The Gentle Giant Appreciation Thread
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36141
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Topic: The Gentle Giant Appreciation Thread
Posted By: moebius
Subject: The Gentle Giant Appreciation Thread
Date Posted: March 28 2007 at 23:32
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They are outstanding! They deserve our admiration and respect. No more to say.
Share your links, videos, experiences, essays, interpretations, pictures and impressiones about this masters.
Come on and tell the world how good Gentle Giant were! And how we envy this "contest winner": http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/pix/misc/garygreen-nearfest.jpg - http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/pix/misc/garygreen-nearfest.jpg GO!
Gentle Giant... the progressive rock at his best.
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Replies:
Posted By: rsmoore
Date Posted: March 28 2007 at 23:49
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I just purchased "Octopus" in the limited edition Dec. 2006 CD release, with the beautiful original Roger Dean cover art. First time hearing this whole album, though I'd previously heard Knots (it was on a 70s compilation called The Progressives, or something like that, which a college roommate owned). Fantastic music; you can hear a little of Jethro Tull in some passages, a little of Yes in others, but in the end it is a sound uniquely their own.
Oh, I've also had their first album on CD for some time. I'm looking forward to exploring more of their music. |
Posted By: moebius
Date Posted: March 28 2007 at 23:59
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In the seventies, they toured many times with Jethro tull (Ian Anderson was amazed with th live rendition of Knots), also with Yes, and they opened shows for Black Sabbath (Ozzy once mentioned Gentle Giant in his reality show) and King Crimson... In this site http://members.aol.com/JAskelly/GGtourhistory.html - http://members.aol.com/JAskelly/GGtourhistory.html is said that there were no more than 300 people in the Gentle Giant / King Crimson concert. I could sell my liver if i can see this two bands together in one show now...
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Posted By: wooty
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 00:15
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Gentle Giant!!! Hear! Hear! My favorite progressive rock band. There aren't any better. (my silent admiration)
------------- "We turn and turn in the animal belly, the mineral belly, the belly of time. To find the way out: the poem." |
Posted By: Tommydouglas
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 00:21
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I'm grateful to this site for introducing me to Gentle Giant through the Reviews section. The first seven albums received such rave reviews that I kept on buying. It would be nice to get remixes of the first three though.... Someone mentioned a remix of Octopus which I wasn't aware of.... Two embarassing admissions: I first heard them a mere six months ago (I guess I'll have "newbie" status forever for that admission) and secondly I like the American Octopus album cover better than the Roger Dean cover. Strange how they never reunited...what's that all about? ------------- "I'm not really spiritual, just religious." |
Posted By: The Miracle
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 00:22
Gentle Giant are masterliness... nuff said ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/ocellatedgod" rel="nofollow - last.fm |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 00:27
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great, great, great, great, great...
..I just regret I started with 'Aquiring the Taste, and was so turned off I waited several years to listen to Octopus, Freehand and PatG.. but late is better than never!! |
Posted By: Failcore
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 01:11
| Ah, I love Acquiring . It's my fav after Glass House. Wreck is one awesome song to be sure. |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 01:19
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it is a fine album actually, it's just that the later stuff is so much more exciting..
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Posted By: Trademark
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 01:33
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"Strange how they never reunited...what's that all about?"
Derek is the driving force behind the band NOT reuniting. He simply doesn't want to do it and has said so many times in interviews I've read. He's done pretty well for himself. He was President of a couple of major record labels and currently president and founder of the Roadrunner label, home to Opeth and Porcupine Tree among others. On the down side he did sign both Bon Jovi and Nickleback as well. From what he says, he sees no point in re-living the past. |
Posted By: rsmoore
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 02:19
Those bands must have been great together (I never got into Black Sabbath, though). My first Yes concert (GFtO tour) had Donovan as opening act (he was good but of course not prog); then Tormato and Drama "in the round" with no opening acts; saw Tull only once (Stormwatch, with UK opening IIRC) -- so I missed any chance to see Gentle Giant. Interesting to hear about Ian Anderson's opinion. It's hard to pinpoint the similarity between Tull and GG, but if I listen to the opening track "Giant" on the first GG album, I hear kind of a presaging of some of the instrumental passages in A Passion Play. |
moebius wrote:Posted By: pero
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 02:28
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One of my favorite bands. I have all studio albums and 4 live.
In a glass house is masterpiece, but it's a bit rockier then other albums.
Also first album, Power and glory, Acquiring the taste and Three friends are exellent too.
Free hands and Interwiew are different then earlier albums, but still very good.
Last phase is shame for GG (Civilian, Giant for a day), and it would be better that they didn' record it and left the ring undefeated.
Live concerts were never their strongpoint. They were much better in studio, because with their complex music they didn't manage to establish contact with audience.
IMO their best live album is "King biscuit flower hour", followed by "Live at BBC" and "Expirience".
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Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 03:14
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All hail the ENORMOUS CREATURE OF QUIET AND HONOURABLE DISPOSITION.
I am green [and I don't mean Gary] with envy regarding anyone who actually got to see them live . When I was in the UK in 76/77 they were apparently busy touring the US. I saw the live TV broadcast of what is now the 'GG at the GG' DVD . How good is 'Giant on the Box'? Certainly my fav. prog band since the 70s and I don't expect to find one that appeals to me more. ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 03:24
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Fantastic band. The first album I heard was Acquiring The Taste and I was immediately impressed. That is still my favourite Gentle Giant album, but I also like Three Friends and Octopus a lot. But I haven't heard a bad album from them (though I didn't listen yet to the albums after Free Hand).
Since a few weeks I have the Giant On The Box - dvd. That is one of the best live - video's I ever saw!
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 03:32
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Gentle Giant...is one of those bands that I claim I love but only own one album by and need to buy more but never get around to because other music is flashier and more interesting sounding. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: pero
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 03:58
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I know that most of you will disagree, but "giant on the box" was a bit dissapointment for me. The music is OK, but they were playing exactly as on studio albums without additional spice and chemistry, which most of great live bands produce on concerts.
Example: ELP, VDGG, Genesis, Yes, Pink floyd, Jethro tull, KC, Colosseum, Mahavishnu orchestra were more exciting for me on their live performances than GG.
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Posted By: moebius
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 07:45
I disagree. You realy should check the studio versions of the songs played in Giant On The Box. All the songs are far different than studio versions, rearranged, there is a percussion frenzy, there are medleys, instrumental passages and longest solos. My impression is that all the songs are played with a lot more energy than in studio... including the fact that the songs singed originally by Kerry (a "weak live singer") are performed by Derek live, who indeed adds more spice and power.
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 07:54
I had difficulties to get into their their 'conservatory prog' when I discovered Gentle Giant in the late Seventies but now I love their music featuring awesome interplay  One of the great things in their sound is the use of the underrated Hohner D6 clavinet, so swinging and powerful , to be seen on the Giant On The Box DVD  so a big hand for Gentle Giant!
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Posted By: dwill123
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 08:07
| When I was concert chairman at my college back in the 70s, we had Gentle Giant open for Dave Mason. Great, great show. They had just released "The Power and The Glory". Still to this day my favorite GG album. |
Posted By: shanocles
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 08:20
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i also have Gentle Giant on the Box DVD.
it's great stuff. i would have to agree with the other guy on this thread,
its probably the best live dvd of a past era. ------------- if left is wrong i don't wanna be right... 
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Posted By: moebius
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 08:21
In Lawrenceville?
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Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 13:51
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One of my favourite bands even though I don't have all of their classic albums(1970-76) yet. But the album Free Hand (my first meeting with Gentle Giant) is convincing enough. A real masterpiece of progresive music in my book.
They had short albums even in 70's standard, but the 35 minutes of Octopus offers more musical pleasures than many albums which are about twice as long.
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Posted By: darksideof
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 15:21
I am with you buddy.!!  ------------- http://darksideofcollages.blogspot.com/ http://www.metalmusicarchives.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Darksideof-Collages/ |
Posted By: darksideof
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 15:23
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Few moth ago, I got my only and hopefully no the only DVD by this outstanding band!!!
buenissimos.!!!! ------------- http://darksideofcollages.blogspot.com/ http://www.metalmusicarchives.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Darksideof-Collages/ |
Posted By: Melomaniac
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 15:31
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Ah, Gentle Giant. Discovered them back in 1991, with The Power and The Glory. I was already a prog fan, but I remember thinking that I never thought prog could be so amazing !!! I love all their albums except Giant for a Day, and I still can't make up my mind on which album is my favorite. I almost cried when I watched Giant on the Box for the first time, to think I'll never get to see them live...
In my opinion, GG was the best gathering of truly dedicated musicians in one band, and even though there are many talented bands out there today (such as Porcupine Tree, The Mars Volta, etc...), I sincerely think no band will ever come close to the Mighty Giant. ------------- "One likes to believe in the freedom of Music" - Neil Peart, The Spirit of Radio |
Posted By: Badabec
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 17:27
Simply the best band ever, in my opinion. I got all their original 12
albums and 4 lives, and about 7 CD's from the Glass House Records Label
with more or less bad quality, "Under Construction" and the 4 CD-set
"Scraping The Barrel". I have never heard another band that played so
sophisticated music without coming across as cold. They are the masters
of prog, it is sad that they never reunited and probably will never
reunite again.  In my opinion they are live even better than in studio, they are very powerful and really do not play their songs in the same way as they are presented on their albums. Gentle Giant will always be my favourite Prog band though there are many other excellent Prog bands like Genesis, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Opeth, Wobbler, The Flower Kings, Yes, Saga, Marillion, Echolyn or Anekdoten.  ------------- Mesmo a tristeza da gente era mais bela E além disso se via da janela Um cantinho de céu e o Redentor - Antônio Carlos Jobim, Toquinho & Vinícius de Moraes - Carta ao Tom 74 |
Posted By: Speesh
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 19:44
| I just recently discovered how great this band really is in the last week or so (it took a while for Octopus to grow on me). I'm having a great time working my way through their discography, everything I've heard so far is outstanding. They're one of my favorite prog bands now. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 19:45
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I was privileged enough to see both King Crimson and Gentle Giant live at the Atlanta Agora back when I was too young to get into those kind of clubs. They didn't play together though. King Crimson when they came by on the Discipline tour and Gentle Giant on their final tour. That one was a specially fortunate event as it was only their second visit to Atlanta. We were passed by on the Playing the Fool tour and many others.
The show was broadcast on 96 Rock (or mighty sick rot as I like to call it). A high school buddy taped it for me. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: Camel_APPeal
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 20:41
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I'm in awe of everything I've heard from Gentle Giant (from 'Gentle Giant' to 'In A Glass House'). In fact, I got In A Glass House last week, and though I listened to it then, it just "clicked" with me only a few hours ago ! What a really amazing album... another amazing output from GG!
If I have to pick only one favorite, I guess it would be Acquiring The Taste: a groundbreaking album for my appreciation of prog. ------------- 
"After all, it's music what we're talking about here, so there's no best or worst; just what you like and what you don't" |
Posted By: dave-the-rave
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 14:03
I beg to differ. I saw GG twice (Summer of either '74 or '75, midnight show at the Calderone Theater in Hempstead, Long Island, NY, and Fall '77 at the Palace Theater in Albany, NY), and they're amazing live. IIRC, they change instruments very frequently, as well as the 5-man drum bash, the syncopated singing, etc. They were on US TV (nationally, I think) on an ABC late-night show called "In Concert." It was simulcast in stereo on WPLJ-FM in NYC, so you could watch the TV and listen to it in stereo on the radio (How primitive it seems today!) I still have the cassette I recorded of the FM broadcast. |
Posted By: dwill123
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 18:10
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Posted By: glass house
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 18:22
Just have a big grin on me face because of this thread  .
It so happens just this night I had an old friend over who never heard any GG. Played him some In A Glass House and some Octopus and he liked it !! Hope I can convince to get on this forum.
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Posted By: raindance2007
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 19:14
| One of my fave bands. Their best albums were 4 consecutive album 3 friends, In a glass house, Power and the glory and Free hand, but I really like Civilian too(5th fave GG album) and can't believe the bad coments it gets. Missing Piece is quite good and on par with Interview and the first 3 albums, but a step below their best 5 albums above |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 19:34
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Octopus is considered to be GG's fourth album. It was originally released after Three Friends and before In a Glass House. I love each of their first eight studio albums, but if I had to choose a favourite it would be Acquiring the Taste -- followed by Three Friends. I find the sound fuller. EDIT: incidentally, personally I don't find Civilian nearly as good as any of their first eight studio albums, but that's a matter of personal preference. What's greatest for me need not be greatest for you, of course. For me Interview is GG's last great studio album. Playing the Fool is one of the best live albums I've heard. I actually prefer Under Construction to GG's final three studio albums. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: raindance2007
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 20:17
I think As old as you're young and Winning are awesome. If you compare Missing Piece to Interview, I think it has the strongest songs of the 2 albums, but it also the weakest songs of the 2 albums. I give both albums a solid 4 stars, while I give Civilian 4.25 stars |
Posted By: BePinkTheater
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 23:11
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Easily one of, if not the, most talented group of musicians to ever coalecse. and easily some of, if not the, best music ever written ------------- I can strangle a canary in a tin can and it would be really original, but that wouldn't save it from sounding like utter sh*t. -Stone Beard |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 02:11
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I just bought one of their albums...believe it or not they had it in a mall music store! In a Glass House. Its really good...dont get me wrong but I kinda like the samples from the earlier stuff...a little less rock and roll and more classical style. Awesome band, I shall eventually own their discography. I bought Octopus a while ago and it never came in the mail...tried again, no go. I have no idea why. I need it! |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 04:43
| One of the best prog bands ever without a doubt. "The Power and the Glory" and "In a Glass House" are a joy. "Octopus" seems a bit off those two, but not by much. Haven't heard enough of the others. |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 04:51
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not only did Octopus make me love them, the original cover is my favorite of Dean's.. could be hanging in a museum
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Posted By: martinn
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 10:18
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One of my favorite bands, if not my favorite. As for today I own 6 Studio Albums ( Three Friends, Octopus, In A Glass House, The Power and The Glory, Free Hand, and Interview) and I must say there are all stunning! The first I got and my personal favorite is Octopus, what a masterpiece! Probably my second favorite Album after Close to th Edge. This band is so special, they have developed an own style more than any band I know, I also read somewhere they used 54 different instruments for one Album ( I don't know if it is true, but it would be very Gentle Giant to do that  ).Some clappies for the kings of Prog! ------------- 
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Posted By: Ghostnote
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 15:50
| Gentle Giant are awesome. The amount of quality material they released in the 70's is almost unrivaled by the other Prog giants of that decade. I can't believe that Bradley Smith didn't include them in his book "The billboard guide to progressive music"! Does anyone else agree? |
Posted By: Ben2112
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 22:38
Someone took the time to write an entire book about progressive rock and failed to even mention Gentle Giant?! That is among the most absurd things I've ever heard, in a journalistic sense. 
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Posted By: hogweed P
Date Posted: April 01 2007 at 19:38
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just got into them about a year ago, and can't believe I had never explored them before. Totally indespensible, awesome music. Enjoyable as hell. Luckily enough, as I started getting into prog last year, I started going to a small local used cd shop (they also sell new stuff, and order stuff for you), and the owner is a total lover of prog, and recommended In a Glass House to me, so sight unheard and on his recommendation, I bought it. Now, I have all their cds from the first to The Missing Piece. In an alternate world with justice, these guys would be huge.....but, we still have the great, consistent catalogue of work they left us.
kind of hard to think of a better band right now....
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Posted By: BePinkTheater
Date Posted: April 02 2007 at 16:09
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Really the most talented and interesting to listen to bands ever. ------------- I can strangle a canary in a tin can and it would be really original, but that wouldn't save it from sounding like utter sh*t. -Stone Beard |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: April 02 2007 at 16:22
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deserves all the ranking and spots in the top 20 of the PA's album list that Genesis has.... better debut, better 2nd, better 3rd, better 4th albums, and so on hahahha hell even their 'pop' albums are better... ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Badabec
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 07:00
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By the way, I don't know why there are so many people who say
IN'TERVIEW was a weak or at least no truly excellent album. It is one
of the band's best outputs if you ask me.
------------- Mesmo a tristeza da gente era mais bela E além disso se via da janela Um cantinho de céu e o Redentor - Antônio Carlos Jobim, Toquinho & Vinícius de Moraes - Carta ao Tom 74 |
Posted By: pero
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 08:17
Interwiev is very decent album, similar in style as "free hand", but for me a bit weaker.
This was unfortunately their last good album.
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Posted By: Bionic Commando
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 11:01
| I've known of Gentle Giant for years, but i've never actually picked up any albums. Anyone have any recommendations on which I should buy first? The more I listen - the more I love. |
Posted By: Firepuck
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 11:06
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^ Everyone has their favourite, really you can't go wrong with any of their top albums listed here: http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118 - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118
My favourite is "Free Hand" ------------- Kryten : "'Pub'? Ah yes, A meeting place where humans attempt to achieve advanced states of mental incompetence by the repeated consumption of fermented vegetable drinks." |
Posted By: laplace
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 11:07
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I'd recommend Free Hand as the most immediately addictive it's a worn statement but you ultimately can't go wrong with any of their first eight albums ------------- FREEDOM OF SPEECH GO TO HELL |
Posted By: jalas
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 11:16
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They're ok................................Just kidding. They're Great. I can't deny that. ------------- 
JOIN THE COMMUNIST PARTY! |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 12:34
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I just listened to the bonus track on "In A Glass House" which of course is a live medley of Runaway/Experience. IT IS POWERFUL! The guitar tone is mint condish...wow The drums are more driving! The "Go insane" part doesn't make me go insane anymore! He sings it more bluesy. The whole thing is an improvement on what I didn't think could be improved...and its live! This one track has convinced me I need some live albums. Anyone else share the thought that they have a heavier and more driving sound live? Don't get me wrong, I love the light studio sound on some songs but others deserve a heavy live representation. Awesome stuff! |
Posted By: Mascodagama
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 18:06
There is definitely more electricity and drive captured on some the live recordings than comes through in the studio. If you want live albums you won't go wrong with Playing the Fool or King Biscuit Flower Hour. Both are excellent, though I prefer Playing the Fool - if you do get it, make sure you get the 35th Anniversary edition, which sounds just great. ------------- Soldato of the Pan Head Mafia. We'll make you an offer you can't listen to. http://bandcamp.com/jpillbox" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp Profile |
Posted By: kane
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 18:07
I would agree that he missed the boat on Gentle Giant. However, to correct you the book does say progressive music NOT progressive rock. It is also put out by Billboard so what exactly do you expect? |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 19:53
Playing the fool has a good rating on here...I want to get it, one question though. Do they change up arrangements at all like on "Experience?" (Differant drum beats in parts, more guitar based ) |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 19:54
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^^^^^^^^^^ Which of course would be a good thing! |
Posted By: Failcore
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 20:04
| They change up a lot of the stuff. It's awesome. Excerpts from Octopus is guaranteed to rock your world. |
Posted By: moebius
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 22:13
| I agree with the last post... Knots live (from the excerpts of octopus) has a very heavy king crimson - like accent. |
Posted By: Badabec
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 06:28
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Playing The Fool is the best live-album ever made, in my opinion (check
my review if you like). And yes: Gentle Giant is live a bit heavier. My
favourite song on Playing The Fool is... Free Hand...? Pretty hard decision, but the solo in this song is simply ingenious. By the way, my 1000th post! ------------- Mesmo a tristeza da gente era mais bela E além disso se via da janela Um cantinho de céu e o Redentor - Antônio Carlos Jobim, Toquinho & Vinícius de Moraes - Carta ao Tom 74 |
Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 06:32
Yes, but he did put a lot of Krautrock in his book, a lot of cd's that are only known to a few people, a lot of experimental stuff... It's Billboard, but it's a great book, with a lot of attention to detail, so I have no clue at all why he didn't include Gentle Giant (and Van der Graaf Generator).
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Posted By: Rolling Ronnie
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 06:37
Derek Shulman and Peter Hammill are, I suspect, quite happy about it though. They have both gone on record as saying they hate the 'pro-rock' tag, claiming (with great justification IMO) that their music is far more wide- ranging. |
Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 07:50
True, and more than that: I have the idea that most of the well known artists that are featured on this site, don't like the prog rock tag at all.
It's just that Bradley Smith wrote a real good review book, and I think Gentle Giant and Van der Graaf Generator deserved to be in it. Whether they liked it or not
 . |
Posted By: unclemeat69
Date Posted: September 01 2007 at 12:50
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at the moment they are probably my favorite "first wave"prog band,
although they never liked to be called that (possibly due to different
interpreations of the term). Some bits in their music remind me a bit of The Mo (a keyboard driven new wave band, early 80's, famous for their hit 'Fred Astaire'), I think they had quite some influence on non-prog acts (japanese rockguitarist Akira Takasaki of Loudness had some GG-type sounds in his first soloalbum, not mimicking but influenced by them, keyboards and guitars mostly). I fully understand why Derek wouldn't want a reunion as it must have been pretty hard to do all the business for a band that were not half as popular at the time as some of the other bands like Yes, Genesis, ELP etc. let the past be the past, we can still enjoy the CD's and DVD's ------------- Follow your bliss |
Posted By: Plastic Man
Date Posted: September 01 2007 at 13:49
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One of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had listening to music was the Gentle Giant composition "Way of Life" from 'In a Glass House.' I had owned the album for a couple of weeks, and this was probably about the 4th or 5th time listening to it. It was nighttime, and I decided to go for a bike ride with my CD player at a nearby trail that curves around through the woods. There was a full moon, it was gorgeous. When it got to the part at about 3:30, it was just a perfect blend of sight, sound and movement. Everything was perfect in that moment. I've always loved those "triumphant" Gentle Giant moments, such as at the very end of the album 'Three Friends,' always very moving. ------------- I begin to wonder if the points of all the ancient myths are solemnly di-rected straight.. at.. meeeeeeeeee! |
Posted By: pero
Date Posted: September 02 2007 at 05:51
Mee too
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Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: September 03 2007 at 01:22
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The menu fills on the DVDs are new short pieces written by Kerry Minnear just for that purpose and John Weathers does some drumming on them as many of you know. I ordered my 'GG at the GG' from Alucard music [links on the official website]. It is actually run for the band by KMs wife Lesley.
In the course of that transaction, I emailed her and added that I was so impressed with Kerry's fills that he ought to get together again with some of the band , if poss., or even do a solo album. [I would certainly get it based upon that taste of what he can still put together]. She replied that he doesn't enjoy working alone and hasn't found musicians he wants commit to yet, but she didn't rule it out. We should all email them letting them know the extent of the support globally for this music and........... who knows ? I'd be happy with a solo album from KM with drumming by JW and whoever else they may choose to contribute. ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: Infinity
Date Posted: September 11 2007 at 20:46
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Gentle Giant's music literally has the power to change your life, your whole vibe....I am continuouslly in awe of their albums.
The first 8 albums are nothing short of incredible...
His Last Voyage is possibly the most gorgeous and all ground covering song ever written...
I am currently spellbound by the last 4 tracks (or side B if vinyl) of INTERVIEW....these songs need far more listening and far more credit....if you want to know where the essence came from for The Mars Volta, Spock's B, Echolyn, Porcupine Tree (exceptional band), Ozrics...just listen to these, directly or indirectly they created a sound that advanced ideas using old methods and brand new ways.....that is progressive.
It's like with Giant you get the gorgeous harmonies say of Floyd's Us & Them, the disarming affect of Crimson's Larks Tongue, the rock of Zeppelin's Ocean but all delivered in an unbelievably timeless package...
So much to discover here kids and oldies that overlooked them.....please dont miss out on them....
P.S - quick mention, I saw Think Floyd tonight.....very good for a tribute band, well done boys!
 ------------- I can't remember what I said I lost my head. __________________________ |
Posted By: progcabaretdoll
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 03:53
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You are right, they deserve more appreciation and attention.
Octopus: Excellent album.
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Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 14:43
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How did I miss this thread? Gentle Giant is my second favourite Prog band, behind VdGG. |
Posted By: BePinkTheater
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 15:14
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Really there's nothing for me to add to the conversation excpet that they are, in my opinion, the most talented and interesting to listen to band in the world.
------------- I can strangle a canary in a tin can and it would be really original, but that wouldn't save it from sounding like utter sh*t. -Stone Beard |
Posted By: The Lost Chord
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 17:48
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HaiL!!! -------------  "Only the sun knew why"
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 17:49
long time no see brother... you still in school are in the real world yet ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Zargus
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 17:58
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So far i got Octopus and In a glass house and i like em very much, next buy will be The power and the glory and Free hand. No doubt one of the best prog bands ever! ------------- 
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 18:02
I'd recommend you head to their earlier era... try Three Friends.. or Acquiring the Taste. Those are great albums. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Zargus
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 18:19
/\ Yust ordered Acquiring the Taste, you beter be right! It got a scary cover too.   -------------
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 18:21
trust me... it won't take you long into the first song before you'll know I'm right ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Infinity
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 19:23
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just buy them all!
------------- I can't remember what I said I lost my head. __________________________ |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: September 12 2007 at 19:31
he will... we all do once you get bitten by the GG bug
There were two phases of GG and he seemed to be loading up on the post
Phil stuff... the early stuff uses much more atmopherics and
space then the latter oncs did... which sort of bludgeon you with
crazy complexity hahahha. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: September 13 2007 at 02:48
Well said! Even if "Acquiring the Taste" is not on a par with "Octopus" or "In a Glass House", the opener, "Pantagruel's Nativity", is an incredible song, one of GG's very best. The vocal harmonies are something out of this world. |
Posted By: pero
Date Posted: September 13 2007 at 03:19
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Some more GG videos : http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=gentle+giant - http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=gentle+giant
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Posted By: Teh_Slippermenz
Date Posted: September 14 2007 at 05:46
| I love Gentle Giant, I heard "Wreck" on Stellar Attraction a couple months ago...I have to get my hands on "Acquiring the Taste". ,_, |
Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: September 14 2007 at 08:33
| Interview is an underestimated album, it is not their best work, but still a worty addition to anyone's collection. |
Posted By: Bj-1
Date Posted: September 14 2007 at 08:40
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One of my favorite prog bands, hands down! The Octopus-Interview period especially displays some of the best prog has to offer in a very creative and diverse way. Their earliest albums are all excellent as well, notably Acquiring The Taste. ------------- RIO/AVANT/ZEUHL - The best thing you can get with yer pants on! |
Posted By: Plastic Man
Date Posted: September 15 2007 at 01:44
lol, Yeah, I love when the vocals first come in with "Hoooow can I laugh or cryyyyy?!" ------------- I begin to wonder if the points of all the ancient myths are solemnly di-rected straight.. at.. meeeeeeeeee! |
Posted By: crimhead
Date Posted: September 29 2007 at 20:13
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I only got to see them twice in concert and I will never forget it. Both amazing shows. |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: September 30 2007 at 06:24
| Ugh... I used to really like their music... why don't I feel like returning to it? |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: October 01 2007 at 19:08
well? I noticed I haven't got a PM from you asking for a refund... what did you think? ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Zargus
Date Posted: October 02 2007 at 10:10
Great, thx for the tip.  The first and last song seems to be the best ones with some sweet stuff in the middle. (and the cover artwork turned out to be not what i tought it was )-------------
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Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: October 02 2007 at 13:26
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Acquring the Taste's cover is ... eh, but the music is really "delicious".
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