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Topic ClosedI don't like Gentle Giant
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Visitor13 View Drop Down
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Points: 4702 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: I don't like Gentle Giant
    Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:32
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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robertplantowns View Drop Down
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Points: 333 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:48
No


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Tony Fisher View Drop Down
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Points: 967 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:50
I have taken a while to get into them too, but I now think they're brilliant. Not a relaxing listen but always interesting. i love the complex vocal harmonies, vast range of instruments and unpredictable nature of the songs. You think they're going one way, then they head in a completely different direction.

It's OK not to like bands; just don't get a complex when others have a go at you, because they will. Some can't accept that others have different opinions to them. You and I will just agree to differ.
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Points: 1043 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:58
No i don't agree. How do you like early Echolyn? Just like Spock's beard they are influenced by GG (more so probably) but vocals are excellent here. I do agree with Spock's beard being very good.
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Points: 46301 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:06
another I don't like thread? Ermm

anyways, Gentle Giant rules...when I first listened to them (that being just 3 months ago),they came with a BANG!!

they're really fabulous. Clap
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Visitor13 View Drop Down
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Points: 4702 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:13
Dirk: I'm not familiar with Echolyn, but thanks for the recommendation.
 
Tony Fisher: Thank you for the kind and considered response. I listened to GG often enough and I listened attentively, so I'm pretty sure I know what they're telling me through their music. It's simply that they are rarely telling me anything interesting, IMO.
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Points: 16 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:28
ecolyn rules!!
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Points: 809 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:44
I don't see gentle Giant as being complex. Sure they use counterpoint in interesting ways, lots of different instruments and different time signatures, but it all fits into a cohesive whole which flows well and has dynamics and melody (perhaps not the sort used in pop music). The singers have passion, power and a delicate touch. It's not as if they use dissonances which grate and have 'noises' etc. to distract from the music.

I like Spocks Beard as well.
Allomerus. Music with progressive intent.

http://allomerus.bandcamp.com
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Masque View Drop Down
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Points: 808 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 06:13
I am just starting to get into them, its only taken me eight years and 3 months and fourteen days but I think they are starting to click Lamp
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Points: 4986 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 06:18
You just wait when trouserpress hears of this LOL Wink .
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Points: 138 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 06:34
i really like GG the way the instruments work together to achieve the final sound . it is ver full music but the sound is not over energettic or tiring because all the instruments just fit. its a very different sound but don caballerro also use a combination of instruments to produce a complex sound. i also like the way that GG use the stereo imaging to good effect.
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Visitor13 View Drop Down
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Points: 4702 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 07:04
Originally posted by glass house glass house wrote:

You just wait when trouserpress hears of this LOL Wink .
 
He's gonna have to catch me firstTongue.
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Masque View Drop Down
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Points: 808 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 07:59
Echolyn are at times a bit like Gentle Giant  But only at times don`t go out and buy echolyn expecting the same "bentness" as GG because Echolyn have a sad kind of moody side about them in some ways they are opposites to GG in other ways very similar . I suggest you go to Echolyn`s web site and down load some full songs (theres about 15 ) and the are downloadable Mp3`s (enough to burn a cd) if you feel like it  Approve     If they ask who sent you just tell em it wasn`t me Shocked   

Edited by Masque - April 22 2006 at 08:16
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oscar View Drop Down
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Points: 74 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:31
I am glad you said "IMO" cause I dont agree... In myopinion GG is VERY catchy... Theyr harmonies vocally and instrumentally really gave me a cick when I learned to know and love them. The MELODIES may not be so melodious, but I am addicted too the harmonies, originality and vitality
    
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Points: 5482 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:41
Originally posted by Visitor13 Visitor13 wrote:

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.
 
That just about says it all.  I bet you would like Civilian or Giant For A Day.  The last few Genesis albums, perhaps? Or maybe some nice uncomplex & poppy Backstreet Boys?
 
Just kidding, really.  Some bands just don't appeal to some people.  It happens.


Edited by Evolver - April 22 2006 at 08:42
Trust me. I know what I'm doing.
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Arsillus View Drop Down
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Points: 7374 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:54

If you don't like them, don't listen to it.

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oscar View Drop Down
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Points: 74 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:56
He probably will not Arsillus, but the fenomen Gentle Giant is worth discussing. Likes and dislikes is worth discussing
Life is PROGRESSIVE
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Marc Baum View Drop Down
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Points: 259 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:07
They're an aquired taste and that's good so. People like the author of this pointless thread simply can't appreciate what GG was about. Keep listening to Spock's Beard and be happy.
"All you need to do is sit back, and acquire the taste." - GENTLE GIANT
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Points: 87 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:21
What is wrong with you Shocked!!  Do you mean to tell me that you actually like Spocks Beard More than GG? And on top of that, you actually DON'T like GG? Did you say that they bring no vibrant energy to their compositions? I'm shocked! I'm more than shocked' I'm appalled! I'm more than Appalled; I'm FLABBERGASTED Broken HeartShockedShockedShockedBroken Heart!!
"We turn and turn in the animal belly, the mineral belly, the belly of time. To find the way out: the poem."
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Odd24 View Drop Down
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Points: 199 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:23
Originally posted by Visitor13 Visitor13 wrote:

 
Does anyone else agree with me?
 
Does anyone say something bad about the sacred Gentle Giant? How dare U!! Tongue
 
But anyway, any Gentle Giant cd (except the last 3) contains more interesting stuff than the complete Bitches Brew sessions Sleepy by Miles Davis. I will nag this 4CD box till my dying Dead day. Probably I don't understand that kind of "complex music" because I am not a graduate at the conservatory....
 


Edited by Odd24 - April 22 2006 at 09:27
Right down the line
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