'm back here today because Opeth's tenth album Heritage has come out and I'd like to finish what I started with Watershed and move onto that one and then perhaps some other music that's recently wormed its way into my listening time.
So, without further ado (and before I disappear from you loyal Llog readers' sight for another three months!), let's get down to Watershed.
If you'll recall when I had been posting this summer, I'd pick my favorite two tracks from each Opeth album, usually a heavy one and then a lighter one, and then post vids for them and tell you why they were my favorite, pointing out moments in each that were special to me.
Let's mix it up a bit and go lighter first and also give you something I haven't done yet: post a video of a live performance of one of the songs. Here's the opening track to Watershed: a beautiful track entitled Coil. (Fear not when you hear the hosts of TV4 introduce this tune in Swedish. The lyrics are in English, like all other Opeth stuff. Stay tuned and give it a listen.)
Coil
Ahhh... There we have it. Coil...
As I said, this one is the opener of Watershed, and it's just your basic pretty ballad. Nothing really busy going on, certainly no traces of Opeth's death metal roots, but a song that just grabs you.
The song is a bit faster here than on the album and there's a bit less here in the instrumentation department, but I wanted to post a nice, simple acoustic version. And guest female vocalist on the song Nathalie Lorichs certainly isn't difficult to look at or listen to, either. ;-)
Now, let's get into what's probably my favorite heavier track on the album, if I've got to pick just one. If you're so inclined, give The Lotus Eater a listen below.
The Lotus Eater
I think I knew the name of this track before any others on the album because of the beginning. That odd, meterless singing by Mikael makes the start of this one really stand out.
From there we go into a ripping, punishing onslaught by the instruments with droning guitar and blast beating drums. When the lyrics start, they're nice, sweet harmonies over this fantastic chaos morphing into brutal death growls and back again. And back and forth we continue to go.
At around 3:40, we get a guitar solo into a nice mellow break that you almost wouldn't believe was the same song.
At 5:10, we come back up a little bit with a slightly distorted guitar leading into a nice little lead guitar piece which, in turn, leads into a little jam that's almost in the jazz/fusion vein.
All these different parts I've listed so far are the reason I love this song and this band. This musicianship is what makes Opeth different from any other band. You can pigeonhole them as death metal and say they're too heavy for your tastes, but I'd say that if you've done that and listened to everything I've posted simply in this one entry, you've got to get the inkling that your argument might be faulty.
After that little jazzy part, we get a nice solid drum fill that leads seamlessly into a more "metal" portion of the song and a bit of the lyrics that I personally find very ensnaring and always find myself singing along to in the car or what not... (The "And the pride of a mother..." part). :-)
Well, loyal, loving, Llogsters... There you have Opeth's Watershed and my two cents. I hope to get back here soon to post on Heritage and then perhaps move onto the work of Devin Townsend. (Can you tell I've been in the mood for metal lately?)
Again, the blog on comics/graphic novels (and probably the one that I'll be updating a LOT more frequently than this one) is at http://bestcomicsquest.blogspot.com . Stop on by there if sequential art is as close to your heart as it is to mine.
Also, if you're noticing that you're into most of the stuff that I'm into and want to "hear" rapid fire rants, praises, thoughts, musings, ramblings, insanities, and snippets, head on over to Twitter and follow me @lloydduvalljr .
I hope you're all well.
Peace...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Sip of Water(shed)
Hey guys,
Now that I've had my first listen of the ninth and latest (until September, when "Heritage" comes out) Opeth album entitled "Watershed", I thought I'd come back like I promised and post the music videos that came from the record.
Here they are (in the order the singles were released):
Porcelain Heart
Burden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF68P5N1RJM
*-Note: Sorry, guys. None of the versions of the official video for "Burden" could be embedded. If you wanna see it, hit that link above and it'll take you to YouTube for the official vid.
Also, these songs are both pared down a good bit from the album versions, but I enjoyed both of the videos.
Anyway, just a taste for now of "Watershed". Any of these Opeth albums I've commented on are, of course, out now. You can get them all on iTunes or wherever you get your music.
Again, guys, hope all's well with all of you.
Peace...
Now that I've had my first listen of the ninth and latest (until September, when "Heritage" comes out) Opeth album entitled "Watershed", I thought I'd come back like I promised and post the music videos that came from the record.
Here they are (in the order the singles were released):
Porcelain Heart
Burden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF68P5N1RJM
*-Note: Sorry, guys. None of the versions of the official video for "Burden" could be embedded. If you wanna see it, hit that link above and it'll take you to YouTube for the official vid.
Also, these songs are both pared down a good bit from the album versions, but I enjoyed both of the videos.
Anyway, just a taste for now of "Watershed". Any of these Opeth albums I've commented on are, of course, out now. You can get them all on iTunes or wherever you get your music.
Again, guys, hope all's well with all of you.
Peace...
Spectral Daydreams
Hey guys,
While I've fallen irrevokably behind in the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge and don't think I'm going to continue with that, one thing I haven't been able to stop doing is listening to Opeth.
A few weeks back, I posted the music video ("The Grand Conjuration") that the album "Ghost Reveries" spawned and since I've decided to make today my last day (for now) for listening to that album, I thought I'd come back and do my little mini-review of the record and share some of my thoughts about it and post videos for some of my favorite tunes.
I guess the most notable thing about this one that I've read is that there's actually debate as to whether or not it's a concept album. The popular answer that I've come across to answer that question is that the first seven tracks ARE, in fact, a loose concept piece and that the eighth track ("Isolation Years") is not part of the concept, but was added because vocalist/guitarist/mastermind Mikael Akerfeldt liked the song and wanted it on the record.
The supposed concept of the first seven tunes is that a man has brutally murdered his mother and now lives in guilt, paranoia, and insanity because of that act.
This album sees the return of the death metal growls, absent on the last album "Damnation", but also, like most Opeth efforts, switches around from brutality to beauty and back again.
Let's take a look... or, um... listen to some of my favorite tracks from the album, shall we?
Harlequin Forest
There are many things I like about this song and things that struck me about it from first hearing it. Oh, and before I start: although the video that you're going to see is labelled on YouTube as "Reverie/Harlequin Forest", this is only "Harlequin Forest" unless I'm mistaken... Anyway...
The very beginning of the song, judging by the lyrics, conveys the character in the concept running into the forest. I love the fact that the music, if you stop, listen, and visualize it, almost shows the character stopping, looking over his shoulder and then taking off "into the trees". That guitar riff starts it all off and then that drum fill and driving beat start the running in my mind every time I hear it. :)
The lyrics and melody at 2:19 ("A trail of sickness leading to me. If I am haunted, then you will see.") have stuck in my mind from the very first time I heard them. Very cool.
The part at 7:23 has also frequently popped into my head during the days I've been listening to this one. You've got those nice heavy guitars underneath and Mikael's spooky clean vocals weaving overtop of it (starting with "It's all false pretension..."). Love that part...
Also, although the outro gets a bit "mathy" and seems to be an odd meter, I believe it remains in a 4/4 time signature. Whatever it does, it's cool, too. You can hear it at 10:00 into the song.
"Harlequin Forest" was my favorite of the heavier tunes on the record. Let's hear a song that's more mellow now in "Hours of Wealth".
Hours of Wealth
You really just need to listen to the whole of this song right now. It's one of the most beautiful things I've heard in quite some time. This one just moved my soul from the very first time I heard it and if I'm alone and really concentrating on it, somewhere in the part between 2:23 and the end of the song, a tear will inadvertently slip from my eye. Simply a gorgeous song.
Well, guys... There's a few words about "Ghost Reveries". I've got a lot more I wanna do tonight, but I may give the next Opeth album "Watershed" a spin and come back and post the music videos made from it and stuff later. If not tonight, it should be very soon.
Be well and...
Peace...
While I've fallen irrevokably behind in the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge and don't think I'm going to continue with that, one thing I haven't been able to stop doing is listening to Opeth.
A few weeks back, I posted the music video ("The Grand Conjuration") that the album "Ghost Reveries" spawned and since I've decided to make today my last day (for now) for listening to that album, I thought I'd come back and do my little mini-review of the record and share some of my thoughts about it and post videos for some of my favorite tunes.
I guess the most notable thing about this one that I've read is that there's actually debate as to whether or not it's a concept album. The popular answer that I've come across to answer that question is that the first seven tracks ARE, in fact, a loose concept piece and that the eighth track ("Isolation Years") is not part of the concept, but was added because vocalist/guitarist/mastermind Mikael Akerfeldt liked the song and wanted it on the record.
The supposed concept of the first seven tunes is that a man has brutally murdered his mother and now lives in guilt, paranoia, and insanity because of that act.
This album sees the return of the death metal growls, absent on the last album "Damnation", but also, like most Opeth efforts, switches around from brutality to beauty and back again.
Let's take a look... or, um... listen to some of my favorite tracks from the album, shall we?
Harlequin Forest
There are many things I like about this song and things that struck me about it from first hearing it. Oh, and before I start: although the video that you're going to see is labelled on YouTube as "Reverie/Harlequin Forest", this is only "Harlequin Forest" unless I'm mistaken... Anyway...
The very beginning of the song, judging by the lyrics, conveys the character in the concept running into the forest. I love the fact that the music, if you stop, listen, and visualize it, almost shows the character stopping, looking over his shoulder and then taking off "into the trees". That guitar riff starts it all off and then that drum fill and driving beat start the running in my mind every time I hear it. :)
The lyrics and melody at 2:19 ("A trail of sickness leading to me. If I am haunted, then you will see.") have stuck in my mind from the very first time I heard them. Very cool.
The part at 7:23 has also frequently popped into my head during the days I've been listening to this one. You've got those nice heavy guitars underneath and Mikael's spooky clean vocals weaving overtop of it (starting with "It's all false pretension..."). Love that part...
Also, although the outro gets a bit "mathy" and seems to be an odd meter, I believe it remains in a 4/4 time signature. Whatever it does, it's cool, too. You can hear it at 10:00 into the song.
"Harlequin Forest" was my favorite of the heavier tunes on the record. Let's hear a song that's more mellow now in "Hours of Wealth".
Hours of Wealth
You really just need to listen to the whole of this song right now. It's one of the most beautiful things I've heard in quite some time. This one just moved my soul from the very first time I heard it and if I'm alone and really concentrating on it, somewhere in the part between 2:23 and the end of the song, a tear will inadvertently slip from my eye. Simply a gorgeous song.
Well, guys... There's a few words about "Ghost Reveries". I've got a lot more I wanna do tonight, but I may give the next Opeth album "Watershed" a spin and come back and post the music videos made from it and stuff later. If not tonight, it should be very soon.
Be well and...
Peace...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 8
Double posting today since I missed yesterday from being tired from my travels in New Orleans. But, without further ado...
Day 8 - Best series being published right now.
This one's a tough call and one that I don't feel altogether comfortable with commenting on, since I don't read all THAT many titles being published currently. I stick with a couple favorite characters/groups of characters and a few favorite writers. That being said, I've been continually wowed by Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" and Geoff Johns' run on the Green Lantern stuff (especially since "Blackest Night") has impressed me thoroughly.
Day 8 - Best series being published right now.
This one's a tough call and one that I don't feel altogether comfortable with commenting on, since I don't read all THAT many titles being published currently. I stick with a couple favorite characters/groups of characters and a few favorite writers. That being said, I've been continually wowed by Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" and Geoff Johns' run on the Green Lantern stuff (especially since "Blackest Night") has impressed me thoroughly.
posted from Bloggeroid
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 7
I'm late by a day, but here's my post for the Challenge, Day 7:
Well, I missed Day 7, so let's start with... Day 7 - Favorite Comic Couple
I think I've got to go with King Mob and Ragged Robin from "The Invisibles". They're passionate about each other, totally in love, erotically insatiable for each other and one of the sexiest couples and most beautifully depicted romances in all of comicdom.
Well, I missed Day 7, so let's start with... Day 7 - Favorite Comic Couple
I think I've got to go with King Mob and Ragged Robin from "The Invisibles". They're passionate about each other, totally in love, erotically insatiable for each other and one of the sexiest couples and most beautifully depicted romances in all of comicdom.
posted from Bloggeroid
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 06
Here's my 30 Day Comic Book Challenge post for today, folks. It was:
Day 06 - Most Annoying Character
I think I'm gonna have to go with Namor, the Sub-Mariner on this one. He's cocky, um, obviously annoying and just throws attitude around whenever he shows up. I'm always hoping the bad guys will beat the stuffing out of him when I see him. And though I don't really mind the character of Deadpool, I think it's annoying that Marvel puts out 30,000 books with him featured each month...
Also, I think I'm gonna have to skip the bloggings of the travels this year. The WiFi connection here in the hotel is pretty sluggish even when it IS working and I really just can't fathom posting really lengthy blog posts from my phone's keyboard.
Those of you who are interested can check out my Twitter and Facebook feeds. Some of you already have them or, if you don't, I believe you can still follow links from this very page for them.
Take care, all. I hope this post finds you well.
Peace...
Day 06 - Most Annoying Character
I think I'm gonna have to go with Namor, the Sub-Mariner on this one. He's cocky, um, obviously annoying and just throws attitude around whenever he shows up. I'm always hoping the bad guys will beat the stuffing out of him when I see him. And though I don't really mind the character of Deadpool, I think it's annoying that Marvel puts out 30,000 books with him featured each month...
Also, I think I'm gonna have to skip the bloggings of the travels this year. The WiFi connection here in the hotel is pretty sluggish even when it IS working and I really just can't fathom posting really lengthy blog posts from my phone's keyboard.
Those of you who are interested can check out my Twitter and Facebook feeds. Some of you already have them or, if you don't, I believe you can still follow links from this very page for them.
Take care, all. I hope this post finds you well.
Peace...
posted from Bloggeroid
Sunday, June 5, 2011
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 5
Here's my quick entry for Day 5 of the 30 Comic Book Challenge:
Day 5 - Comic character you feel you are most like (or wish you were)
I really had trouble pinpointing this one, but I think the answer may be The Drummer from Warren Ellis' Planetary.
I'd like to think I'm pretty tech savvy. Also, I can be pretty weird and irreverent at times. I also have been known to play actual drums. I know The Drummer doesn't in the comics, but the name... You know? :)
I was also gonna start posting about the trip to New Orleans that I'm currently enjoying, but the WiFi connection seems to be down in the hotel tonight. I really don't relish the idea of typing what could be a long blog entry on my phone's keyboard. Maybe tomorrow, loyal Llogsters...
You all take care.
Peace...
Day 5 - Comic character you feel you are most like (or wish you were)
I really had trouble pinpointing this one, but I think the answer may be The Drummer from Warren Ellis' Planetary.
I'd like to think I'm pretty tech savvy. Also, I can be pretty weird and irreverent at times. I also have been known to play actual drums. I know The Drummer doesn't in the comics, but the name... You know? :)
I was also gonna start posting about the trip to New Orleans that I'm currently enjoying, but the WiFi connection seems to be down in the hotel tonight. I really don't relish the idea of typing what could be a long blog entry on my phone's keyboard. Maybe tomorrow, loyal Llogsters...
You all take care.
Peace...
posted from Bloggeroid
Saturday, June 4, 2011
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 4, New Orleans, and apologies
Hey guys,
First up, let's do the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge. Here's what I posted on Facebook for that.
Day 4: Guilty pleasure comic or character.
I'm really not ashamed of any of the things I'm into as far as comics go, but I might take just a little bit too much pleasure when Dex-Starr shows up. For those who don't know, he's a Red Lantern who's a cat... and I find him highly amusing.
And for those longtime readers of the Llog, you'll remember my posts about London last year when I vacationed there. Well, I've arrived in New Orleans today for this year's vacation and I plan on doing the same thing this year. Apologies, but I'm absolutely exhausted and this short post is all I can muster tonight. I'll get back to you guys tomorrow and tell you all about it.
'Til then,
Peace...
First up, let's do the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge. Here's what I posted on Facebook for that.
Day 4: Guilty pleasure comic or character.
I'm really not ashamed of any of the things I'm into as far as comics go, but I might take just a little bit too much pleasure when Dex-Starr shows up. For those who don't know, he's a Red Lantern who's a cat... and I find him highly amusing.
And for those longtime readers of the Llog, you'll remember my posts about London last year when I vacationed there. Well, I've arrived in New Orleans today for this year's vacation and I plan on doing the same thing this year. Apologies, but I'm absolutely exhausted and this short post is all I can muster tonight. I'll get back to you guys tomorrow and tell you all about it.
'Til then,
Peace...
posted from Bloggeroid
Friday, June 3, 2011
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 3
Here's my post for Day 3, guys...
Day 3 - A comic that is underrated.
While I know a couple have books have been done about it and it holds acclaim with a certain contingent of folks, I think Grant Morrison's "The Invisibles" is underrated. I personally think it's one of the greatest pieces of fivtion ever created. And for me... it may be THE best.
Have a good day, all.
Peace...
Day 3 - A comic that is underrated.
While I know a couple have books have been done about it and it holds acclaim with a certain contingent of folks, I think Grant Morrison's "The Invisibles" is underrated. I personally think it's one of the greatest pieces of fivtion ever created. And for me... it may be THE best.
Have a good day, all.
Peace...
posted from Bloggeroid
Thursday, June 2, 2011
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Day 2
Hey guys,
I thought I'd post day 2 of the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge that I was talking about earlier today. Here goes.
Day 2 - Your Favorite Character
Though I've read a LOT of different comics and loved SO many characters, I've been reading X-Men for 20+ years and I'm gonna have to say Wolverine. When I first started seriously getting into the medium, he was the first protagonist I saw utter words, so maybe it's a little bit of a sentimental thing, too. I don't know... With comic book characters, after you read for so long, they begin to feel more like friends instead of just characters in a book. Wolvie feels like he's an ol' drinkin' buddy at this point.
Also, I should mention that the good folks who gave us the outlet for all this chatting and these ideas are Annex Comics from Newport, Rhode Island. You guys can shop with them and visit them at:
http://shop.ebay.com/quackenstein/m.html
and
http://annexcomics.com
Thanks for reading, guys.
Peace...
I thought I'd post day 2 of the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge that I was talking about earlier today. Here goes.
Day 2 - Your Favorite Character
Though I've read a LOT of different comics and loved SO many characters, I've been reading X-Men for 20+ years and I'm gonna have to say Wolverine. When I first started seriously getting into the medium, he was the first protagonist I saw utter words, so maybe it's a little bit of a sentimental thing, too. I don't know... With comic book characters, after you read for so long, they begin to feel more like friends instead of just characters in a book. Wolvie feels like he's an ol' drinkin' buddy at this point.
Also, I should mention that the good folks who gave us the outlet for all this chatting and these ideas are Annex Comics from Newport, Rhode Island. You guys can shop with them and visit them at:
http://shop.ebay.com/quackenstein/m.html
and
http://annexcomics.com
Thanks for reading, guys.
Peace...
30 Day Comic Book Challenge - Intro and Day 1
An acquaintance on Facebook recently sent me an invitation to a sort of "online event". It's called the 30 Day Comic Book Challenge and it's only the second day and I'm hooked.
I thought I'd take this opportunity to make blog posts out of these. So any of you who are already into the medium of comic books, have any interest in it, or care what I have to say about it can tune in here for the next thirty days. Each day gives a comic book related statement and asks the particpant what they associate with it.
Day 1 was: Your first comic book.
I plan on copying and pasting in the future but I can't do that right now.
My association with that statement was, of course, the first comic book I remember buying, which was Uncanny X-Men #261 back in June of 1990.
I also said that I'd had comics before that but they'd become torn to shreds or were Silly Putty fodder. "Look, Mommy! I can stretch Superman's face!"
I thought I'd take this opportunity to make blog posts out of these. So any of you who are already into the medium of comic books, have any interest in it, or care what I have to say about it can tune in here for the next thirty days. Each day gives a comic book related statement and asks the particpant what they associate with it.
Day 1 was: Your first comic book.
I plan on copying and pasting in the future but I can't do that right now.
My association with that statement was, of course, the first comic book I remember buying, which was Uncanny X-Men #261 back in June of 1990.
I also said that I'd had comics before that but they'd become torn to shreds or were Silly Putty fodder. "Look, Mommy! I can stretch Superman's face!"
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Turn On the Lights
Hey guys,
HAD to come back yet again and post this.
Taking a brief break from Opeth, I noticed that one of my absolute favorite musicians had posted some of his new stuff on SoundCloud.
The musician is Matthew Good. Any longtime readers of this blog have already read about him. Any of you who've ever been around me and brought up the briefest notion of asking what my favorite music is have heard me mention him.
His new album "Lights of Endangered Species" drops this coming Tuesday, May 31 and it will be amazing because the man doesn't put out bad records.
Here's a few tracks from it (that I heard tonight for the first time and immensely enjoyed).
Lights Of Endangered Species by Matthew Good
Peace...
HAD to come back yet again and post this.
Taking a brief break from Opeth, I noticed that one of my absolute favorite musicians had posted some of his new stuff on SoundCloud.
The musician is Matthew Good. Any longtime readers of this blog have already read about him. Any of you who've ever been around me and brought up the briefest notion of asking what my favorite music is have heard me mention him.
His new album "Lights of Endangered Species" drops this coming Tuesday, May 31 and it will be amazing because the man doesn't put out bad records.
Here's a few tracks from it (that I heard tonight for the first time and immensely enjoyed).
Lights Of Endangered Species by Matthew Good
Peace...
First Reveries
Hey guys,
Told ya I'd be back soon.
Keeping on with my latest obsession of the band Opeth: I spun their eighth album, 2005's "Ghost Reveries" tonight for the first time.
Kneejerk reaction: I'm fucking blown away...
Anyway... Like "Damnation", this album spawned a music video. The only single from the album was called "The Grand Conjuration". Here's the music video.
The Grand Conjuration
So, there's that. The only single from "Ghost Reveries" and quite the disturbing and spooky video to go with.
Also, I found it interesting to learn that Gene Hoglan (of Strapping Young Lad and many other projects) played drums on only this track of the album. One final note about the song is that it's actually about twice this long on the album. Ahhhh, radio singles, huh?
The only other thing I have to share with you guys about this album (at the risk of sacrificing my manhood) is that it brought me to tears at one point. From the video for "The Grand Conjuration" above, you might think that I was scared to death and crying for my mommy, but I was actually MOVED to tears.
There's a song on the album called "Hours of Wealth". I'm not gonna post it now (because it's almost certainly going to be one of my faves for the mini-review), but it's a kind of sad, almost bluesy kind of song (which goes to show you the versatility of this band) and it's absolutely beautiful.
Anyway, now that you've all discovered I'm an artsy pansy, I'll take my leave of you. Just wanted to throw those couple things out there about "Ghost Reveries".
I should be back soon. Any of you that were privy to my chronicles here on the blog of my time in London last year will hopefully be getting the same treatment for the city of New Orleans beginning in just over a week. I wanna try and get back here with maybe even some other things before that, though.
A few of you have tweeted at me and Facebooked me to let me know you're reading and I thank you wholeheartedly. It means the world. Take care and...
Peace...
Told ya I'd be back soon.
Keeping on with my latest obsession of the band Opeth: I spun their eighth album, 2005's "Ghost Reveries" tonight for the first time.
Kneejerk reaction: I'm fucking blown away...
Anyway... Like "Damnation", this album spawned a music video. The only single from the album was called "The Grand Conjuration". Here's the music video.
The Grand Conjuration
So, there's that. The only single from "Ghost Reveries" and quite the disturbing and spooky video to go with.
Also, I found it interesting to learn that Gene Hoglan (of Strapping Young Lad and many other projects) played drums on only this track of the album. One final note about the song is that it's actually about twice this long on the album. Ahhhh, radio singles, huh?
The only other thing I have to share with you guys about this album (at the risk of sacrificing my manhood) is that it brought me to tears at one point. From the video for "The Grand Conjuration" above, you might think that I was scared to death and crying for my mommy, but I was actually MOVED to tears.
There's a song on the album called "Hours of Wealth". I'm not gonna post it now (because it's almost certainly going to be one of my faves for the mini-review), but it's a kind of sad, almost bluesy kind of song (which goes to show you the versatility of this band) and it's absolutely beautiful.
Anyway, now that you've all discovered I'm an artsy pansy, I'll take my leave of you. Just wanted to throw those couple things out there about "Ghost Reveries".
I should be back soon. Any of you that were privy to my chronicles here on the blog of my time in London last year will hopefully be getting the same treatment for the city of New Orleans beginning in just over a week. I wanna try and get back here with maybe even some other things before that, though.
A few of you have tweeted at me and Facebooked me to let me know you're reading and I thank you wholeheartedly. It means the world. Take care and...
Peace...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Damnation 101
Hey guys,
Welcome to the 101st post of The Llog! I know, it's really not that stellar since it's taken me 3 or 4 years to post that many, but still... 101 posts!
Anyway, since resuming regularly on The Llog, I've been posting about the music of a band called Opeth. I can't stop listening to them.
About a week ago I posted a small review for their sixth album ("Deliverance") and then let you guys know that I was moving on to the seventh ("Damnation") for listening. I've been spending about two weeks on each album as I listen through the band's catalogue, but the combination of this being a short album and pretty straightforward compared to their others and also the fact that I've got massive driving time coming up this weekend... I wanted to delve into a new album for listening.
Soooo... This will serve as my little mini-review for "Damnation".
I've gone from thinking this might be my favorite Opeth album (before listening), to thinking it might be my least favorite (upon the first couple listens) to thinking it's a pretty damn good album (now).
The reason I thought it might stand out to me before listening was the fact that I knew going in that there were no growled, grunted, or screamed "death metal style" vocals. While I really don't mind the growled vocals (Really. I don't at all.), I love Mikael Akerfeldt's clean singing voice. Love it.
Still, though, there was something about this one... It's nice, it's mellow, the songs are magnificent, but I think I really like the mix of the heavy and soft music on all other Opeth releases just a bit better.
That said, I'm not going to take anything away from "Damnation". Equal parts beauty, melancholy, and genius, this is a great offering from Opeth.
Let me post for you below the track that's probably become my favorite on the album. Enjoy "To Rid the Disease" below.
To Rid the Disease
I love that song. Though, it's pretty mellow, there's just something eerie behind it. Beautiful... but eerie. And the chorus. It's so good that Mikael has used the vocal melody in two songs. The other tune is actually by a side project of his called Sorskogen and is sung in his native Swedish. YouTube that one if you're interested. It's the only song Sorskogen has to my knowledge.
Also, I LOVE the melody in just that one little line of background vocal that appears for the first time at 2:49. "I have lost all trust I had in you..." There's just something about it.
And well... I'm not able to do my usual and post a heavy song and a mellow song from this release since they're all pretty laid-back, so let's do a song with vocals and one without. I'll post the instrumental "Ending Credits" below.
Ending Credits
I absolutely love the tone of the lead guitar in that track. So smooth and almost bluesy. Mikael said in the DVD "Lamentations" that the song was "totally ripped of from a band called Camel" who have been said to be one of his major influences. I may have to check them out.
Anyway... There are my thoughts on "Damnation". I'll be moving on to the eighth album "Ghost Reveries" now. I'll be back with some things about that and perhaps some other things... maybe sooner than you think.
Peace...
*-Note: The above video for "Ending Credits" was not an official video for the song, but it was the only one I could find with audio of the song. Thanks to YouTube user grossheria for putting that one together and posting it.
Welcome to the 101st post of The Llog! I know, it's really not that stellar since it's taken me 3 or 4 years to post that many, but still... 101 posts!
Anyway, since resuming regularly on The Llog, I've been posting about the music of a band called Opeth. I can't stop listening to them.
About a week ago I posted a small review for their sixth album ("Deliverance") and then let you guys know that I was moving on to the seventh ("Damnation") for listening. I've been spending about two weeks on each album as I listen through the band's catalogue, but the combination of this being a short album and pretty straightforward compared to their others and also the fact that I've got massive driving time coming up this weekend... I wanted to delve into a new album for listening.
Soooo... This will serve as my little mini-review for "Damnation".
I've gone from thinking this might be my favorite Opeth album (before listening), to thinking it might be my least favorite (upon the first couple listens) to thinking it's a pretty damn good album (now).
The reason I thought it might stand out to me before listening was the fact that I knew going in that there were no growled, grunted, or screamed "death metal style" vocals. While I really don't mind the growled vocals (Really. I don't at all.), I love Mikael Akerfeldt's clean singing voice. Love it.
Still, though, there was something about this one... It's nice, it's mellow, the songs are magnificent, but I think I really like the mix of the heavy and soft music on all other Opeth releases just a bit better.
That said, I'm not going to take anything away from "Damnation". Equal parts beauty, melancholy, and genius, this is a great offering from Opeth.
Let me post for you below the track that's probably become my favorite on the album. Enjoy "To Rid the Disease" below.
To Rid the Disease
I love that song. Though, it's pretty mellow, there's just something eerie behind it. Beautiful... but eerie. And the chorus. It's so good that Mikael has used the vocal melody in two songs. The other tune is actually by a side project of his called Sorskogen and is sung in his native Swedish. YouTube that one if you're interested. It's the only song Sorskogen has to my knowledge.
Also, I LOVE the melody in just that one little line of background vocal that appears for the first time at 2:49. "I have lost all trust I had in you..." There's just something about it.
And well... I'm not able to do my usual and post a heavy song and a mellow song from this release since they're all pretty laid-back, so let's do a song with vocals and one without. I'll post the instrumental "Ending Credits" below.
Ending Credits
I absolutely love the tone of the lead guitar in that track. So smooth and almost bluesy. Mikael said in the DVD "Lamentations" that the song was "totally ripped of from a band called Camel" who have been said to be one of his major influences. I may have to check them out.
Anyway... There are my thoughts on "Damnation". I'll be moving on to the eighth album "Ghost Reveries" now. I'll be back with some things about that and perhaps some other things... maybe sooner than you think.
Peace...
*-Note: The above video for "Ending Credits" was not an official video for the song, but it was the only one I could find with audio of the song. Thanks to YouTube user grossheria for putting that one together and posting it.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Lamentations
Hey guys,
I made it...
If you've read the last two posts since I've started going regular again with The Llog, you've noticed that one of my current obsessions is the band Opeth.
One of the reasons I've been listening to the band nonstop (aside from absolutely loving their music) is that one of their concerts is streaming instantly on Netflix. I've been trying to listen to and get to know the first seven albums as quickly as I can so I could watch the concert, be familiar with the music and enjoy it (to make sure I got it before it might possibly stop streaming).
And tonight that's what I did.
The DVD of the concert is called Lamentations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire and I believe the whole of the concert is featured on Netflix. My only sadness at the whole ordeal is that none of the bonus footage of the DVD is streaming on Netflix. Included in that is a "making of" feature for the "Deliverance" and "Damnation" albums that I'd really like to see.
The band played the concert in two sets. The first set was the mellow side of the show and included the whole "Damnation" album, as well as a couple of extras.
Why don't we take a look at one of the songs that's become a favorite from the album as I've been listening. Enjoy "In My Time of Need" below.
In My Time of Need
The second half of the show (after a brief intermission) was definitely the heavy side, including tracks from "Deliverance" and "Blackwater Park". It featured tracks from these albums somewhat more typical of the band's sound (ten minutes plus in length, varying heavyness, epic). Here's an example of one of those tracks, one of my favorites from "Blackwater Park". Enjoy "The Leper Affinity".
The Leper Affinity
Man... I love this whole song, but that part with the clean vocals starting at 5:08 really gets me. Nice...
Anyway, guys... There's another post on Opeth. Wanted to share a bit about that performance after enjoying it and really all of the music of this band so much. Comment or drop me a line on the listed social media to rap about any of these things.
Be well, guys.
Peace...
I made it...
If you've read the last two posts since I've started going regular again with The Llog, you've noticed that one of my current obsessions is the band Opeth.
One of the reasons I've been listening to the band nonstop (aside from absolutely loving their music) is that one of their concerts is streaming instantly on Netflix. I've been trying to listen to and get to know the first seven albums as quickly as I can so I could watch the concert, be familiar with the music and enjoy it (to make sure I got it before it might possibly stop streaming).
And tonight that's what I did.
The DVD of the concert is called Lamentations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire and I believe the whole of the concert is featured on Netflix. My only sadness at the whole ordeal is that none of the bonus footage of the DVD is streaming on Netflix. Included in that is a "making of" feature for the "Deliverance" and "Damnation" albums that I'd really like to see.
The band played the concert in two sets. The first set was the mellow side of the show and included the whole "Damnation" album, as well as a couple of extras.
Why don't we take a look at one of the songs that's become a favorite from the album as I've been listening. Enjoy "In My Time of Need" below.
In My Time of Need
The second half of the show (after a brief intermission) was definitely the heavy side, including tracks from "Deliverance" and "Blackwater Park". It featured tracks from these albums somewhat more typical of the band's sound (ten minutes plus in length, varying heavyness, epic). Here's an example of one of those tracks, one of my favorites from "Blackwater Park". Enjoy "The Leper Affinity".
The Leper Affinity
Man... I love this whole song, but that part with the clean vocals starting at 5:08 really gets me. Nice...
Anyway, guys... There's another post on Opeth. Wanted to share a bit about that performance after enjoying it and really all of the music of this band so much. Comment or drop me a line on the listed social media to rap about any of these things.
Be well, guys.
Peace...
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Quick Damnation
Hey gang,
Back two days in a row on the Llog! How 'bout that?!
Anyway...
If you read the very last post, you'll know that I've finished my listening of Opeth's sixth album "Deliverance". Now that I've moved on to the seventh album, "Damnation", I thought I'd throw a thing or two up about it.
Firstly, don't let the title fool you. Judging by Opeth's past albums and especially the album before it being perhaps the heaviest in the Opeth catalog, you might expect an album with a name like "Damnation" to be an all-out, face-smashing, blistering, death metal album. It's not. In fact, it's exactly the opposite.
"Deliverance" and "Damnation" were originally intended be be released as a double album, but due to record company restraints, they were released separately. "Deliverance" was to be the heavy portion of the release, with "Damnation" exploring the more mellow side of the band's work. It happened that way, but just on two separate releases.
This album is like none other so far by Opeth. The are absolutely NO death metal style vocals, and after listening once, I'm hard pressed even to remember a heavily distorted guitar. I don't really think there are any.
What we do hear has been called an exploration of the band's 1970's progressive rock interests. Whatever you'd label it, it's definitely different for the band.
To examine that a little and to show you the second music video ever spawned by the band, let's take a look at "Windowpane" below. There's a little bit of an MTV's Headbanger's Ball intro on it, but it's the only version I could find of the official video. Enjoy.
Windowpane
So there you have it.
I'll post a review and a couple of favorite tracks probably in a couple weeks when I'm ready to move on to the next album, but wanted to throw this info up for personal record and anyone who might be interested.
Be well, all...
Peace...
Back two days in a row on the Llog! How 'bout that?!
Anyway...
If you read the very last post, you'll know that I've finished my listening of Opeth's sixth album "Deliverance". Now that I've moved on to the seventh album, "Damnation", I thought I'd throw a thing or two up about it.
Firstly, don't let the title fool you. Judging by Opeth's past albums and especially the album before it being perhaps the heaviest in the Opeth catalog, you might expect an album with a name like "Damnation" to be an all-out, face-smashing, blistering, death metal album. It's not. In fact, it's exactly the opposite.
"Deliverance" and "Damnation" were originally intended be be released as a double album, but due to record company restraints, they were released separately. "Deliverance" was to be the heavy portion of the release, with "Damnation" exploring the more mellow side of the band's work. It happened that way, but just on two separate releases.
This album is like none other so far by Opeth. The are absolutely NO death metal style vocals, and after listening once, I'm hard pressed even to remember a heavily distorted guitar. I don't really think there are any.
What we do hear has been called an exploration of the band's 1970's progressive rock interests. Whatever you'd label it, it's definitely different for the band.
To examine that a little and to show you the second music video ever spawned by the band, let's take a look at "Windowpane" below. There's a little bit of an MTV's Headbanger's Ball intro on it, but it's the only version I could find of the official video. Enjoy.
Windowpane
So there you have it.
I'll post a review and a couple of favorite tracks probably in a couple weeks when I'm ready to move on to the next album, but wanted to throw this info up for personal record and anyone who might be interested.
Be well, all...
Peace...
Friday, May 20, 2011
Deliverance (the kind that doesn't involve dueling banjos)
Hey guys,
I know, I know...
If any of you are even still checking here for updates, it's been over six months since I've posted anything here. I've still been taking things in, but I've been posting about them over at my Facebook page.
Upon thinking and thinking about returning to the Llog, though, and some inquiries about it by new acquaintances in the realm of social media, I've decided to come back here, post and TRY and keep it semi-regular if I can. I mean, if someone's asking for more of my input on the things I take in and is actually listening to what I have to say... Well, then call me vain, but I feel the urge to get on it. :)
Anyway, in a capacity that almost scares me, I've been listening to a band called Opeth. I've listened to almost nothing else for, oh, probably a couple of months now. I've done a little "mini-review" of each one of their albums and have posted those on Facebook. If you're interested, you can dig through my wall or if anyone cares THAT much, leave a comment here on the Llog and maybe I'll revisit some of those reviews here.
Now then, I've finished up my listening of Opeth's sixth "observation" (album) this evening. What I've been doing on Facebook is posting some of my favorite tracks and saying a bit about them. Here it goes for "Deliverance".
*-NOTE: I know I say this on almost every post where I'm referencing videos and such, but the names of the tracks I post will appear ABOVE the songs. Just in case you wanna go listen to or buy them or whatever...
From the very first time I spun this album I've gotta say that the title track "Deliverance" just slapped me in the face. In a good way. Take a listen below.
"Deliverance"
With Opeth songs, though I love mostly ALL parts of every song, it's always the parts with the clean (not the growled "death metal vocals") vocals that are playing over and over again in my head all day. I enjoy them in this song, as well. There's a nice, mellow part at 1:50 that has some of these and also another heavier part at 5:00.
The one that really gets me for this song, though, is the part at 8:58. There are a few vocal lines (you'll hear them starting with "Deliverance...") that have a reverb on them and kind of bounce back and forth over each other, echoing eerily. I've been in love with that part since first hearing it.
At 9:58, we start a nice heavy jam devoid of vocals. It's got a heavy groove with staccato guitar parts and speedy double bass driving them along. This too, really caught my hear, even from first listen. I love it.
The last minor thing that I love about this one is just the presence of a couple of piano chords at the end. The piano kind of backfades (comes up in volume) until the actual chord is hit and then fades back away. Something minor, but a genius touch, in my opinion. You can hear it at 13:00 into the song.
And now, contrasting (as I usually do) I'll throw up one of the more mellow pieces from the album. This is one of the shortest Opeth offerings in their catalog, but a beautiful short instrumental that I think will stick with you. Enjoy "For Absent Friends" below.
"For Absent Friends"
I love this one. And if you cant afford two minutes and seventeen seconds to listen to pure beauty, the thing that really wows me on this one is the simply gorgeous lead guitar work, starting at :50.
Well folks...
The Llog is back and I've said my piece about Opeth's "Deliverance".
I'll try not to stay away so long this time.
Peace...
I know, I know...
If any of you are even still checking here for updates, it's been over six months since I've posted anything here. I've still been taking things in, but I've been posting about them over at my Facebook page.
Upon thinking and thinking about returning to the Llog, though, and some inquiries about it by new acquaintances in the realm of social media, I've decided to come back here, post and TRY and keep it semi-regular if I can. I mean, if someone's asking for more of my input on the things I take in and is actually listening to what I have to say... Well, then call me vain, but I feel the urge to get on it. :)
Anyway, in a capacity that almost scares me, I've been listening to a band called Opeth. I've listened to almost nothing else for, oh, probably a couple of months now. I've done a little "mini-review" of each one of their albums and have posted those on Facebook. If you're interested, you can dig through my wall or if anyone cares THAT much, leave a comment here on the Llog and maybe I'll revisit some of those reviews here.
Now then, I've finished up my listening of Opeth's sixth "observation" (album) this evening. What I've been doing on Facebook is posting some of my favorite tracks and saying a bit about them. Here it goes for "Deliverance".
*-NOTE: I know I say this on almost every post where I'm referencing videos and such, but the names of the tracks I post will appear ABOVE the songs. Just in case you wanna go listen to or buy them or whatever...
From the very first time I spun this album I've gotta say that the title track "Deliverance" just slapped me in the face. In a good way. Take a listen below.
"Deliverance"
With Opeth songs, though I love mostly ALL parts of every song, it's always the parts with the clean (not the growled "death metal vocals") vocals that are playing over and over again in my head all day. I enjoy them in this song, as well. There's a nice, mellow part at 1:50 that has some of these and also another heavier part at 5:00.
The one that really gets me for this song, though, is the part at 8:58. There are a few vocal lines (you'll hear them starting with "Deliverance...") that have a reverb on them and kind of bounce back and forth over each other, echoing eerily. I've been in love with that part since first hearing it.
At 9:58, we start a nice heavy jam devoid of vocals. It's got a heavy groove with staccato guitar parts and speedy double bass driving them along. This too, really caught my hear, even from first listen. I love it.
The last minor thing that I love about this one is just the presence of a couple of piano chords at the end. The piano kind of backfades (comes up in volume) until the actual chord is hit and then fades back away. Something minor, but a genius touch, in my opinion. You can hear it at 13:00 into the song.
And now, contrasting (as I usually do) I'll throw up one of the more mellow pieces from the album. This is one of the shortest Opeth offerings in their catalog, but a beautiful short instrumental that I think will stick with you. Enjoy "For Absent Friends" below.
"For Absent Friends"
I love this one. And if you cant afford two minutes and seventeen seconds to listen to pure beauty, the thing that really wows me on this one is the simply gorgeous lead guitar work, starting at :50.
Well folks...
The Llog is back and I've said my piece about Opeth's "Deliverance".
I'll try not to stay away so long this time.
Peace...
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