Flower Kings Appreciation Thread

Biff Tannen wrote: This has probably been covered already, but I think The Rainmaker is definitely their least best.  Don't get me wrong, I like it, and would give it a solid 3 stars, but the sound of it is annoying (the drums sounds too muffled and loud at the same time); it just doesn't have that lush and organic sound that most of their albums do. Maybe they went more of a prog metal-like production because of songs like Last Minute on Earth and Sword of God, but it doesn't do the album any favors.  The real pisser is that extended songs like Road to Sanctuary and City of Angels both have some great moments, but for whatever reason, neither come across to me as great songs as a whole.  Speaking of Sword of God....worst TFK song ever?  Survey says yes!

Biff, we agree again.........at least about Sword of God.  However, I have grown to appreciate Rainmaker over the years, though it's probably only above A&E at the bottom of my FK albums list.

The main issue with the drums for me is that Salazar literally "phoned in" the drum parts (he didn't record them with Roine, but just sent Roine the finished work), since he had quit the band but agreed to do the drums for that album.

The album as a whole always seemed like a place holder type album.........they needed an album to tide fans over until the glory of Unfold could be unleashed.  A stop gap, is another word for it.

Still, I think it has at 4 really great songs on it, and the rest are not particularly bad (aside from the aforementioned SoG).  It was the first Flower Kings album that disappointed me the first time I listened to it.

Over all though, I think the production is pretty good and the music is not bad at all, though obviously not their best either.  Last Minute On Earth, Road to Sanctuary, and Serious Dreamers are right up there with their best material though, IMO.

Pffft, I'm with Gus here, the cover art on Adam and Eve is among their best.  Seriously, given the choice between "Going for the One" and "Adam and Eve" I'll take the hot chick any day.  I do like the cover art for Banks and Paradox Hotel better, but still, Adam and Eve is a solid third in the cover art category for me.

Regarding "The Rainmaker" it's an ok album though I know someone in this thread once said it was their favorite.  I will say this, "Serious Dreamers" is absolutely one of my favorite songs by them.

M27Barney wrote: My Nektar hasn't arrived yet -it's been despatched though....i have noticed a tardiness in despatch times for amazon just lately..I have ordered a DVD set and it hasn't been despatched more than a week after the order was taken!!!! Arse is the proper pronunciation in ENGLISH..... An Ass is something you must not covet in the bible or something like that as in Thy should NOT covet thine neigbours ASS..........

Using a process of elimination Rainmaker is my least favourite album, not to mean it's no good, far from it.

Ironically I really like Sword of God .  Everything points to it being a howler, Deep Purple-pastiche quasi dramatic Ronnie-Dio-esque vocals and all.  However, I love the chorus, I love the guitar work and the instrumental break is superb.

Sorry, Elaine is bloody awful, one of their worst songs musically and lyrically.  The complete antithesis of The Chicken Farmer Song .

Serious Dreamers and Last Minute are top notch and Red Alert is one of my favourite less than a minute tracks ever.

Rob, let us know what you think of the Nectar album, once Amazon get their fingers out.  You're right their delivery times have really deteriorated over the last year

 

Roj wrote: Using a process of elimination Rainmaker is my least favourite album, not to mean it's no good, far from it. Ironically I really like Sword of God .  Everything points to it being a howler, Deep Purple-pastiche quasi dramatic Ronnie-Dio-esque vocals and all.  However, I love the chorus, I love the guitar work and the instrumental break is superb. Sorry, Elaine is bloody awful, one of their worst songs musically and lyrically.  The complete antithesis of The Chicken Farmer Song . Serious Dreamers and Last Minute are top notch and Red Alert is one of my favourite less than a minute tracks ever. Rob, let us know what you think of the Nectar album, once Amazon get their fingers out.  You're right their delivery times have really deteriorated over the last year

For me, Sword of God was the first song where Hasse's vocals started to annoy me.  Luckily, he totally redeemed himself on Unfold, and didn't really bother me again until recently (some of his vocals on Tour Kaputt, his Companion albums, some of his vocals on Banks).  Which is odd, because I love Dio's vocals for the most part (as well as other metal "screamers" from the 70's and 80's).

Elaine is only notable for me for the last minute and a half or so where we are treated to a very small foreshadowing of the fusion jams on Unfold.

Agree with you about the rest, though the album ranks just above A&E for me (and like you, that also doesn't mean either of them are not good).

I am in possession of a copy of the "Watchtower!"....Just let that statement sink in whilst I relate this strange tale that sort of resonates with much of the current meanderings on this here thread.....Are you sitting comfortably? Good, I shall begin...I got home from work tonight at approximately 17:55...I unlocked the garage door and was returning to my vehicle when a Raven Haired Beauty approached me and asked me in a delightful american drawl "Are you Lost?". A strange thing to ask a man who is just about to put his car in his home garage! It was then that I took stock, immculately dressed in a black business suit, white blouse that accentuated the curves of a very shapely pair of breasts, possibly about 20 - 21 years old...then as I got close - I was suddenly struck by how gorgeous she smelt, I was struck by a deep primordial arousal that I hadn't felt in such a situation ever...Pheromones playing havoc with my libido, "Can I help you?" asked, getting as close as I could without actually frightening the wondrous angel stood before me. "Take this" and she handed me the pamphlette...Ah. I said - "Jenovas Witness" and spell was suddenly broken. I took the offfered paper, she was quite simply the most gorgeous woman I had ever been so close to in my entire life (Except you dear if your reading this....)....She smiled - I was beguiled....then the echoes of my atheism came whispering across the tarmac...."Thanks, I said" and watched as her tight ass wiggled away from me (I had to use the word ass - she was obviously American).....I then thought that maybe listening to a preacher now and again would be worth a go on her every night if she was your wife...........

Roj wrote: Using a process of elimination Rainmaker is my least favourite album, not to mean it's no good, far from it. Ironically I really like Sword of God .  Everything points to it being a howler, Deep Purple-pastiche quasi dramatic Ronnie-Dio-esque vocals and all.  However, I love the chorus, I love the guitar work and the instrumental break is superb. Sorry, Elaine is bloody awful, one of their worst songs musically and lyrically.  The complete antithesis of The Chicken Farmer Song . Serious Dreamers and Last Minute are top notch and Red Alert is one of my favourite less than a minute tracks ever. Rob, let us know what you think of the Nectar album, once Amazon get their fingers out.  You're right their delivery times have really deteriorated over the last year

Elaine has some, well, questionable lyrics, for sure, but musically it is still a very good tune, one I enjoy a lot.  I love the outro with that bass and the sax. 

dennismoore wrote: Ok, you sorry basteurds...  They doctors have changed my meds so they tell my my delusions with Chicken Farming will be lessened and I can actually do things that are considered "productive" by most regular people.  To that end, I've just done something actually really cool. My 58 minute edit of Garden Of Dreams has been resurrected from CDFS Hell.  Anybody interested in the "right" way to play this glorious tune, then PM me. by the way....   CDFS  =  http://www.techterms.com/definition/cdfs

Actually, the unedited version of Garden of Dream is 58 minutes long (and 40 some seconds).  So is that a mistype on your part?  Or did you just edit out 40 seconds? 

dennismoore wrote: infandous wrote: dennismoore wrote: Ok, you sorry basteurds...  They doctors have changed my meds so they tell my my delusions with Chicken Farming will be lessened and I can actually do things that are considered "productive" by most regular people.  To that end, I've just done something actually really cool. My 58 minute edit of Garden Of Dreams has been resurrected from CDFS Hell.  Anybody interested in the "right" way to play this glorious tune, then PM me. by the way....   CDFS  =  http://www.techterms.com/definition/cdfs Actually, the unedited version of Garden of Dream is 58 minutes long (and 40 some seconds).  So is that a mistype on your part?  Or did you just edit out 40 seconds?    The number was a typo.  I edited all the parts that you had told me you liked.   Ok, wise-guy.  Did you play the edit???  I really wanna know what you think about it.   I rescued my Snow edit and Stranger In Your Soul as well...

heh, no sorry, haven't got that far.  Actually downloading it now, but it's taken close to a half hour so far (probably throttled since the place you have it wants everyone to pay to download stuff faster).