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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Shit Talk / Bumbershoot / Love / History What the Hell Happened to Weezer? The Matt Sharp Theory
Posted by Eric Grandy on Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 12:15 PM
In this week's Bumbershoot Guide, I run down the sad, slow decline of lovable "nerd" rockers Weezer:
The problem with Pinkerton was that it sort of flopped at the time. Critical reception was cool or at least mixed, and commercially it failed to perform nearly as well as its predecessor. What many bands might have chalked up to archetypal sophomore slump and taken in stride, Weezer, or at least Cuomo, took hard. So hard that he returned to his studies at Harvard and put the band on indefinite hiatus. He denounced the album, calling it "a hideous record... a hugely painful mistake that happened in front of hundreds of thousands of people."
(Read and comment on the whole thing HERE.)
There wasn't room to explore this in the article, but there is another common theory of what, beyond Cuomo's butthurt, went wrong with Weezer after Pinkerton: The departure of bassist Matt Sharp. The year before Pinkerton came out, Sharp had enjoyed some success with his analog synth-loaded side-project the Rentals and their debut The Return of the Rentals; in 1998, with Weezer effectively on indefinite hold, Sharp left the band presumably to focus on the Rentals.
The theory goes that Sharp must have exerted a much needed check on Cuomo's cornier impulses, that beyond playing bass he might have functioned as something like the band's internal editor. This is all conjecture, but it would seem supported by the fact that, after parting ways, Sharp went on to release another outstanding if underrated album with the Rentals, the sprawling European sadsacking trip Seven More Minutes, while Weezer came back with the power-pop-by-numbers of the "Green Album" and then worse.
Ironically, after Seven More Minutes, like Pinkerton and the "Blue Album," failed to live up commercially to the Rentals' debut, Sharp also dropped out of the public eye (so much so that for years while I was in college, there was a website called "Where's Matt Sharp?" dedicated to tracking him in his hermitage). Sharp recently rebuilt the Rentals to tour and record some new music, and while the live shows were great, the new songs weren't much to write home about. But at the worst the new songs were merely ho-hum; they were never, ever so embarrassing as "Beverly Hills." That's the kind of pop genius you get when your internal editor/bassist is an ex-Marine goon in a utilikilt. Ugh.
1
Also the same thing that happened to Depeche Mode when Alan Wilder left the band. When there is no one in the room with the balls to say "Actually, that's a horrible idea." things can and do take a turn for the worse.
2
Weezer and the Toadies were two bands that were my little secret for a long time since they were no-names in Kentucky and Ohio where I grew up and went to school. When Weezer broke up, I was heartbroken. Pinkerton was weird, quirky, and unmistakeably awesome and the world just didn't know it (was i the Midwest version of a hipster? perhaps... but i really hope not). Then word spread that they would be reuniting and i practically jumped with joy... until I heard the green album. Then i wanted to go crawl in a hole and listen to some Cure. I read about what was going on and even ventured to read Cuomo's biography... and I think I nailed the problem. Cuomo's massive ego had grown so large that his head had exploded and a little pop-song monkey jumped out to take his place in the band. Let's just say, I'm pleased as punch that they'll be re-touring the Pinkerton album. Though, I have to wonder why he loves this album again (if he does indeed love it)... or is he just kowtowing to the pop gods and bringing it back into the limelight as cool because it's "retro" Weezer. All I have to say is: Don't f*** this up for the fans Rivers.
3
Having rubbed elbows with those guys on their Seattle trips from 93-96, I agree wholeheartedly with this theory. I haven't paid much attention to them since Pinkerton, and am heading to the Hole/Weezer show with curiosity.
4
I'll always have a place in my heart for Weezer, but I'll be damned if I keep buying their albums like some kind of chump.
The drummer, Pat Wilson, has a group called The Special Goodness.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcxn7t_…
It's poppy, it's fun, it has that 90's crunchy sound.
The drummer, Pat Wilson, has a group called The Special Goodness.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcxn7t_…
It's poppy, it's fun, it has that 90's crunchy sound.
5
Weezer always sucked. You were just young and deluded. Anybody older than 24 when their first album hit never liked them.
6
Bass players are often the secret essential ingredient to great bands even when it doesn't seem like they're doing anything that difficult (Eric Avery from Jane's Addiction and John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin come to mind.)
7
Well - first off, HOLE/WEEZER? Why would anyone, any age go see that show? That whore killed Kurt she's the devit - now most men just deal with having a sht wife but Kurt couldn't take it - she drove him crazy and over the edge... The band members know it, evryone involved knows it...the cops even know it - as well as some MTV execs that were going to air a "investigative report" but got cold feet - because its run by women - and actually cut the whole project. I know because I was a guest on the 3 day , 6 hr documentary. Everyting was done but the editing., The original director and project lead is now a well known in your face filmmmaker.. he did a storey on her and kurt anyway years later - "I think called Who Killed Kurt Cobain?"....
T-BONE IS DEAD ON RIGHT!!! SO IS THIS "THEORY" because I happen to actually "know" personally and first hand. Old known fact.......Those that want to read something you think you want to argue but can't or won't win - read on...or if you just want to read the real storey - enjoy. I am professional author and journalist.
Bass players are so under appreciated by fans and know nothing music enthusiasts but the best two examples off the top of my head is PAUL McCartney and JOHN PAUL JONES - obviously the tow best all around important innovative, commercial, pop, super successful, EVERY MEMBER so talented they all innovated and invented new music that will last forever. The Beatles have the fact that they REFUSED to sell out, they decided to stop TOURING (that's how bands EARN MONEY) and did so just to concentrate on recording a record. That's ALL. They went from "She loves you" - which any Punk garage band that's talented today PLAYS this song it sounds FKN GREAT) but from bubble gum pop to TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS from Revolver. WTF? In-bewtween those songs there were millions of other examples of why the Beatles are SO GREAT and everyone praises them musically and in every way. Ever heard any BEATLES song on a TV COMMERCIAL or in a movie - NO. ONE TIME, when Nike used Revolution for a commercial and were sued by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for over $40 Billion (settled out of court but they made a sh*t load. They also sued APPLE computers, and in the suit was over 5% stock in the company - so NOBODY is as wealthy and worked (toured, shilled, sold, published) less then the FAB FOUR. They are so F'n Cool on so many levels because they are smarter then everyone but smile and blow smoke up your asss while you pay them , then churn out songs like Helter Skelter that made Jimi Hendrix, The Who's guitarist, Clapton, The Stones of course and The Beach Boys front man all almost RESIGN from the business... After SGT PEPPER, they pull out the white album and that song? That was 1966 - they invented the sound that Zeppelin would BEGIN WITH and expand it to also be as tough, smart, innovative, in your face egos, best band on earth and hardly EVERY got ANY radio play or EVER any good reviews until LONG after the party was over. The Beatles realized that the "band's sound and storey" had RUN ITS COURSE - PAUL was the reason the beatles made it past 1964. John admitted as did all the others except Paul - that Paul was the driving force that kept the Beatles together for "HELP" and every album after. He came up with SGT PEPPER, he tried again with Magical Mystery Tour but that's where John also came in to say - "look here, this is getting kinda played out, let's do something more interesting." John and Paul's STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER/PENNY LANE single was the first recording they did after almost quitting and then deciding to stay together and just record. This is what they did first - IN 1965!!!!! That's like someone building a working cell-phone in the year 1794. Both songs are about their mother's death - something NEVER attempted in any music EVER, self examination and impressionism expressed through music. On-Top of which, no more POP and Catchy crap, but melodic, strange, emotional rollercoaster songs that both BLEW FANS AWAY and is seen as the most important Modern Music release - EVER. They had Paul for the really cool but CATCHY and nifty ideas - and JOHN to step in when needed to make sure it wasn't all 100% CORNEY - which is what Paul became without John. They hadn't ever done drugs yet (except John) and they did the "Single". Followed that with RUBBER SOLE and HELP and of course SGT PEPPERS, WHITE ALBUM, ABBEY ROAD... Paul was the leader post 1964 - they all agree, except Paul of course..but John was the "cool" influence that kept their lyrics, attitude, and sound - the greatest influential band for all times. The Velvet Underground, while very underrated commercially - praised by critics and musicians - Lou Reed was the driving force but the bass player kept them from doing silly self stereotyping songs. Listen to ANY Velvet Underground song and tell my ONE BAD SONG - like the Beatles, they never released one. Weezer's BLUE - every song - perfect. Sharp left long before the Pinkerton recording sessions. He stopped showing half way through and already was totally immersed into the RENTALS - also made an album that is PERFECT, EVERY SONG ON THE RENTALS IS EXCELLENT. Not a single toss off or mail in. Not one. The only exception is Led Zeppelin. They are without a doubt, the best Musicians ever. It would be great to see Paul and JP Jones have a bass duel because both are incredible but Zeppelin credits the beatles for more then they should. Robert plant, while the perfect match, couldn't play anything but the Harp...and HE WANTED some songs on the albums too soon enough - and there you have the reason why there are some real sh*t
the LedZep songs but the first 7 - SEVEN - albums are front to end - perfect. Every song. Hendrix was great but James PAGE could play anything Jimi could, was sober, and also INNOVATED MORE, wrote 95% of the music and lyrics, and was so cool. He IS THE MODEL of what to aspire to now- a living GOD. NOBODY TOURED like Zepp...Nobody Did shows like them (copied the drum solo's and other "JAMS" by other bands for years after they INVENTED it - credited by many but most of all by the Grateful Dead and Phish as the inventors of the JAM). John Paul Jones kept the songs and the band - listenable and down to earth as much as possible. Otherwise - ZEPPELIN WAS SO GOOD, we'd just be understanding them today they were so ahead of their time musically. These Bands never had DRUG problems... Never HEROIN addicts, never any non-sense like that - They were BOXERS FIGHTING WITH HISTORY to be taken seriously as THE BEST FUKN BAND PERIOD. That's JP JONES' actual quote. Quiet but he WAS ZEPPELIN's "PERSONALITY" as a band and its "SOUND". ALL GREAT , SMART BANDS KNOW - they have to invent a "SOUND" and its got to be greatness. They stick to that sound. EXAMPLE - WHITE STRIPES. (notice his second band he was able to still keep that detail but Jack became far too generous in letting others collaborate or write their own - he's John&Paul in one person, plus he doesn't drink or do drugs, act a fool, STUDIES MUSIC CONSTANTLY, is OBVIOUSLY MENTALLY OBSESSED AND CRAZY IN LOVE WITH WHAT HE DOES, and then Dead Weather is unlistenable at some points because he's not PUSHING THE BANDS AGENDA AND SOUND, he's too nice and he should be a prick. Like Stephen Malkamus and PAVEMENT. Also - never made a "bad" song on a single Album. Even Nirvana has stuff that will NEVER be listenable again but these few bands I mentioned are a few of those whose music will NEVER sound played out, old, boring, or at least - Not CURRENT & FAMILIAR. --- sorry, I write for 14 magazines and Newspapers on the music industry and history, I never post on these things but when I do - boom. I've got 3 PhD in Fine arts (Music) and am a musician, was/am "Known". But the comment about Matt Sharp and Weezer is TRUE because I know them all personally, and also because its true from the Beatles to Pink Floyd to Zeppelin.
MasterShake
More...
T-BONE IS DEAD ON RIGHT!!! SO IS THIS "THEORY" because I happen to actually "know" personally and first hand. Old known fact.......Those that want to read something you think you want to argue but can't or won't win - read on...or if you just want to read the real storey - enjoy. I am professional author and journalist.
Bass players are so under appreciated by fans and know nothing music enthusiasts but the best two examples off the top of my head is PAUL McCartney and JOHN PAUL JONES - obviously the tow best all around important innovative, commercial, pop, super successful, EVERY MEMBER so talented they all innovated and invented new music that will last forever. The Beatles have the fact that they REFUSED to sell out, they decided to stop TOURING (that's how bands EARN MONEY) and did so just to concentrate on recording a record. That's ALL. They went from "She loves you" - which any Punk garage band that's talented today PLAYS this song it sounds FKN GREAT) but from bubble gum pop to TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS from Revolver. WTF? In-bewtween those songs there were millions of other examples of why the Beatles are SO GREAT and everyone praises them musically and in every way. Ever heard any BEATLES song on a TV COMMERCIAL or in a movie - NO. ONE TIME, when Nike used Revolution for a commercial and were sued by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for over $40 Billion (settled out of court but they made a sh*t load. They also sued APPLE computers, and in the suit was over 5% stock in the company - so NOBODY is as wealthy and worked (toured, shilled, sold, published) less then the FAB FOUR. They are so F'n Cool on so many levels because they are smarter then everyone but smile and blow smoke up your asss while you pay them , then churn out songs like Helter Skelter that made Jimi Hendrix, The Who's guitarist, Clapton, The Stones of course and The Beach Boys front man all almost RESIGN from the business... After SGT PEPPER, they pull out the white album and that song? That was 1966 - they invented the sound that Zeppelin would BEGIN WITH and expand it to also be as tough, smart, innovative, in your face egos, best band on earth and hardly EVERY got ANY radio play or EVER any good reviews until LONG after the party was over. The Beatles realized that the "band's sound and storey" had RUN ITS COURSE - PAUL was the reason the beatles made it past 1964. John admitted as did all the others except Paul - that Paul was the driving force that kept the Beatles together for "HELP" and every album after. He came up with SGT PEPPER, he tried again with Magical Mystery Tour but that's where John also came in to say - "look here, this is getting kinda played out, let's do something more interesting." John and Paul's STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER/PENNY LANE single was the first recording they did after almost quitting and then deciding to stay together and just record. This is what they did first - IN 1965!!!!! That's like someone building a working cell-phone in the year 1794. Both songs are about their mother's death - something NEVER attempted in any music EVER, self examination and impressionism expressed through music. On-Top of which, no more POP and Catchy crap, but melodic, strange, emotional rollercoaster songs that both BLEW FANS AWAY and is seen as the most important Modern Music release - EVER. They had Paul for the really cool but CATCHY and nifty ideas - and JOHN to step in when needed to make sure it wasn't all 100% CORNEY - which is what Paul became without John. They hadn't ever done drugs yet (except John) and they did the "Single". Followed that with RUBBER SOLE and HELP and of course SGT PEPPERS, WHITE ALBUM, ABBEY ROAD... Paul was the leader post 1964 - they all agree, except Paul of course..but John was the "cool" influence that kept their lyrics, attitude, and sound - the greatest influential band for all times. The Velvet Underground, while very underrated commercially - praised by critics and musicians - Lou Reed was the driving force but the bass player kept them from doing silly self stereotyping songs. Listen to ANY Velvet Underground song and tell my ONE BAD SONG - like the Beatles, they never released one. Weezer's BLUE - every song - perfect. Sharp left long before the Pinkerton recording sessions. He stopped showing half way through and already was totally immersed into the RENTALS - also made an album that is PERFECT, EVERY SONG ON THE RENTALS IS EXCELLENT. Not a single toss off or mail in. Not one. The only exception is Led Zeppelin. They are without a doubt, the best Musicians ever. It would be great to see Paul and JP Jones have a bass duel because both are incredible but Zeppelin credits the beatles for more then they should. Robert plant, while the perfect match, couldn't play anything but the Harp...and HE WANTED some songs on the albums too soon enough - and there you have the reason why there are some real sh*t
the LedZep songs but the first 7 - SEVEN - albums are front to end - perfect. Every song. Hendrix was great but James PAGE could play anything Jimi could, was sober, and also INNOVATED MORE, wrote 95% of the music and lyrics, and was so cool. He IS THE MODEL of what to aspire to now- a living GOD. NOBODY TOURED like Zepp...Nobody Did shows like them (copied the drum solo's and other "JAMS" by other bands for years after they INVENTED it - credited by many but most of all by the Grateful Dead and Phish as the inventors of the JAM). John Paul Jones kept the songs and the band - listenable and down to earth as much as possible. Otherwise - ZEPPELIN WAS SO GOOD, we'd just be understanding them today they were so ahead of their time musically. These Bands never had DRUG problems... Never HEROIN addicts, never any non-sense like that - They were BOXERS FIGHTING WITH HISTORY to be taken seriously as THE BEST FUKN BAND PERIOD. That's JP JONES' actual quote. Quiet but he WAS ZEPPELIN's "PERSONALITY" as a band and its "SOUND". ALL GREAT , SMART BANDS KNOW - they have to invent a "SOUND" and its got to be greatness. They stick to that sound. EXAMPLE - WHITE STRIPES. (notice his second band he was able to still keep that detail but Jack became far too generous in letting others collaborate or write their own - he's John&Paul in one person, plus he doesn't drink or do drugs, act a fool, STUDIES MUSIC CONSTANTLY, is OBVIOUSLY MENTALLY OBSESSED AND CRAZY IN LOVE WITH WHAT HE DOES, and then Dead Weather is unlistenable at some points because he's not PUSHING THE BANDS AGENDA AND SOUND, he's too nice and he should be a prick. Like Stephen Malkamus and PAVEMENT. Also - never made a "bad" song on a single Album. Even Nirvana has stuff that will NEVER be listenable again but these few bands I mentioned are a few of those whose music will NEVER sound played out, old, boring, or at least - Not CURRENT & FAMILIAR. --- sorry, I write for 14 magazines and Newspapers on the music industry and history, I never post on these things but when I do - boom. I've got 3 PhD in Fine arts (Music) and am a musician, was/am "Known". But the comment about Matt Sharp and Weezer is TRUE because I know them all personally, and also because its true from the Beatles to Pink Floyd to Zeppelin.
MasterShake
8
Well - first off, HOLE/WEEZER? Why would anyone, any age go see that show? That whore killed Kurt she's the devit - now most men just deal with having a sht wife but Kurt couldn't take it - she drove him crazy and over the edge... The band members know it, evryone involved knows it...the cops even know it - as well as some MTV execs that were going to air a "investigative report" but got cold feet - because its run by women - and actually cut the whole project. I know because I was a guest on the 3 day , 6 hr documentary. Everyting was done but the editing., The original director and project lead is now a well known in your face filmmmaker.. he did a storey on her and kurt anyway years later - "I think called Who Killed Kurt Cobain?"....
T-BONE IS DEAD ON RIGHT!!! SO IS THIS "THEORY" because I happen to actually "know" personally and first hand. Old known fact.......Those that want to read something you think you want to argue but can't or won't win - read on...or if you just want to read the real storey - enjoy. I am professional author and journalist.
Bass players are so under appreciated by fans and know nothing music enthusiasts but the best two examples off the top of my head is PAUL McCartney and JOHN PAUL JONES - obviously the tow best all around important innovative, commercial, pop, super successful, EVERY MEMBER so talented they all innovated and invented new music that will last forever. The Beatles have the fact that they REFUSED to sell out, they decided to stop TOURING (that's how bands EARN MONEY) and did so just to concentrate on recording a record. That's ALL. They went from "She loves you" - which any Punk garage band that's talented today PLAYS this song it sounds FKN GREAT) but from bubble gum pop to TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS from Revolver. WTF? In-bewtween those songs there were millions of other examples of why the Beatles are SO GREAT and everyone praises them musically and in every way. Ever heard any BEATLES song on a TV COMMERCIAL or in a movie - NO. ONE TIME, when Nike used Revolution for a commercial and were sued by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for over $40 Billion (settled out of court but they made a sh*t load. They also sued APPLE computers, and in the suit was over 5% stock in the company - so NOBODY is as wealthy and worked (toured, shilled, sold, published) less then the FAB FOUR. They are so F'n Cool on so many levels because they are smarter then everyone but smile and blow smoke up your asss while you pay them , then churn out songs like Helter Skelter that made Jimi Hendrix, The Who's guitarist, Clapton, The Stones of course and The Beach Boys front man all almost RESIGN from the business... After SGT PEPPER, they pull out the white album and that song? That was 1966 - they invented the sound that Zeppelin would BEGIN WITH and expand it to also be as tough, smart, innovative, in your face egos, best band on earth and hardly EVERY got ANY radio play or EVER any good reviews until LONG after the party was over. The Beatles realized that the "band's sound and storey" had RUN ITS COURSE - PAUL was the reason the beatles made it past 1964. John admitted as did all the others except Paul - that Paul was the driving force that kept the Beatles together for "HELP" and every album after. He came up with SGT PEPPER, he tried again with Magical Mystery Tour but that's where John also came in to say - "look here, this is getting kinda played out, let's do something more interesting." John and Paul's STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER/PENNY LANE single was the first recording they did after almost quitting and then deciding to stay together and just record. This is what they did first - IN 1965!!!!! That's like someone building a working cell-phone in the year 1794. Both songs are about their mother's death - something NEVER attempted in any music EVER, self examination and impressionism expressed through music. On-Top of which, no more POP and Catchy crap, but melodic, strange, emotional rollercoaster songs that both BLEW FANS AWAY and is seen as the most important Modern Music release - EVER. They had Paul for the really cool but CATCHY and nifty ideas - and JOHN to step in when needed to make sure it wasn't all 100% CORNEY - which is what Paul became without John. They hadn't ever done drugs yet (except John) and they did the "Single". Followed that with RUBBER SOLE and HELP and of course SGT PEPPERS, WHITE ALBUM, ABBEY ROAD... Paul was the leader post 1964 - they all agree, except Paul of course..but John was the "cool" influence that kept their lyrics, attitude, and sound - the greatest influential band for all times. The Velvet Underground, while very underrated commercially - praised by critics and musicians - Lou Reed was the driving force but the bass player kept them from doing silly self stereotyping songs. Listen to ANY Velvet Underground song and tell my ONE BAD SONG - like the Beatles, they never released one. Weezer's BLUE - every song - perfect. Sharp left long before the Pinkerton recording sessions. He stopped showing half way through and already was totally immersed into the RENTALS - also made an album that is PERFECT, EVERY SONG ON THE RENTALS IS EXCELLENT. Not a single toss off or mail in. Not one. The only exception is Led Zeppelin. They are without a doubt, the best Musicians ever. It would be great to see Paul and JP Jones have a bass duel because both are incredible but Zeppelin credits the beatles for more then they should. Robert plant, while the perfect match, couldn't play anything but the Harp...and HE WANTED some songs on the albums too soon enough - and there you have the reason why there are some real sh*t
the LedZep songs but the first 7 - SEVEN - albums are front to end - perfect. Every song. Hendrix was great but James PAGE could play anything Jimi could, was sober, and also INNOVATED MORE, wrote 95% of the music and lyrics, and was so cool. He IS THE MODEL of what to aspire to now- a living GOD. NOBODY TOURED like Zepp...Nobody Did shows like them (copied the drum solo's and other "JAMS" by other bands for years after they INVENTED it - credited by many but most of all by the Grateful Dead and Phish as the inventors of the JAM). John Paul Jones kept the songs and the band - listenable and down to earth as much as possible. Otherwise - ZEPPELIN WAS SO GOOD, we'd just be understanding them today they were so ahead of their time musically. These Bands never had DRUG problems... Never HEROIN addicts, never any non-sense like that - They were BOXERS FIGHTING WITH HISTORY to be taken seriously as THE BEST FUKN BAND PERIOD. That's JP JONES' actual quote. Quiet but he WAS ZEPPELIN's "PERSONALITY" as a band and its "SOUND". ALL GREAT , SMART BANDS KNOW - they have to invent a "SOUND" and its got to be greatness. They stick to that sound. EXAMPLE - WHITE STRIPES. (notice his second band he was able to still keep that detail but Jack became far too generous in letting others collaborate or write their own - he's John&Paul in one person, plus he doesn't drink or do drugs, act a fool, STUDIES MUSIC CONSTANTLY, is OBVIOUSLY MENTALLY OBSESSED AND CRAZY IN LOVE WITH WHAT HE DOES, and then Dead Weather is unlistenable at some points because he's not PUSHING THE BANDS AGENDA AND SOUND, he's too nice and he should be a prick. Like Stephen Malkamus and PAVEMENT. Also - never made a "bad" song on a single Album. Even Nirvana has stuff that will NEVER be listenable again but these few bands I mentioned are a few of those whose music will NEVER sound played out, old, boring, or at least - Not CURRENT & FAMILIAR. --- sorry, I write for 14 magazines and Newspapers on the music industry and history, I never post on these things but when I do - boom. I've got 3 PhD in Fine arts (Music) and am a musician, was/am "Known". But the comment about Matt Sharp and Weezer is TRUE because I know them all personally, and also because its true from the Beatles to Pink Floyd to Zeppelin.
MasterShake
More...
T-BONE IS DEAD ON RIGHT!!! SO IS THIS "THEORY" because I happen to actually "know" personally and first hand. Old known fact.......Those that want to read something you think you want to argue but can't or won't win - read on...or if you just want to read the real storey - enjoy. I am professional author and journalist.
Bass players are so under appreciated by fans and know nothing music enthusiasts but the best two examples off the top of my head is PAUL McCartney and JOHN PAUL JONES - obviously the tow best all around important innovative, commercial, pop, super successful, EVERY MEMBER so talented they all innovated and invented new music that will last forever. The Beatles have the fact that they REFUSED to sell out, they decided to stop TOURING (that's how bands EARN MONEY) and did so just to concentrate on recording a record. That's ALL. They went from "She loves you" - which any Punk garage band that's talented today PLAYS this song it sounds FKN GREAT) but from bubble gum pop to TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS from Revolver. WTF? In-bewtween those songs there were millions of other examples of why the Beatles are SO GREAT and everyone praises them musically and in every way. Ever heard any BEATLES song on a TV COMMERCIAL or in a movie - NO. ONE TIME, when Nike used Revolution for a commercial and were sued by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for over $40 Billion (settled out of court but they made a sh*t load. They also sued APPLE computers, and in the suit was over 5% stock in the company - so NOBODY is as wealthy and worked (toured, shilled, sold, published) less then the FAB FOUR. They are so F'n Cool on so many levels because they are smarter then everyone but smile and blow smoke up your asss while you pay them , then churn out songs like Helter Skelter that made Jimi Hendrix, The Who's guitarist, Clapton, The Stones of course and The Beach Boys front man all almost RESIGN from the business... After SGT PEPPER, they pull out the white album and that song? That was 1966 - they invented the sound that Zeppelin would BEGIN WITH and expand it to also be as tough, smart, innovative, in your face egos, best band on earth and hardly EVERY got ANY radio play or EVER any good reviews until LONG after the party was over. The Beatles realized that the "band's sound and storey" had RUN ITS COURSE - PAUL was the reason the beatles made it past 1964. John admitted as did all the others except Paul - that Paul was the driving force that kept the Beatles together for "HELP" and every album after. He came up with SGT PEPPER, he tried again with Magical Mystery Tour but that's where John also came in to say - "look here, this is getting kinda played out, let's do something more interesting." John and Paul's STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER/PENNY LANE single was the first recording they did after almost quitting and then deciding to stay together and just record. This is what they did first - IN 1965!!!!! That's like someone building a working cell-phone in the year 1794. Both songs are about their mother's death - something NEVER attempted in any music EVER, self examination and impressionism expressed through music. On-Top of which, no more POP and Catchy crap, but melodic, strange, emotional rollercoaster songs that both BLEW FANS AWAY and is seen as the most important Modern Music release - EVER. They had Paul for the really cool but CATCHY and nifty ideas - and JOHN to step in when needed to make sure it wasn't all 100% CORNEY - which is what Paul became without John. They hadn't ever done drugs yet (except John) and they did the "Single". Followed that with RUBBER SOLE and HELP and of course SGT PEPPERS, WHITE ALBUM, ABBEY ROAD... Paul was the leader post 1964 - they all agree, except Paul of course..but John was the "cool" influence that kept their lyrics, attitude, and sound - the greatest influential band for all times. The Velvet Underground, while very underrated commercially - praised by critics and musicians - Lou Reed was the driving force but the bass player kept them from doing silly self stereotyping songs. Listen to ANY Velvet Underground song and tell my ONE BAD SONG - like the Beatles, they never released one. Weezer's BLUE - every song - perfect. Sharp left long before the Pinkerton recording sessions. He stopped showing half way through and already was totally immersed into the RENTALS - also made an album that is PERFECT, EVERY SONG ON THE RENTALS IS EXCELLENT. Not a single toss off or mail in. Not one. The only exception is Led Zeppelin. They are without a doubt, the best Musicians ever. It would be great to see Paul and JP Jones have a bass duel because both are incredible but Zeppelin credits the beatles for more then they should. Robert plant, while the perfect match, couldn't play anything but the Harp...and HE WANTED some songs on the albums too soon enough - and there you have the reason why there are some real sh*t
the LedZep songs but the first 7 - SEVEN - albums are front to end - perfect. Every song. Hendrix was great but James PAGE could play anything Jimi could, was sober, and also INNOVATED MORE, wrote 95% of the music and lyrics, and was so cool. He IS THE MODEL of what to aspire to now- a living GOD. NOBODY TOURED like Zepp...Nobody Did shows like them (copied the drum solo's and other "JAMS" by other bands for years after they INVENTED it - credited by many but most of all by the Grateful Dead and Phish as the inventors of the JAM). John Paul Jones kept the songs and the band - listenable and down to earth as much as possible. Otherwise - ZEPPELIN WAS SO GOOD, we'd just be understanding them today they were so ahead of their time musically. These Bands never had DRUG problems... Never HEROIN addicts, never any non-sense like that - They were BOXERS FIGHTING WITH HISTORY to be taken seriously as THE BEST FUKN BAND PERIOD. That's JP JONES' actual quote. Quiet but he WAS ZEPPELIN's "PERSONALITY" as a band and its "SOUND". ALL GREAT , SMART BANDS KNOW - they have to invent a "SOUND" and its got to be greatness. They stick to that sound. EXAMPLE - WHITE STRIPES. (notice his second band he was able to still keep that detail but Jack became far too generous in letting others collaborate or write their own - he's John&Paul in one person, plus he doesn't drink or do drugs, act a fool, STUDIES MUSIC CONSTANTLY, is OBVIOUSLY MENTALLY OBSESSED AND CRAZY IN LOVE WITH WHAT HE DOES, and then Dead Weather is unlistenable at some points because he's not PUSHING THE BANDS AGENDA AND SOUND, he's too nice and he should be a prick. Like Stephen Malkamus and PAVEMENT. Also - never made a "bad" song on a single Album. Even Nirvana has stuff that will NEVER be listenable again but these few bands I mentioned are a few of those whose music will NEVER sound played out, old, boring, or at least - Not CURRENT & FAMILIAR. --- sorry, I write for 14 magazines and Newspapers on the music industry and history, I never post on these things but when I do - boom. I've got 3 PhD in Fine arts (Music) and am a musician, was/am "Known". But the comment about Matt Sharp and Weezer is TRUE because I know them all personally, and also because its true from the Beatles to Pink Floyd to Zeppelin.
MasterShake
9
Holy crap, is that comment from MasterShake a joke? It reads like a speed-crazed bipolar wrote it on a manic upswing. Jumping from one topic to the next, in a "paragraph" that never ends. Wow...
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