IQ: Dark Matter

Dark Matter is my overal favourite IQ album, but I think Ever, Seventh House, and Subteranea are not far behind it. They have been consistent throughout the 90's and beyond IMO. I'm less fond of their 80's material, and feel Marillion had the edge on them back then, but thats not the case nowadays! It's all opinion I guess..

Those who've not seen them live should check them out next time they tour. They are brilliant live; they play superbly and take care over their sound too. They are playing later this year in London. Cant remember the date, but it's listed on the Astoria/Mean Fiddler website.

Dark Matter just abouts scrapes into my top five IQ albums.

dAJaro:

      IQ didn't grab me at first. I was just discovering that new prog bands existed, and listened to everything I could get my hands on. Since the initial recation was so so, I put them aside. After reading some posts from people who's opinions I respect, I decided to give them another try. It's growing on me. I now see that they have a lot to offer, but may be hard to access. I had the same problem with VDGG. Now I am starting to love them.

I'm with those who think Dark Matter is a tremendous album, absolutely brilliant, right up there challenging the classics IMO. On the strength of that one, I bought Seventh House, but that one hasn't hit home yet. Am definitely going to get more of IQ's stuff....

E-Dub wrote: I just get so sick and tired of reading, "I don't know how anyone can like so and so." I have those exact same feelings for a TON of artists; however, I have enough respect to allow them to enjoy it. Sorry if you feel insulted. Opinions should simply be left alone, however. Maybe state reasons why you don't like them, rather than lessening the opinions of others based on the simple fact that they don't correspond with yours. Again, sorry for the knee jerk reaction. My response wasn't necessary. E

IQ are to me the top Neo band, hands down, and it's the vocal melodies that do it. They're almost always written my Mike and Martin, which explains why they fit with (and are often mirrored in) the instrumental sections.

I consider Subterrenea their masterpiece, followed by Ever, Tales from the Lush Attic and Seventh House - only then do I slot in Dark Matter, which I thought lacked some depth, and tended to repeat some ideas to stretch the songs into Epic length. DM isn't a bad album, but to me, there's far better in the Nicholls IQ catalogue - and there are individual tracks not on the albums above that outdo all on DM (Dans le Parc..., It all Stops Here, Headlong, Magic Roundabout).

E-Dub wrote: <<Meh, I don't see why people like IQ so much. They're a solid band there are much better.>> Did we ask? You're right, there are a lot better; but, it's subjective and opinion based. Why can't people comprehend that? I have to repeatedly tell my 3 year old to talk to me like a big girl when she whines for something; yet, it still happens. What's your excuse? E

dAJaro wrote: i love dark matter. but i have to admit that i dont know any other IQ album beside that one. can you recommend me another one? because DM really speaks to me ;)

IMO their best album. The beginning of the album is particulary amazing.  I don't see the similarities with Scenes From a Memory in any part of both albums.