Eloy Discovery Zone |
Post Reply | Page <1 1011121314> |
Author | |||||
kenethlevine
Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Team Joined: December 06 2006 Location: New England Status: Offline Points: 8952 |
Posted: May 24 2012 at 10:44 | ||||
I like Frank's vocals too.
|
|||||
richardh
Prog Reviewer Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Online Points: 28057 |
Posted: May 24 2012 at 01:28 | ||||
Edited by richardh - May 24 2012 at 01:29 |
|||||
verslibre
Forum Senior Member Joined: July 01 2004 Location: CA Status: Offline Points: 17182 |
Posted: May 23 2012 at 18:54 | ||||
Another big Eloy fan here. I'm weird...I actually like Frank's vocals! And yes, Klaus-Peter Matziol is a fantastic bass player.
|
|||||
infandous
Forum Senior Member Joined: March 23 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2447 |
Posted: May 23 2012 at 14:07 | ||||
Eloy was probably my first Internet discovery when I first got on-line back in 1997. I remember finding Pendragon, which was disappointing since I was hoping to use that as the name of my band. For some reason I still haven't listened to any of their music, except The World, which I didn't like at all really.
Anyway, probably from links on their site I came across Eloy, who sounded interesting. So I bought Ocean and Silent Cries and loved both. Silent Cries, while good, is such a Pink Floyd rip off it's not even funny (the first track particularly, but also the second to a lesser degree). That doesn't keep it from being a good album though, as I always loved Floyd. There were not a lot of their albums available back then, so I got a couple compilations that were a good selection. I have since picked up a number of their albums, and my personal favorite is Dawn. I still need to get Inside and Floating, though I have songs from both on a compilation. The Live album is probably going to be my next purchase of Eloy, along with Inside and Floating. I had not heard good things about the debut album, even Bourneman doesn't seem to like it. But based on reviews and comments here I think I might have to check it out anyway. The 80's and later stuff doesn't do a lot for me. I do like the first half of Ocean 2, and The Tides Return Forever does have a few good tracks, and I like the Planets/Time To Turn two album concept a lot as well, but not Colours or Metromania (never heard Performance). Though I have not heard Visionary......probably pick that up when I see them live this summer at Nearfest. I am looking forward to seeing them live, as I never have and I'm guessing they put on a good show. The vocals are always the sticking point for this band, and they can get on my nerves at times, but for the most part I think they are fine. The music makes up for any shortcomings in that area. Also, as mentioned before, they make Eloy "Eloy" and not some other band. Edited by infandous - May 23 2012 at 14:10 |
|||||
The Bearded Bard
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 24 2012 Location: Behind the Sun Status: Offline Points: 12859 |
Posted: May 22 2012 at 16:40 | ||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
kenethlevine
Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Team Joined: December 06 2006 Location: New England Status: Offline Points: 8952 |
Posted: May 22 2012 at 14:04 | ||||
I love Eloy
More than almost any band I can think of, their albums represent a journey that one must take from beginning to end. Like any journey, there will be parts you love and parts you hate, but you need all of them for the full experience. My favorites are Inside, Dawn, Colours, Planets and Time to Turn. My least favourite are the debut, Floating, Power and the Passion and Destination. And if you like Eloy, I recommend fellow Germans Dice. Check out my reviews. Anyone's Daughter would also be worth a try.
Edited by kenethlevine - May 22 2012 at 14:14 |
|||||
CCVP
Prog Reviewer Joined: September 15 2007 Location: Vitória, Brasil Status: Offline Points: 7971 |
Posted: May 22 2012 at 10:10 | ||||
Indeed, a transition album.
|
|||||
|
|||||
richardh
Prog Reviewer Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Online Points: 28057 |
Posted: May 22 2012 at 01:39 | ||||
thats a much better comment. I was thinking Bells Of Notre Dame is one of their best songs
I do think it is a 'transition album' perhaps. Its also sounds a bit too much like Uriah Heep at times (not a good thing)
|
|||||
CCVP
Prog Reviewer Joined: September 15 2007 Location: Vitória, Brasil Status: Offline Points: 7971 |
Posted: May 21 2012 at 16:48 | ||||
It really isn't. I have most of their discography and that album is among their weakest efforts. It has some cool songs, but overall it is not as good as any album by Eloy up until Metromania.
|
|||||
|
|||||
richardh
Prog Reviewer Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Online Points: 28057 |
Posted: May 21 2012 at 01:01 | ||||
|
|||||
CCVP
Prog Reviewer Joined: September 15 2007 Location: Vitória, Brasil Status: Offline Points: 7971 |
Posted: May 20 2012 at 16:40 | ||||
I guess it was a good thing then, because after 75 they released their masterpieces: Dawn and Ocean. Power and Passion isn't a very good album in any way.
|
|||||
|
|||||
dlz1965
Forum Newbie Joined: January 17 2012 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 4 |
Posted: May 20 2012 at 12:54 | ||||
Actually, Eloy DID tour the USA in 1975 and it was a total disaster which led to the break up of that line-up. They played three dates in London in 1984 before breaking up again. For anyone interested, there are dozens of live bootlegs out there which give some idea as to their live sound.
|
|||||
richardh
Prog Reviewer Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Online Points: 28057 |
Posted: May 20 2012 at 02:51 | ||||
|
|||||
AtomicCrimsonRush
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 14258 |
Posted: May 20 2012 at 01:20 | ||||
^^^ Yes, I agree. I really like their live sound too and this is one of the better live releases of that year.
|
|||||
|
|||||
The Bearded Bard
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 24 2012 Location: Behind the Sun Status: Offline Points: 12859 |
Posted: May 19 2012 at 17:39 | ||||
Listening to it now. Promising!
Same goes for the other tracks you posted, Scott, except for The Midnight Fight/The Victory of Mental Force which I liked immediately.
As for the vocals, I don't find them off-putting at all, as some might. They do, as you say, make them Eloy and not JUST another band. The English words sung/spoken with a strong German accent makes the vocals more spacey, I feel, and that fits the music perfectly IMO. Edited by The Bearded Bard - May 19 2012 at 17:41 |
|||||
|
|||||
AtomicCrimsonRush
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 14258 |
Posted: May 19 2012 at 10:06 | ||||
Thanks I loved Colours too! My Review: "Colours" is a very good Eloy album following a plethora of classic releases during the 70s. The album has a retro sound as all 80s albums tend to have especially with the synth sound, but this is still a progressive release from Eloy with some of their best material. 'Horizons' features the high pitched vocals of guests Edna and Sabine over a quirky time sig driven by keyboards and the hypnotic guitar melodies of Hannes Arkona and Bornemann. 'Illuminations' has familiar Eloy vocals from Frank Bornemann and the strong synth sound of Hannes Folberth. The pace is moderate tempo, and some heavier guitars are heard sounding like Nektar. The riffs are catchy, with terrific guitar work throughout, incredible keyboard solos, and I would say this is a highlight on the album. 'Giant' has a Pink Floyd vibe and some innovative guitars. The keyboard phrases are spacey and it tends to hook into a hypno groove with beatific passages and nice vocals from Bornemann. The keyboard solo is wonderful, very soothing and so well played. 'Impressions' has a whimsical feel with beautiful flute sound, keyboards and guitar picking with the vocals taking on a laid back style. This is easy listening prog but very well accomplished musicianship especially that gorgeous flute solo using keyboards. 'Child Migration' is a keyboard domination, and the vocals are well executed. I like the way the crunching heavy guitar riff comes in later with an odd time sig. The release of tension into light passages is an outstanding touch, and it drives along with layers of keyboards. I love the Floydian keys at the end with spacey atmospheres. This is definitely one of my favourite Eloy songs. 'Gallery' has faster keyboard phrases with an 80s sound but Eloy somehow keep it progressive enough to hold interest. It is more straight forward in terms of structure but a nice diversion into rock. 'Silhouette' is the single and has a Pink Floyd style riff with a rock beat. The vocals are phased and effective. This has a solid melody line and scorching lead guitars. 'Sunset' finishes the album with acoustic vibrations and symphonic synths. The mesmirising beauty the instrumental is as captivating as the album cover artwork. I would dare to suggest this is one of Eloy's triumphant releases and it certainly caps off the 80s that was devoid of innovation like this for the most part. Eloy managed to capture a modern sound without giving into commercialism and creating an album of progressive virtuosic musicianship. |
|||||
|
|||||
AtomicCrimsonRush
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 14258 |
Posted: May 19 2012 at 10:01 | ||||
Very jealous you will see them soon - and hope you post a review of the gig. Thanks for pointing out the goof I made about the Eloi in Time Machine. Its been a while since I saw that gem. Didnt like the remake but it was Okay as far as effects go. Cheers - fixing OP now to remove the goof.
|
|||||
|
|||||
Zombywoof
Forum Senior Member Joined: November 26 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1217 |
Posted: May 19 2012 at 07:27 | ||||
Well, luckily I do have tickets to see them, that's why I was asking. Not a huge fan, yet, but maybe if I see the show, I will be. Seems like one of those 'once in a lifetime' type things, since this is their first trip to the US, EVER!! |
|||||
Continue the prog discussion here: http://zombyprog.proboards.com/index.cgi ...
|
|||||
richardh
Prog Reviewer Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Online Points: 28057 |
Posted: May 19 2012 at 02:40 | ||||
|
|||||
dr prog
Forum Senior Member Joined: September 25 2010 Location: Melbourne Status: Offline Points: 2500 |
Posted: May 18 2012 at 23:01 | ||||
Fine band. I like their early 80s from 1980-83 the most. That's when they were probably most unique and original. They were pretty good in the 70s too although occasionally showing tull and floyd influences. I'd say Power and passion and Mighty echoes are their best of the 70s with Dawn and Floating not far behind. I find Oceans a bit boring in parts. Too much talking/singing with only bass drum and synth in the background. Mutiny and Midnight fight are the bands greatest tracks
Edited by dr prog - May 19 2012 at 20:08 |
|||||
Post Reply | Page <1 1011121314> |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |