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Cygnus X-2 
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Joined: December 24 2004
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 Posted: April 24 2006 at 21:52 |
 Peter Rideout wrote:
stonebeard wrote:
^ Didn't know you were such a big fan, Peter. I never heard a peep out of you about GG.
As for me, I like them well enough, but I could never do a GG marathon, for I find a lot of the music to sound similar or to have the same format that I can't stand too much of them.  |
Well, Stonie, outside of my reviews, I don't think I talk about bands o'ermuch here, anyway -- I usually post either infantile BS, make fun of poor spelling and/or metal, or self-righteously argue with and insult strangers over misunderstandings.
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That's the Peter we've all grown to embrace... macking funn of karelez spelingg mistackes. 
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Peter
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Joined: January 31 2004
Location: Canada
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Points: 9669
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 21:12 |
stonebeard wrote:
^ Didn't know you were such a big fan, Peter. I never heard a peep out of you about GG.
As for me, I like them well enough, but I could never do a GG marathon, for I find a lot of the music to sound similar or to have the same format that I can't stand too much of them. |
Well, Stonie, outside of my reviews, I don't think I talk about bands o'ermuch here, anyway -- I usually post either infantile BS, make fun of poor spelling and/or metal, or self-righteously argue with and insult strangers over misunderstandings.
GG are definitely an acquired taste, and not for everyone or all occasions. It's strong, heady, weird, wonderful "pungent," stuff! I wouldn't do a marathon listening session either! Much like the case of VDGG, GG's over-the-top music and vocals tend to polarize prog fans into love/hate factions. Perhaps the fact that I've never met a female GG (or VDGG) fan says something.... (I know they exist, though -- there are a few of them here.) 
(I have reviewed a few Giant albums, BTW.)
Edited by Peter Rideout - April 24 2006 at 21:18
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"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
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stonebeard
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 27 2005
Location: NE Indiana
Status: Offline
Points: 28057
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:48 |
^ Didn't know you were such a big fan, Peter. I never heard a peep out of you about GG.
As for me, I like them well enough, but I could never do a GG marathon, for I find a lot of the music to sound similar or to have the same format that I can't stand too much of them.
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Peter
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Joined: January 31 2004
Location: Canada
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Points: 9669
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:42 |
Of the main GG vocalists, Keys man Kerry Minnear had the higher, more "delicate" voice. 
The other lead guys (depending on the album, Phil and/or Ray Shulman) did not hit those very high, quavering notes.
If you have The Power and the Glory, you'll hear Derek on lead vox on the opening "Proclamation," and Kerry on "So Sincere," and "Aspirations." On the terrific "Playing the Game," the lead voice is Derek, until Kerry delivers the third verse, which starts: "My thoughts never spoken," before Derek comes back for the final verse: "I will steer the helm of all the nation...."
Once you listen with the awareness of who is singing which songs and verses, it's not too hard to tell the singers apart in the future.
Check out the discography ("Albums and Music" section) on their excellent official website (which has lots of cool & useful GG stuff!):
It's very thorough and informative in this regard. 
I love this classic prog band! Just listened to "The Face." Rocking Gary Green guitar, terrific, gutsy organ sound, and some really catchy, speedy violin from Ray -- great stuff! 
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"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
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stan the man
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 24 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 504
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:22 |
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A very odd and origional group they are. I just purchased my first GG album (three friends). It is great and very exciting. The type of music that keeps my attention. I am going to get either Octopus or In a Glass House next.
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true as a lobster in a pteredaktyl's underpants.
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Rorro
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Joined: December 31 2005
Location: Uruguay
Status: Offline
Points: 508
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:15 |
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I love some GG songs, but there are a few that i can't understand, but i think it's just matter of time.
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Rorro
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Joined: December 31 2005
Location: Uruguay
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Points: 508
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:15 |
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I love some GG songs, but there are a few that i can't understand, but i think it's just matter of time.
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Arsillus
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Joined: March 26 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 7374
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 18:38 |
They all sound the same to me. 
But GG is awesome nonetheless. |
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Flip_Stone
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 11 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 388
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Posted: April 24 2006 at 18:21 |
Too bad for the author of this post. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't like Gentle Giant.
As for the topic above about who sings "Think of Me With Kindness", it's definitely Kerry Minnear. The only parts Phil sings on Octopus are Dog's Life, the middle part of River, and Knots.
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Visitor13
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Joined: February 02 2005
Location: Poland
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Points: 4702
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:40 |
Ah, yes, Trouserpress - I have been waiting for you to show up  .
I just don't like GG. But I'm hardly trying to make others give up listening to them - simply asking if anyone else feels the same way about them as I do.
And we can always argue about word semantics of my clumsily written post; but what for? No ill will intended here towards anyone. It's good to hear you find so much joy in listening to their music - I hope you will be able to keep finding something new in their music for years to come  .
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The Hemulen
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Joined: July 31 2004
Location: UK
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Points: 5964
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:24 |
Tenth Chaffinch wrote:
There's no way that Kerry sings that song unless you have a different version that I do. The version I have is DEFINATELY Phil. |
They have very similar voices, but I'd say it sounds more like Kerry than Phil. And Kerry wrote the song himself. It's a very personal one.
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Tenth Chaffinch
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Joined: April 22 2006
Location: Singapore
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Points: 203
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:22 |
There's no way that Kerry sings that song unless you have a different version that I do. The version I have is DEFINATELY Phil.
Edited by Tenth Chaffinch - April 23 2006 at 11:23
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www.myspace.com/fatherunderground
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The Hemulen
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Joined: July 31 2004
Location: UK
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:19 |
Tenth Chaffinch wrote:
Gentle Giant may not have the best vocals, but their instrumental prowess cannot be denied. In fact, I believe Phil Shulman had a lot to offer the band vocally and I always felt his vocals in songs like "Think Of Me With Kindness" and "Peel The Paint" were superb.
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*dons pedant cap* A quick correction: Kerry sings Think of Me With Kindness, not Phil. *removes cap*
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The Hemulen
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Joined: July 31 2004
Location: UK
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Points: 5964
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:11 |
Visitor13 wrote:
glass house wrote:
You just wait when trouserpress hears of this [IMG]height=17 alt=LOL src="http://www.progarchives.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif" width=17 align=absMiddle> [IMG]height=17 alt=Wink src="http://www.progarchives.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif" width=17 align=absMiddle> . |
He's gonna have to catch me first[IMG]height=17 alt=Tongue src="http://www.progarchives.com/forum/smileys/smiley17.gif" width=17 align=absMiddle>. |
Consider yourself caught.
Gentle Giant aren't everyone's cuppa tea. No prog music is. In fact, no music of any kind is, and often what one person sees as strengths another will consider a weakness. So whilst I revel in the complexity and sheer AMOUNT of intertwining melodies, harmonies and phrases that make up an average Gentle Giant song a lot of people find it offputting.
That said, there are some things you said in your first post that I just can't agree with at all.
"They lack inspiration". This is clearly rubbish. Their music may not be to your tastes, but it is so unique that I just cannot even begin to understand how you can claim it lacks inspiration.
"They rarely bring a level of vibrant energy to their music". Uhhhm... excuse me? Have you heard Knots? Free Hand? Peel the Paint? They had energy bursting out of every pore! Listen to the official live album and tell me they lack energy. You'll have to admit defeat on that one.
And in another post you said you knew what their music was "saying". Firstly I'd contest that, as I've listened to them obsessively for years and wouldn't have the confidence to say I know what half their songs are about and secondly, DOES IT REMOTELY MATTER WHAT THEY'RE SAYING IF IT SOUNDS GOOD?
You're entitled to your opinions of course, but you've made some very sweeping statements in your posts which give me the impression that you don't know GG's music anywhere near as well as you claim to.
Edit: Excuse the sloppy quoting. I'm using a Mac. Macs scare me.
Edited by Trouserpress - April 23 2006 at 11:13
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richardh
Prog Reviewer
Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29285
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 07:35 |
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There is an element of 'The Emperors New Clothes' about GG.You feel you have to like them.Personally my biggest problem is that they don't use bombast.They also seem to go for 'fiddly' all the time.Too subtle perhaps for heathens like me??! Still I'll persevere and maybe one day I can be part of this 'secret society' of Gentle Giant worshippers!
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R o V e R
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Joined: July 13 2005
Location: India
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Points: 2747
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 06:03 |
Visitor13 wrote:
They're excellent instrumentalists, but rarely write a decent tune. They're boring and lack inspiration. Their vocals are cheesy - I'd be able to cope with them if the songs were excellent, but they're not.
I'm aware that they are one of the most compositionally and instrumentally advanced bands in the archives. Well, it counts for nothing if you can't infuse your musical knowledge and capabilities with life. And GG rarely could bring a vibrant energy to their compositions, IMO. The impressive level of sophistication these compositions achieve doesn't make up for it. A shame really, since the concept behind the music is wonderful - only the execution is half of what it should be.
On the whole, I like Spock's Beard more. They're not as complex and much more poppy. And maybe this is why I find them better - because they're simpler they're more catchy. And they stay catchy, as well, while Gentle Giant stay average. A case of less is more.
Does anyone else agree with me?
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Not Agree
You are unfortunate,
That you don’t like it.
I find Gentle Giant very catchy,
And they wrote lot of decent tunes.
For example.
Decent tunes
Wreck
Mister Class And Quality?
Three Friends
Think Of Me With Kindness
Catchy tunes
Proclamation
A Cry For Everyone
Freehand
The Boys In The Band
Simpler tunes
Acquiring The Taste
Isn't It Quiet And Cold?
Raconteur Troubadour
Edited by R o V e R - April 23 2006 at 06:06
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Hierophant
Forum Senior Member
Joined: March 11 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 651
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 05:24 |
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Gentle Giant's thing is complex layering, dissonance, and
counter-point. To the untrained ear it may just sound like "quirky
rhythms" but there is so many things happening on several different
levels, that it's impossible to "get it" on the first, second, or even
tenth listen. It takes serious time, and effort on the listeners part
if you want to enjoy GG.
Understand where they are coming from musically - to be
challenging to the listener but at the same time musical, and
beautiful. For me GG is one of the easier bands to get into, they have
nothing on some of the RIO nut-jobs (cow,zappa,art zoyd etc).
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RaphaelT
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 17 2005
Location: Poland
Status: Offline
Points: 1453
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 04:31 |
Ghost Rider wrote:
RaphaelT wrote:
GhostRider, I haven't meet on charts a track with a tune as catchy as anything from Free Hand, to say nothing about Peter Hammill and VDGG.
And proggers can write catchy tunes, and great radio friendly singles, take for instance "Walking On Air" by KC |
You're absolutely right. I stand corrected. However, I think one's notion of "catchy" varies from person to person. Catchy prog songs would probably not be considered such by those who listen to commercial pop. For instance, I find Camel's "Never Let Go" and Hatfield and the North's "Share It" very catchy, but I don't see them replacing anything by Anastacia or Madonna in the charts. |
You are absolutely right that the idea of "catchy" tune depends on personal taste. However, most people tend to dance to a tune which they know from TV or radio, slow sentimental tunes or dance loopa are always considered as catchy though.
It would be nice to be a DJ at a party once and present people with slow songs such as "Man-Erg" 
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yet you still have time!
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Raff
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Joined: July 29 2005
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Points: 24429
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 02:58 |
RaphaelT wrote:
GhostRider, I haven't meet on charts a track with a tune as catchy as anything from Free Hand, to say nothing about Peter Hammill and VDGG.
And proggers can write catchy tunes, and great radio friendly singles, take for instance "Walking On Air" by KC |
You're absolutely right. I stand corrected. However, I think one's notion of "catchy" varies from person to person. Catchy prog songs would probably not be considered such by those who listen to commercial pop. For instance, I find Camel's "Never Let Go" and Hatfield and the North's "Share It" very catchy, but I don't see them replacing anything by Anastacia or Madonna in the charts.
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Zoso
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Joined: March 29 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 501
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Posted: April 23 2006 at 00:03 |
robertplantowns wrote:
No
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I don't like Gentle Giant
