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The Hemulen 
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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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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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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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Visitor13
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Joined: February 02 2005
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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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Flip_Stone
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Joined: August 11 2005
Location: United States
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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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Arsillus
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Joined: March 26 2005
Location: United States
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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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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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Rorro
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Location: Uruguay
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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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stan the man
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Joined: January 24 2006
Location: United States
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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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Peter
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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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stonebeard
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Joined: May 27 2005
Location: NE Indiana
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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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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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Cygnus X-2
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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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Vibrationbaby
Forum Senior Member
Joined: February 13 2004
Status: Offline
Points: 6898
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Posted: April 25 2006 at 14:43 |
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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No
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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 25 2006 at 14:57 |
Vibrationbaby wrote:
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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No
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Actually this isn't true - Drew agrees with me  .
(performs victory dance)
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Vibrationbaby
Forum Senior Member
Joined: February 13 2004
Status: Offline
Points: 6898
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Posted: April 25 2006 at 14:59 |
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No
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Visitor13
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Joined: February 02 2005
Location: Poland
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Posted: April 25 2006 at 15:01 |
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Yes
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Vibrationbaby
Forum Senior Member
Joined: February 13 2004
Status: Offline
Points: 6898
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Posted: April 25 2006 at 15:23 |
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No No No
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The Lost Chord
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Joined: June 23 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1907
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Posted: April 25 2006 at 16:46 |
"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?"
YES YES YES YES I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!
GG have like 2 or 3 great songs, otherwise...miserable. Complexity does not equal good music people! WHERE ARE THE CHILLS!!!
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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 25 2006 at 18:30 |
Yeah right, GG only having 2 or 3 good songs! There must be some really bad dope over in that part of the world.
Some people just can't handle the magnitude of talent that was Gentle Giant.
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I don't like Gentle Giant
