I don't like Gentle Giant
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Topic: I don't like Gentle Giant
Posted By: Visitor13
Subject: I don't like Gentle Giant
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:32
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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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Replies:
Posted By: robertplantowns
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:48
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No
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Posted By: Tony Fisher
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:50
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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. |
Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 04:58
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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. |
Posted By: Ricochet
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:06
another I don't like thread?  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.  ------------- 
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Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:13
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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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Posted By: martin77
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:28
| ecolyn rules!! |
Posted By: Terra Australis
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 05:44
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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" rel="nofollow - http://allomerus.bandcamp.com |
Posted By: Masque
Date 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 
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Posted By: glass house
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 06:18
You just wait when trouserpress hears of this   .
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Posted By: the man machine
Date 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. |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 07:04
He's gonna have to catch me first
 . |
glass house wrote:Posted By: Masque
Date 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  If they ask who sent you just tell em it wasn`t me 
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Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:31
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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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Posted By: Evolver
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:41
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. ------------- Trust me. I know what I'm doing. |
Posted By: Arsillus
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:54
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If you don't like them, don't listen to it. |
Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 08:56
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He probably will not Arsillus, but the fenomen Gentle Giant is worth discussing. Likes and dislikes is worth discussing
------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: Marc Baum
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:07
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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 |
Posted By: wooty
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:21
What is wrong with you !!
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  !!
------------- "We turn and turn in the animal belly, the mineral belly, the belly of time. To find the way out: the poem." |
Posted By: Odd24
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:23
Does anyone say something bad about the sacred Gentle Giant? How dare U!!
But anyway, any Gentle Giant cd (except the last 3) contains more interesting stuff than the complete Bitches Brew sessions
 by Miles Davis. I will nag this 4CD box till my dying  day. Probably I don't understand that kind of "complex music" because I am not a graduate at the conservatory.... ------------- Right down the line |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:30
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Gentle Giant is one of the finest bands here, im sure that they are great musicans , bu t i have severa lproblems with them, i have always attempt to dig them and to like them, and i like but only for a moment, i cant listen to them so much, because i cant really"understand" them, i dont know how to explain myself better, but this is my point of view.
------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:42
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Odd24: Kind of a strange comparison. I personally like 'Bitches Brew' much more than GG, and I haven't studied at a music school, either.
Memo: But you're not actually forcing yourself to like them, are you? That would be counterproductive.
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Posted By: wooty
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 09:43
Does anyone say something bad about the sacred Gentle Giant? How dare U!!
But anyway, any Gentle Giant cd (except the last 3) contains
more interesting stuff than the complete Bitches Brew sessions
by Miles Davis. I will nag this 4CD box till my dying day. Probably I don't understand that kind of "complex music" because I am not a graduate at the conservatory....Hey! Hey! Hey! Whoa!  Let's not go that far! This is turning into a forum attacking some of my favorite music (again ) Bitches Brew is Sacred and Holy to me  . How about we just attack Spock's Beard? ------------- "We turn and turn in the animal belly, the mineral belly, the belly of time. To find the way out: the poem." |
Posted By: zappaholic
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 10:18
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By sheer coincidence I picked up the first Gentle Giant album last night. (used for $5). Listened to it and it just didn't hit me like some other stuff has. I do like complex stuff like Zappa and Opeth and Yes and Tull etc. Maybe I just haven't listened to it enough yet, but it seems to have an air of "tried to but couldn't". I'll give it a few more tries though.
------------- "Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard." -- H.L. Mencken |
Posted By: Odd24
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 10:21
Sorry, I do not know Spock's Beard. I cannot say anything about them. But what I can say is this: Dream Theater is good, Gentle Giant is better
 .Or in other words: I like Dream Theater and I love Gentle Giant. ------------- Right down the line |
Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 10:39
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Gentle giant has something that is not easy too describe. But I can trully understand people that have difficulties with them...But comparing with spocks beard.... Too different categories and styles and epokes
------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 10:47
I'd say all music (except the very simplest maybe) has something that is hard, or impossible to describe. Like I said before, I listened to the band attentively and I'm pretty certain I managed to catch hold of that something that GG has. Only that I simply didn't find it interesting. Spocks Beard has some GG influence and they sometimes get criticised here for watering it down. So there is some common ground for comparison, IMO.
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Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 10:59
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Ok.. I must admit....listened too litle too spocks beard
------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:04
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They use some of the instrumental harmonies as a shell for popish MAIN stuff... First opinion, and I have listened too litle... ------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: Drew
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:06
I do- easy. ------------- |
Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:13
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Spocks beard are mostly boring.... but they have elements of greateness...and of GG harmonies..I find the music from spocks NOT CONSTINENT GG are mostly greateness. Spocks beard are PUDDLE POP with some GG elements
------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:13
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There's a band called Yezda Urfa in the archives. They seem to be coming from roughly the same headspace as GG and are much better, IMO. Shame there's only one song available, here:
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=355 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=355
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Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:14
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I do not agree, but GG are certainly NOT to all tastes.
In the end, it all comes down to individual tastes, not the "ability to write a decent song" or a "catchy" song.
 GG's fans are many, and for us, they write very good songs indeed!
 Anyway, now that you've got that off your chest, you probably feel better.
 (There are artists I don't like as well, but I don't really feel any need to list them, or ask for validation or approbation of my feelings.
 )Whatever. ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:20
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"There are artists I don't like as well, but I don't really feel any need to list them, or ask for affirmation of my feelings"
Then we stop the discussion again... ------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: oscar
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:25
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There is a lot of prog artists that I like.... but I dont feel any need too list them, or discuss them at all ------------- Life is PROGRESSIVE |
Posted By: Masque
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 11:34
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I like Gentle Giant .. I do ... but I have one small problem with them ... the sweet spot , wheres their sweet spot ? I mean all great prog has a sweet spot somewhere ? I`m talking about melody in case you don`t get where I`m coming from . It just seems to me that when I take a bite into a Gentle Giant song instead of finding a caramel centre I end up getting mixed herbs instead
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Posted By: andYouandI45
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 12:16
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Oh awesome thanks for this topic. Nobody really cares about your personal opion that much.
Maybe I'll make my own thread about how much I hate Marrilion!
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Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:03
Did I urge that? No, I did not. "Discuss" away! Note my use of the word "I." It indicates that I am speaking of and for myself -- I did not say "you shouldn't list them," or "you should not need affirmation of your feelings."F*ck!
 Quote someone else for a change, please folks! I'm not some censoring "boogy man." Like many others here, I just find such topics to be hugely subjective, needlessly confrontational, and largely pointless. But please: discuss Gentle Giant vs Spock's Beard (WTF?) to your heart's content, oscar! And write lists all you like too -- some seem to think they make for interesting reading....
 To hell with this BS -- I'm going for a ride.------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: mithrandir
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:06
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Gentle Giant write fine tunes IMO, never had a problem getting into them, in fact I gravitate more towards their style then most traditional prog, |
Posted By: soundspectrum
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:09
hahahahahaha you dont see gentle giant as being complex???? then I suppose stravinsky is childs play too. |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:16
| GG are not an easy listen, that's for sure. But isn't that what prog is about? If I were interested in catchy melodies, I would be spending money on high-charting records instead. Anyway, as Tony F. said, it's perfectly OK not to like bands. I'm no Dream Theater fan, and Genesis are far from my favourites ("Supper's Ready" does very little for me, I'm afraid) - but I don't see it as a problem. I just keep listening to what I like and trying other bands out. |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:19
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Only a few people responded in a belligerent manner, Peter. And this wasn't intended to be an offensive thread, but a provocative one. There is a difference, and most people noticed it.
I'm part of the group that doesn't believe in the inherent superiority of 70s' bands over 80s'/90s' ones. My preference of Spock's Beard is to illustrate this and no number of people who don't agree with me will change this preference. But I'd like to know just how outnumbered I am here
. |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:26
It's not about more vs less accessible - it's about complexity that fails vs simplicity that succeeds. Now, of course complexity doesn't always fail and simplicity doesn't always succeed - it's simply because one isn't inherently better than the other.
Soundspectrum: I believe Terra Australis wanted to say that GG sounds very coherent and their complexity is not jarring in any way; it doesn't really make itself heard.
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Posted By: M. B. Zapelini
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:30
I'm just curious: did you listen carefully to all GG's albums? In case you didn't listen to their entire catalogue, which albums you have listened to?
Please note: I'm not saying that someone must listen to a band's entire catalogue to form an opinion about their music, I just want to know if you gave a good listen to "Acquiring the Taste", "In a Glass House", "Octopus", "Live - Playing the Fool", "Interview", "Three Friends" and "Free Hand", which are GG's finest albums IMHO. ------------- "He's a man of the past and one of the present" PETER HAMMILL |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:33
I listened to the first four and am familiar with some songs from "Three Friends" and "Free Hand".
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Posted By: M. B. Zapelini
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:39
Oh well... Facing this, all I can say is: forget about Gentle Giant, you'll probably never like'em.
By the way, there's a mistake here, since "Three Friends" was actually GG's third album. Thanks for your answer. ------------- "He's a man of the past and one of the present" PETER HAMMILL |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:41
You've misunderstood me - I meant the first four albums you had mentioned - Acquiring the Taste", "In a Glass House", "Octopus", "Live - Playing the Fool". And it's not like they don't have their moments - but on the whole they simply don't convince me.
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Posted By: M. B. Zapelini
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 13:48
OK, I think that we all know bands that eveyibody seems to like - everybody except ouselves! E.g., I do not like Supertramp - I gave them a good try, as you did with Gentle Giant, listening to all albums from the first to "Paris", and gave up - they're not my style. ------------- "He's a man of the past and one of the present" PETER HAMMILL |
Posted By: RaphaelT
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 14:51
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Visitor13, you have your just right not to like Gentle Giant, although they were greater showmen than EL&P. 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 ------------- yet you still have time! |
Posted By: MustShaveBeard
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 14:57
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GG hAv lyk n0 20 MynUt ePyKs! EEEWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! ------------- Your life or your lupins!!! |
Posted By: Tenth Chaffinch
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 21:30
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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.
Gentle Giant is a band that is mainly directed at the obtuse-minded and (though I hate to say it) musical elitists.
I am a huge fan of the band, I can respect almost everything they ever put out (though Giant for A Day and Civilian are, in my opinion, weak efforts). I stand by the musicianship and spectacular compositional structures that have made Gentle Giant one of the most wonderful hidden treasures in all of progressive music.
------------- www.myspace.com/fatherunderground |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 21:47
| The fact that you like spocks beard and you don't like gentle giant proves you aren't all there :P. I think a beginner should avoid Octopus and the debut album at the start. Go out and buy Power and the glory, Three friends, In a glass house and Freehand. That's a great start ;) |
Posted By: Empathy
Date Posted: April 22 2006 at 23:56
No, you're usually good about not naming names, but you _do_ indulge in some lighthearted fun at Prog Metal's expense...  As far as GG goes, it's been a long, slow road to appreciation of them for me, but I _definitely_ do now. They were certainly fairly unique in their overall approach and sound, although I do find them to repeat some of their themes from time to time (but what band doesn't, really?). Certain albums are also more accessible than others. For example, I was quite taken with about 3/4 of Octopus from the first moment I heard it. I've had The Power And The Glory now for several months now, and I'm finding that album to be more of a "creeper". ------------- Pure Brilliance: 
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Posted By: Zoso
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 00:03
-------------  |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 02:58
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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Posted By: RaphaelT
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 04:31
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" ------------- yet you still have time! |
Posted By: Hierophant
Date 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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Posted By: R o V e R
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 06:03
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 |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 07:35
| 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! |
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:11
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. |
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:19
*dons pedant cap* A quick correction: Kerry sings Think of Me With Kindness, not Phil. *removes cap* |
Posted By: Tenth Chaffinch
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:22
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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. ------------- www.myspace.com/fatherunderground |
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: April 23 2006 at 11:24
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. |
Posted By: Visitor13
Date 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
 . |
Posted By: Flip_Stone
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 18:21
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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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Posted By: Arsillus
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 18:38
They all sound the same to me. 
But GG is awesome nonetheless.
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Posted By: Rorro
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:15
| I love some GG songs, but there are a few that i can't understand, but i think it's just matter of time. |
Posted By: Rorro
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:15
| I love some GG songs, but there are a few that i can't understand, but i think it's just matter of time. |
Posted By: stan the man
Date 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. ------------- true as a lobster in a pteredaktyl's underpants. 
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Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:42
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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!):
http://www.experience-sampling.org/GG/#ALBUMS - http://www.experience-sampling.org/GG/#ALBUMS
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!  ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 20:48
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^ 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. ------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |
Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 21:12
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.)
------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: Cygnus X-2
Date Posted: April 24 2006 at 21:52
That's the Peter we've all grown to embrace... macking funn of karelez spelingg mistackes. ------------- 
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Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 14:43
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Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 14:57
Actually this isn't true - Drew agrees with me
.(performs victory dance)
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Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 14:59
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No
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Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 15:01
| Yes |
Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 15:23
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No No No
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Posted By: The Lost Chord
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 16:46
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"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!!! -------------  "Only the sun knew why"
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Posted By: Flip_Stone
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 18:30
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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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Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 18:41
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^ Replace the name of the band and all I can say is: spoken like a true DT fanboy. |
Posted By: Dr. Occulator
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 18:48
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Gentle Giant teach you how to listen to great prog. Some people don't
learn as well or as fast as others. When what they've been able to
accomplish does hit you, you realize without a doubt the pure
brilliance of their songwriting and musicality. If it doesn't hit you,
it's a shame, because no amount of convincing will do it for you. It
just wasn't meant to be and I do feel for you.
------------- My Doc Told Me I Have Doggie Head. |
Posted By: Tenth Chaffinch
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 21:02
Agreed 100% ------------- www.myspace.com/fatherunderground |
Posted By: The Wizard
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 21:27
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I takes a few listens to realize how well written the tunes are. It's like having to dissect frog to realize the beauty and complexity of nature and such. Wierd eh? -------------  
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Posted By: Hierophant
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 21:36
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Each GG song is like a whole album within itself. -------------
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Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: April 25 2006 at 23:27
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GG remain my favourite prog. band.I first got into them way back in 73 and appreciated their music in the context of that exciting era. They were groundbreaking and absolutely inspirational. I have to wonder what it must be like to only know them in retrospect and after having heard and /or seen so many other more modern and in many cases derivative prog. bands.I can understand why those who are fairly new to them may now struggle with them to a degree. For those of you who grew up in that era and still struggle with them, you've got no hope. Go back to your Neil Diamond and all the very best of luck to you. For those of you who are struggling with them but who legitimately want to try harder [rather than start controversial threads of negativity for the hell of it] I suggest you have alook at one of their 2 DVDs which are now widely available.To see what they could achieve live gives a clearer understanding of their awesome talent, power and passion,inspiration and absolute commitment to their art. Bombast my ass--- but remember in all these things, its like appreciating a good wine.You don't have to like it because someone else says its good,so called expert or not.Its all down to you.MY ANSWER? NO! ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: SlipperFink
Date Posted: April 26 2006 at 01:37
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Spocks Beard are children.
Giant is as good as it gets in progressive rock music. If they bore you... You bore me. To tears. SM. PS. "The lost chord" needs to go find it... On Mars perhaps. ------------- Modesty is an ornament, but one goes further without it. Old German Proverb |
Posted By: rienst
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 14:50
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Interview and Aquiring The Taste are brilliant albums to my opinion.
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Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 15:20
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Gentle Giant = God
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 15:22
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Some arrogant posts here. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 15:24
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Gentle Giant = God
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Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 21:06
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Having got that off my chest, comparing SPOCK'S BEARD to GENTLE GIANT is like comparing a FORD to a ROLLS ROYCE [where GG=RR,of course] and I don't mind Fords. ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: zeld4
Date Posted: April 27 2006 at 22:06
hahah, so true. TP is who recommended me listen to GG, i love him for it. Best recommendation of my life. ------------- This is what i've listened to this week: http://www.last.fm/user/jewyjewjew/?chartstyle=myspizzle2"> 
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Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 06:02
There's another one (female, I mean) - I love GG, they're so unique. Even though it's not an easy listen by any means, a track like "Knots" is pure genius. They're really original and creative.
It's a pity we live in different continents, though - as things are, we're quite unlikely to meet very soon (though I'd love to visit Canada some day).
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Posted By: OT Räihälä
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 06:41
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I always like it when people show dislike to things that I appreciate because it shows to me that my taste is sooooo much above others'...
Seriously, I've never had any problems with Gentle Giant, who are my all-time favourite band, to me there is no other band that would come anywhere near them in any comparison. Well, maybe they are a bit too easy to me sometimes, but in the whole they were the most complete progressive rock band between Gentle Giant and Interview.
I wouldn't even compare Gentle Giant with other prog acts, but rather with people like Gesualdo or early Stravinsky, who were so much ahead of everything around them that it will always be impossible for a lot of people to acquire the taste (sic!).
If you look for pop ballads or simple rock, then it's okay not to like them and I've got no problem with that. ------------- http://soundcloud.com/osmotapioraihala/sets" rel="nofollow - Composer - Click to listen to my works! |
Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 09:49
Well, I like your forum name, Ghost Rider -- I know it comes from a Rush song (and a good one), but that song is based on Peart's fondness for motorcycles (and, of course, grieving over the tragic losses of his wife and daughter
 -- motorcycling helps the man cope), which is a love that I share. Did you know that when Geddy and Alex are on the jet (or bus) going from concert to concert, Peart often travels there via bike? (^ Neil rides a massive dual-purpose BMW GS1200. Cool!)
Anyway, it's nice to finally "meet" a female GG fan -- but 'tis too bad that you are thousands of miles away, and -- more to the point -- that I am very happily married! Perhaps in the next life...?
Sunny here today -- great biking weather!
Take care, prog fans: keep it between the ditches -- rubber side down!Vroom vroom! ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 10:28
You're perfectly right, Peter - "Ghost Rider" is a great song and a very moving story, a case of triumph over adversity. By the way, I know about Neil's love of motorcycling and his habit of following the band's bus with his bike (which is cool, I agree, though I'm no biker myself).
However, I was not trying to chat you up
! I'm a good girl (your same age, incidentally) and would never do that with a happily married man! Oh, and I love the way you correct people's grammar and spelling... I was a language teacher myself for quite a number of years, so I understand the feeling.
Back IT... It's a real pity there aren't more women into prog, which I find rather strange if you think that there are quite a few women into classical music. As to GG, though their music is undeniably complex, it also contains quite a lot of melody, more - for instance - than much of King Crimson's production. The multilayered vocal parts are quite harmonious and pleasing to the ear, and their incorporation of Renaissance and medieval music into their sound is very intriguing.
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Posted By: zeld4
Date Posted: April 28 2006 at 18:24
Heres another female that enjoys GG **And VDGG**. My favorite CD would have to be Octopus, although i'm torn between Octopus/Acquiring the Taste/Free Hand. I'm a pretty recent GG fan but I'm in love :D It wasnt really an acquired taste for me though, I, with in days, fell in love with Free Hand. Then a few days later fell in love with AtT. Soon after i swooned over Octopus. I actually would really like to hear the rest of their discography. Either way, I'm a female and i love GG/VDGG :D. ------------- This is what i've listened to this week: http://www.last.fm/user/jewyjewjew/?chartstyle=myspizzle2">
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Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: April 29 2006 at 15:14
I couldn't choose a favourite album, I love their first eight albums. I acquired the taste very quickly just a few months ago with Free Hand too, then Acquiring the Taste, then Octopus, then In a Glass House, then Three Friends, then the first album, then The Power and The Glory, then Interview. They are, at this time, my favourite band. I suppose that if I had to choose just five albums it would be In a Glass House, Octopus, Acquiring the Taste, Free Hand, and Three Friends. I'm not that keen on The Missing Piece, Giant for a Day, or Civilian (though there are some individual songs I like). |
Posted By: mystic fred
Date Posted: April 29 2006 at 15:39
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i am not a gentle giant fan, VDGG or anything canterbury for that matter, i find it all rather twee, medieval and hey nonny no or whatever you may call it but it takes all sorts to make a world. i respect other members musical tastes and i don't believe in calling any music rubbish. -------------  Prog Archives Tour Van 
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