Forum Home Forum Home > Progressive Music Lounges > Prog Polls
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Love Beach vs St. Anger (Albums)
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Love Beach vs St. Anger (Albums)

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
Poll Question: Which album do you prefer?
Poll Choice Votes Poll Statistics
21 [77.78%]
6 [22.22%]
You can not vote in this poll

Author
Message
Prog Network View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 03 2022
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 454
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prog Network Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Love Beach vs St. Anger (Albums)
    Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:09
Both of these albums have an infamous legacy for all the wrong reasons. I can see merit for both albums upon a deeper listen. But, these two albums have some major flaws to say the least. Out of these two "controversial" albums which do you prefer?

Edited by Prog Network - April 26 2023 at 09:15
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 44186
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (2) Thanks(2)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:28
I can't believe you made me vote for Love Beach LOL
Back to Top
Jared View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19499
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jared Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:36
I can't vote. because... and I don't know whether you'll believe this, but I have actually never listened to Love Beach... and I really don't want to. My listening experience with ELP finishes with Works Vol II (and EL Powell).. I just don't want to go any further.

I heard St. Anger when it first came out and thought it was a pointless noise with few redeeming features. 20 years later, my view might possibly have changed, but in view of the fact that I didn't like Hardwired either, I somehow doubt it...
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 44186
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:42
Originally posted by Jared Jared wrote:

I can't vote. because... and I don't know whether you'll believe this, but I have actually never listened to Love Beach... and I really don't want to. My listening experience with ELP finishes with Works Vol II (and EL Powell).. I just don't want to go any further.

I heard St. Anger when it first came out and thought it was a pointless noise with few redeeming features. 20 years later, my view might possibly have changed, but in view of the fact that I didn't like Hardwired either, I somehow doubt it...

Well, I think Hardwired... was their best since the Black Album. Death Magnetic is better than St Anger. But that just goes to show how bad St Anger really was. One of the worst metal albums ever... 

I struggle with both Works albums, an uneven mess. 
ELPowell was good. Even 3 was decent IMO. Smile


Edited by Cristi - April 26 2023 at 08:44
Back to Top
Prog Network View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 03 2022
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 454
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prog Network Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:49
Originally posted by Jared Jared wrote:

I can't vote. because... and I don't know whether you'll believe this, but I have actually never listened to Love Beach... and I really don't want to. My listening experience with ELP finishes with Works Vol II (and EL Powell).. I just don't want to go any further.

I heard St. Anger when it first came out and thought it was a pointless noise with few redeeming features. 20 years later, my view might possibly have changed, but in view of the fact that I didn't like Hardwired either, I somehow doubt it...

Honestly, if you stop at Works Vol II you aren't missing much in my opinion.

But there are only a couple decent songs that appear later in their career.

- The Score (9:08)
- Desde La Vida (7:06)
- Memoirs Of An Officer And A Gentleman (20:13)
- Changing States (6:01)


Edited by Prog Network - April 26 2023 at 08:50
Back to Top
Jared View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19499
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jared Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:50
Originally posted by Cristi Cristi wrote:

I struggle with both Works albums, an uneven mess. 
ELPowell was good. Even 3 was decent IMO. Smile

At the risk of going slightly off topic, I think Works I is quite underrated. It's going to be uneven, given the nature of the writing, but Emerson's PC is quite superb. The weakest parts for me are Lake's meanderings which continued onto W II, which is at best, pleasantly diverting but nothing more. I just couldn't cope with the notion of 'ELP goes AOR' on Love Beach.. it's a car crash I choose not to watch in real time.. Ouch
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 44186
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 08:53
Originally posted by Jared Jared wrote:

I just couldn't cope with the notion of 'ELP goes AOR' on Love Beach.. it's a car crash I choose not to watch in real time.. Ouch

I don't know if I'd call that AOR. There are some easy listening songs indeed, the problem I have these days are the bad lyrics, rather than the music/instrumentation. 


Edited by Cristi - April 26 2023 at 08:53
Back to Top
Prog Network View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 03 2022
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 454
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prog Network Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 09:01
I actually believe "Memoirs Of An Officer And A Gentleman" is an underrated track. I'd even go as far to say it's a top 10 track for the band.

There are also various covers of "St. Anger" online that show these songs actually have some merit. I believe the biggest problem is the album's terrible production and sound choices.




Edited by Prog Network - April 26 2023 at 09:27
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 44186
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 09:03
Originally posted by Prog Network Prog Network wrote:

I actually believe "Memoirs Of An Officer And A Gentleman" is an underrated track. I'd even go as far to say it's a top 10 track for the band.

However, there are various covers of "St. Anger" online that show these songs themselves actually have some merit. The real problem in my opinion is with the album's terrible production and sound choices.

It's not just the production, but also the song-writing, poor lyrics, James's worst vocal performance, no solos, poor performance/drumming from Lars. 
Back to Top
Psychedelic Paul View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 16 2019
Location: Nottingham, U.K
Status: Online
Points: 40743
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 09:12
I'm voting for Love Beach for all the right reasons (mainly for the Beach Gees album cover), even though I've never heard of the Metallica song. Embarrassed

Edited by Psychedelic Paul - April 26 2023 at 09:13
Back to Top
Prog Network View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 03 2022
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 454
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prog Network Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 09:13
Originally posted by Cristi Cristi wrote:

It's not just the production, but also the song-writing, poor lyrics, James's worst vocal performance, no solos, poor performance/drumming from Lars. 

I agree, but I consider the production to be the biggest culprit. At least with better production these poorly written songs would be an easier listen. LOL

However, like you said, this album doesn't just have one problem it has numerous.


Edited by Prog Network - April 26 2023 at 11:56
Back to Top
JD View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: February 07 2009
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 18446
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (2) Thanks(2)   Quote JD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 09:29
Let me take you to the BEACH !
Thank you for supporting independently produced music
Back to Top
verslibre View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: July 01 2004
Location: CA
Status: Offline
Points: 17432
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote verslibre Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 09:51
Love Beach has its moments, whereas St. Anger shoulda been scrapped.
Back to Top
Hrychu View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: November 03 2013
Location: poland?
Status: Offline
Points: 5390
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Hrychu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 11:59
At least Love Beach doesn't have that POS snare sound.
“On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.”
— Ernest Vong
Back to Top
mellotronwave View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 30 2021
Location: Belgium
Status: Offline
Points: 10431
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mellotronwave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 13:56
None sorry
Back to Top
Awesoreno View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 07 2019
Location: Culver City, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 3048
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Awesoreno Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 22:21
Ok, Love Beach is underwhelming at best, but how can it always come up in conversations on "worst" albums when In The Hot Seat exists?
Back to Top
Manuel View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: March 09 2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13450
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Manuel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2023 at 22:43
Love Beach. Not as bad as many people rate it, at least to my ears.
Back to Top
Hugh Manatee View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: December 07 2021
Location: The Barricades
Status: Offline
Points: 1587
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hugh Manatee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 27 2023 at 00:35
Originally posted by Jared Jared wrote:

Originally posted by Cristi Cristi wrote:

I struggle with both Works albums, an uneven mess. 
ELPowell was good. Even 3 was decent IMO. Smile

At the risk of going slightly off topic, I think Works I is quite underrated. It's going to be uneven, given the nature of the writing, but Emerson's PC is quite superb. The weakest parts for me are Lake's meanderings which continued onto W II, which is at best, pleasantly diverting but nothing more. I just couldn't cope with the notion of 'ELP goes AOR' on Love Beach.. it's a car crash I choose not to watch in real time.. Ouch
 

It appears to me that within the fandom of ELP there seems to be a split between those who prefer Emersons contrubutions and those who prefer Lakes approach to their output.

Personally, I fall into the Lake camp. I listen to ELP mostly for Lakes meanderings, on "Works" and across the rest of the ELP catalogue, whereas a lot of Emersons work leaves me cold for the most part.
I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of uncertain seas
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 44186
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 27 2023 at 00:48
Originally posted by Awesoreno Awesoreno wrote:

Ok, Love Beach is underwhelming at best, but how can it always come up in conversations on "worst" albums when In The Hot Seat exists?

so true Smile
Back to Top
Jared View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19499
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jared Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 27 2023 at 01:22
Originally posted by Hugh Manatee Hugh Manatee wrote:

It appears to me that within the fandom of ELP there seems to be a split between those who prefer Emersons contrubutions and those who prefer Lakes approach to their output.

Personally, I fall into the Lake camp. I listen to ELP mostly for Lakes meanderings, on "Works" and across the rest of the ELP catalogue, whereas a lot of Emersons work leaves me cold for the most part.

Greg has a superb voice and I personally think both Lizard and Islands would have sounded better for their inclusion. I am sure their co-writing on the first 5 albums brought out the best in each other and when they distanced themselves for Works, they both suffered but for me, Lake's side of the disk is fairly forgettable, sorry. 
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.152 seconds.
Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.