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What do people think of the double album concept?
Some double albums that I have include:
Daydream Nation (Sonic Youth) - although the CD isn't a double CD, the original release on vinyl was a double, with the track-listing spanning more than 70 minutes. For those who aren't, or weren't into the avant-garde music scene, the best bit was finished with the conclusion of the first track, even despite the attempts to mainstream the un-mainstreamable sounds of a fusion of art, jazz, and punk. For those who were part of the 'alternative' scene at the time, the double album may have signified an authentication, and a landmark masterpiece in that particular movement, by sublimating a more validating approach with an underground movement.
The White Album (The Beatles) - released after one of the most popular albums of all time, 'The White Album' is almost twice as long as its predecessor. However, unlike the former record, it is the novelty tracks on 'The White Album' which detract from its overall stature as a great record. Apart from the fact, that "it is The Beatles" (and therefore arguably "high art" in itself in music terms), there are quite a number of tracks that could, or should have been cut, to make way for a shorter, or better track listing, or at least a track listing which didn't detract from some of its truly classic moments.
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (Smashing Pumpkins) - like 'The White Album', this album suffers from too many filler songs, or 'concept' songs, which dampen those of truly high quality. Perhaps this would have been better if released as merely one extra long album, although, considering the Pumpkins had better songs at the time, and didn't release them, or only released them as b-sides, you have to wonder what inspired the particular track selections, at certain points. Although the record isn't as good as its predecessor, it does still cover some new territory for the rock world, in terms of being a new pinnacle in production techniques pertaining to "modern" rock!
What do people think of double albums? Are they a succesful, or do they mostly end up as representations of an individual or band, having been completely vacuumed by their own rear valve?
Thoughts . . .
Shinboners
24 Jun 2002, 23:27
Personally, I think that for a double album, it has to be something pretty special. I reckon that most bands can't fill up any more than 40 minutes of any record with good quality material.
However, as you said, Daydream Nation was a rarity....70 minutes of great music.
There is Wilco's double CD, "Being There". It's interesting that everyone I've spoken to about this album has their own favourite songs, but they never match with anyone elses. Personally, I prefer the quieter tracks and the more country-pop tunes, whilst others prefer the more rock orientated songs.
The other project was the Magnetic Fields triple CD "69 Love Songs". Originally it was going to be 100 songs! I remember first hearing about the project and thinking that Stephin Merritt would never write enough good material to fill up the 3 CDs, but I can say that there are very few filler tracks. Naturally, I did develop some favourites, and I prefer CD1 and CD3 to CD2, but it was remarkable how he was able to pretty much write so many tunes with so many different styles of pop and write lyrics for each of the songs, all on the topic of love, and doing it without using any cliches.
The Cure did "Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me" which was a double album and it was the last decent thing they did. Very few filler tracks, the best Cure song ever (Just Like Heaven), and really, the band should have split after this record. Frankie Goes To Hollywood also released "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" at about the same time and that was a great record as well....I always did like their version of Springsteen's "Born To Run".
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds did a double 12" record called "Your Funeral, My Trial". It has "Sad Waters" which is my favourite Bad Seeds tune, but overall, there are better Bad Seeds records.
Joy Divison had a double retrospetive album called "Still". One album was made up of tracks that didn't make it to various albums or were found on obscure singles. The second album was a recording of one of their live gigs. I still puke at hearing Nine Inch Nails crap cover of Joy Division's "Dead Souls".
Speaking of live gigs, Depeche Mode did 101 as a double live album. I've also got a feeling that the Jackson Five did one as well.
However, the thing I miss most about double albums are the gatefold sleeves.....now that was cover art.
Uli Jon Roth's Transcendental Sky Guitar is pretty close to perfection, and there's not much wrong with Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti either.
The Hitman
25 Jun 2002, 10:51
Lemme see. I have:
Sketches For My Sweetheart the Drunk by Jeff Buckley: Considering it was put together post-humously, out of songs he had already recorded for the album, and I suppose some tracks he hadn't planned on putting on there that Sony and his mother did. Some killer songs, but a fair bit of filler too.
Echoes: The best of Pink Floyd - Pink Floyd: They could have filled four CD's with good songs. Two is just right. :) Classic.
Mellon Collie and the Infinate Sadness - Smashing Pumpkins: Agree with Olmy that it has a fair bit of filler, but I still think it's a very good album, but they could have just cut out a few of the songs and made an extraordinary single CD album.
I like Sonic Youth, but have no albums, but have heard of that double CD. Would that be the best place to start in terms of buying Sonic Youth stuff?
The Hitman
Rusty Brookes
25 Jun 2002, 11:02
On Your Feet or On Your Knees-Blue Oyster Cult- the classic 70s metal format, the double live album.
Mettalic KO-Iggy and the Stooges- a double live bootleg, and the crassest album of all time.
Originally posted by Rusty Brookes
On Your Feet or On Your Knees-Blue Oyster Cult- the classic 70s metal format, the double live album.
Mettalic KO-Iggy and the Stooges- a double live bootleg, and the crassest album of all time.
Wow! Where the hell do I get myself a copy?
My favourite doubles are:
Goldie - Timeless
Goldie - Saturnz Return
John Spencer Blues Explosion - Plastic Fang
Isaac Hayes - Black Moses
NIN - The Fragile
Defender
25 Jun 2002, 11:33
kiss alive I and alive II
have to be the ultimate double album releases
Shinboners
25 Jun 2002, 14:21
Originally posted by The Hitman
I like Sonic Youth, but have no albums, but have heard of that double CD. Would that be the best place to start in terms of buying Sonic Youth stuff?
Yep, just buy Daydream Nation. It's the only Sonic Youth album that you'll ever really need.
Fat Pizza
25 Jun 2002, 15:45
Originally posted by Stocka
The White Album (The Beatles) - released after one of the most popular albums of all time, 'The White Album' is almost twice as long as its predecessor. However, unlike the former record, it is the novelty tracks on 'The White Album' which detract from its overall stature as a great record. Apart from the fact, that "it is The Beatles" (and therefore arguably "high art" in itself in music terms), there are quite a number of tracks that could, or should have been cut, to make way for a shorter, or better track listing, or at least a track listing which didn't detract from some of its truly classic moments.
Good call. A lot of people rate the Double White Album as the Beatles' finest, but I agree with you. If they'd left out some of the weird songs, I'd listen to it a lot more often.
Macca19
25 Jun 2002, 15:46
NIN - The Fragile
Originally posted by Fat Pizza
Good call. A lot of people rate the Double White Album as the Beatles' finest, but I agree with you. If they'd left out some of the weird songs, I'd listen to it a lot more often.
Although I don't think it's The Beatles' "greatest" album, it's probably my 'favourite' Beatles' record, as it has more of my favourite Beatle's songs on it than any other.
The problem with cutting the record down, is that there are some great "rockier" songs on it, as well as some classic "softer" songs as well, and shortening the record could tend to jam the two varying styles too close together.
I would probably re-list the record with the following songs:
Dear Prudence (3:56)
Glass Onion (2:17)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (4:45)
Happiness is a Warm Gun (2:43)
I'm So Tired (2:03)
Blackbird (2:18)
I Will (1:46)
Julia (2:54)
Mother Nature's Son (2:48)
Sexy Sadie (3:15)
Long, Long, Long (3:04)
Revolution 1 (4:15)
Savoy Truffle (2:54)
Cry Baby Cry (3:01)
Good Night (3:11)
With 15 songs, that goes approximately 50 or so minutes.
I know I've left of a few good songs, and you could probably justify putting one or two fillers in, but for mine, those are the stand-outs and these are brought down by quite a number of songs which simply shouldn't have made it onto the record.
Then again, if it's supposed to be art . . . :o
Originally posted by Shinboners
However, the thing I miss most about double albums are the gatefold sleeves.....now that was cover art.
I've actually got the 30th Anniversary Edition of 'The White Album' on CD, but the packaging is done in the format of the double gatefold sleeve. It's pretty good stuff.
You can actually purchase a number of Pink Floyd albums in that format too.
Originally posted by The Hitman
I like Sonic Youth, but have no albums, but have heard of that double CD. Would that be the best place to start in terms of buying Sonic Youth stuff?
The Hitman
I guess it depends on how partial you are to their particular sound.
Records like 'Goo' and 'Dirty' were released on the verge of the 90's alt-grunge-rock explosion, and therefore some might find their sounds more familiar. Certainly there is more 'formulaic' material on these albums, and the production comes of sounding a lot cleaner too. Some of their more recent records also have some good stuff too.
In this regard, Sonic Youth are a bit like R.E.M., in that they had quite a number of albums before those that were popularly recognised (ie: worldwide), and from there, they just seemed to become more and more popular.
However, unlike with R.E.M., I would recommend sticking to the more popular Sonic Youth material, or at least until you've listened to the "better" Sonic Youth records to begin with.
S.J Rollin
25 Jun 2002, 17:58
Originally posted by Stocka
What do people think of the double album concept?
Some double albums that I have include:
The White Album (The Beatles) - released after one of the most popular albums of all time, 'The White Album' is almost twice as long as its predecessor. However, unlike the former record, it is the novelty tracks on 'The White Album' which detract from its overall stature as a great record.
[i
Are you taking about Magical Mystery Tour or Sgt Peppers as the predecessor to the White Album? MMT was the next album they did after Peppers.
Revolution 9 is the only song on the White Album I lift the needle over.
As for Sonic Youth...Dirty and Goo are two other albums that are pretty decent.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Are you taking about Magical Mystery Tour or Sgt Peppers as the predecessor to the White Album? MMT was the next album they did after Peppers.
I guess I have always considered Magical Mystery Tour as being the more of a soundtrack album they put out for the movie of the same title, rather than being an actual "studio" album, with the same intent as say, Sgt. Pepper's, or The White Album, although, it did come out in between those two releases.
S.J Rollin
25 Jun 2002, 19:09
Originally posted by Stocka
I guess I have always considered Magical Mystery Tour as being the more of a soundtrack album they put out for the movie of the same title, rather than being an actual "studio" album, with the same intent as say, Sgt. Pepper's, or The White Album, although, it did come out in between those two releases.
I would consider Yellow Submarine as more a sound-track album.
Magical Mystery Tour was a concept in its own right of both a documentary and album. Granted there are a couple of tracks like (Fool on the Hill) that seem directly attached to the documentary but you can hardly ignore an album that contains the collection of "studio" tracks they did in and around the Pepper sessions.
An album that delivered...All You Need is Love, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, Baby your a Rich Man, Hello Goodbye & the single Magical Mystery Tour.
You can wipe off "Hard Days Night", "Help" and "Let it Be" if you start drawing that kind of line through the Beatles work.
CarterS
25 Jun 2002, 19:13
Pink Floyd:The Wall is a great double album, $20 at JB HI-FI, bargain (if you don't own it already).
Other double cds that I enjoy include Guns N' Roses Live Era, and the Forrest Gump soundtrack.
Pink Floyd:TW seems to be the only non compilation double cd that I have. Can't seem to think of any others off the top of my head.
There have been a number of very sucessfull double albums over time that do provide excellent listening. My two personal favourites are actually both rock-operas Pink Floyd's The Wall & The Who's Tommy. I agree though that some bands do put a little to much filler into double albums but then again many bands put filler into single albums.
Cunning Canine
25 Jun 2002, 21:22
Pink Floyd's Delicate Sound Of Thunder is also worth the time, even if it is live, and without Roger Waters. The Beatles,White Album, is definately the best one that I have, didn't Eric Clapton do most of the guitar work?
I still have The War Of The Worlds (Is this bogan? I still listen to it sometimes). Majority of mine are also compilations.
GhostofJimJess
25 Jun 2002, 22:55
Studio-recorded doubles :
Led Zep - Physical Graffiti
Pink Floyd - The Wall
The Who - Tommy
Zappa - Sheik Yerbouti
Zappa - Joes Garage (Triple!!)
Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street
All bloody classics !!
I find that most of my fave double-albums tend to also be live albums :
Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More From The Road
X - Live at the Whiskey Au-Go-Go
Led Zep - Song Remains The Same
Eastern Dark - Girls on the Beach (With Cars)
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
I would consider Yellow Submarine as more a sound-track album.
Magical Mystery Tour was a concept in its own right of both a documentary and album. Granted there are a couple of tracks like (Fool on the Hill) that seem directly attached to the documentary but you can hardly ignore an album that contains the collection of "studio" tracks they did in and around the Pepper sessions.
An album that delivered...All You Need is Love, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, Baby your a Rich Man, Hello Goodbye & the single Magical Mystery Tour.
You can wipe off "Hard Days Night", "Help" and "Let it Be" if you start drawing that kind of line through the Beatles work.
I guess it all depends on your point of view.
I've read in places, that some believe that The Magical Mystery Tour album, provided an outlet for the band to release a number of earlier singles on one album, thus making it more of a compilation of previously released songs (bearing in mind that The Beatles often released singles merely as singles), to accompany the film by the same name, rather than something which was to be seen as more of an independent release.
Once again though, it all depends on whose quotes, or interpretations of quotes you agree, or disagree with. :)
Rusty Brookes
26 Jun 2002, 09:04
Originally posted by GhostofJimJess
Studio-recorded doubles :
Eastern Dark - Girls on the Beach (With Cars)
YES YES YES! They were close to my all time favourite band. Perhaps the greatest 'what ifs' in the history of music.
S.J Rollin
26 Jun 2002, 12:41
Originally posted by Stocka
I guess it all depends on your point of view.
I've read in places, that some believe that The Magical Mystery Tour album, provided an outlet for the band to release a number of earlier singles on one album, thus making it more of a compilation of previously released songs (bearing in mind that The Beatles often released singles merely as singles), to accompany the film by the same name, rather than something which was to be seen as more of an independent release.
Once again though, it all depends on whose quotes, or interpretations of quotes you agree, or disagree with. :)
No it doesn't... they are facts and are out there in discographies, session history's and the like. Magical Mystery Tour is definitely an album in its own right.
Who did what, what inspired this or that, who had problems with whom and why they split etc etc more relates to interpretations of qoutes and whats been written by others... especially post 1980 when the whole thing took a pro-John perspective.
Yes they did realease some songs as singles only such as She Loves You and Hey Jude...which, if you have the box set of all their albums, end up on on a double LP at the end called "Past Masters" which has the collection of all their singles not on albums and the B-sides as well.
Yes two songs (Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane) were recorded between the Revolver and Pepper sessions and released as singles prior to Sgt Pepper and put on MTT.
So yes it did provide an outlet for previously released singles
to be included on an album...but so what?
Most of the songs, be them singles or not, were recorded in the studio after Peppers...Walrus / Hello Goodbye / Richman / MTT were all post Pepper and directly linked to the concept of the MTT film & album.
what about "Let it Be"? all of it recorded before Abbey Rd yet released after it... it was shelved by the Beatles because it was such a mess and was left for Phil Spector to rescue...a film made with the same title? By your reckoning... that doesnt have album status on several points.
being the more of a soundtrack album they put out for the movie of the same title,
as far as I interpret it ...( and going from memory here), their 3rd, 5th, 9th, 11th and 13th LP's had movies with same titles.
The problem with cutting the record down, is that there are some great "rockier" songs on it, as well as some classic "softer" songs as well, and shortening the record could tend to jam the two varying styles too close together.
The only problem with cutting it down...is the fact you even consider cutting it down.
It may be disjointed going from side B of Album one...but it is still brilliant non the less.
I know I've left of a few good songs, and you could probably justify putting one or two fillers in
Back in the USSR
Bungalo Bill (nice work in their Yoko)
Rocky Racoon
Dont Pass me By
Everybody's got something to hide but me and my Monkey
Helter Skelter (the name itself... defines a part of history)
Honey Pie and Wild Honey Pie
Birthday (the only alternative birthday song to "happy birthday" in the history of the universe)
Yer Blues
Ob-la-di Ob-la-da (a US #1 single and a fave of Fat Cat and hi Friends)
Do it in the road
and all the other "fillers."
I have no problem with your analysis on Smashing Pumpkins Melancholy...But why you even consider culling tracks off the White Album is beyond me? Thank God you weren't involved...
BTW... if you want to really hear Beatles going concept... get thee to Revolver.
S.J Rollin
26 Jun 2002, 12:49
Sorry... i have just remembered there are other alternate Birthday songs in the history of the universe. Not as good of couse... the Sugarcubes have a lovley ditty.
Some of my "doubles":
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland
Cream: Wheels Of Fire
The Allman Brothers Band: Live At Ludlow Garage 1970
The Rolling Stones: Exile On Main St
The Beatles: White Album
The Doors: Absolutely Live
Mountain: Flowers Of Evil
Derek And The Dominos: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek And The Dominos: Live At The Fillmore
Deep Purple: Made In Japan
Deep Purple: Scandinavian Nights, Live In Stockholm 1970
Rory Gallagher: Irish Tour '74
KISS: Alive!
Ted Nugent: Double Live Gonzo
Thin Lizzy: Live And Dangerous
UFO: Strangers In The Night
Rainbow: Live In Germany 1976
Black Sabbath: Live Evil
The Rolling Stones: Love You Live
Lynryd Skynyrd: One More From The Road
Pink Floyd: The Wall
Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffitti
Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains The Same
Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs: Live At Sunbury '72
Various Artists: The Great Australian Rock Festival,Sunbury 1973
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble: Live Alive
Most "doubles" are 70's albums, and mostly live.
where's wally?
Defender
26 Jun 2002, 18:57
nice selection wally
rainbow on stage is missing..and
journey - captured
angel - live without a net would be in my list too..
sadly the live album seems to have lost it's apeal in the naughties
even the ones that are released just lack something?
Originally posted by Darky
Uli Jon Roth's Transcendental Sky Guitar is pretty close to perfection, and there's not much wrong with Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti either.
Or Made in Japan by Deep Purple.....still the best live album of all time for mine!
Originally posted by Wally
Some of my "doubles":
Most "doubles" are 70's albums, and mostly live.
Some others worth quoting are:
Yessongs - Yes
Rainbow On Stage - Rainbow
Twin Peaks - Mountain
(btw...Flowers of Evil was not a double album)
David Live - David Bowie
Colosseum Live - Colosseum
Live at the Filmore - Humble Pie
Both of the Woodstock albums from '69
Sunbury '73
GhostofJimJess
26 Jun 2002, 22:59
Beware of the 80-odd minute double vinyl being trimmed down by a record company to fit a 70-odd minute CD !!! That little baby's bitten me on the clacker a few times ....
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
So yes it did provide an outlet for previously released singles
to be included on an album...but so what?
IMO, re-releasing material when there have been other album releases in-between constitutes more of a compilation, than an actual "stand-alone album". You have to wonder whether or not they would have released the album, effectively re-releasing quite a number of songs, had it not been for the movie.
Likewise, I don't consider albums such as "Masternplan" (Oasis) or "Pisces Iscariot" (Smashing Pumpkins) to be "stand-alone" albums for similar reasons.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
as far as I interpret it ...( and going from memory here), their 3rd, 5th, 9th, 11th and 13th LP's had movies with same titles.
Well, I wasn't really making a point about that at all . . . and actually what was purely a passing comment seems to have developed into some sort of debate!
You consider it a "stand-alone album" in its own right, some don't. It's not a big deal to me, and likewise, it doesn't really related to the topic of the thread.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
The only problem with cutting it down...is the fact you even consider cutting it down.
I wouldn't be the first to suggest it, especially considering some of the band members themselves had hinted at similar thoughts after the release.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
It may be disjointed going from side B of Album one...but it is still brilliant non the less.
I never mentioned this as being a problem with the record.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Back in the USSR
A fair argument to include it on my list. A pretty good opening track.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Bungalo Bill (nice work in their Yoko)
Rocky Racoon
Considering the better material on the album constituted more of rock songs, or ballads, these "novelty" tunes tend to be stick out pretty badly, IMO. As songs themselves, they might be entertaining to listen to, but IMO, they don't do much to enhance the overall album, especially when the true qualities stand out elsewhere.
In fact, out of the "novelty" songs, I would rate Piggies as being the one that I would choose (although, Piggies is more of a satirical piece, than it is a novelty).
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Dont Pass me By
Nup.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Everybody's got something to hide but me and my Monkey
Definitely not!
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Helter Skelter (the name itself... defines a part of history)
Paul McCartney trying to "outrock" John Lennon . . .
The best bit is the fade-out and fade-in . . .
I still think Ringo should have saved his fingers though.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Honey Pie and Wild Honey Pie
Honey Pie is a fairly likeable song, typical McCartney romanticism in the form of a letter. A fair argument to have it included on my original list, although, once again it would tend to stick out a bit when you consider the nature of the other songs there.
Wild Honey Pie, I wouldn't bother including.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Birthday (the only alternative birthday song to "happy birthday" in the history of the universe)
Another song which I would consider including. Another good opener.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Yer Blues
I prefer "I'm So Tired".
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Ob-la-di Ob-la-da (a US #1 single and a fave of Fat Cat and hi Friends)
A great song, but once again, suffers from the fact that the better songs are more sincere rock songs or ballads, making the more "novelty" tunes seem slightly out of touch, IMO.
I would still consider it as a worth inclusion though, however, if you were to fill an album with songs primarly of this nature, I feel it would work much better than trying to inconspicuously squeeze it in somewhere amongst more sincere rock songs or ballads.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Do it in the road
The best "filler" song on the album. Probably a good case to include it on my list.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
and all the other "fillers."
No thanks. ;)
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
But why you even consider culling tracks off the White Album is beyond me? Thank God you weren't involved...
As I said earlier, I think people often tend to that "anything" that The Beatles is a classic, basically because it is The Beatles. Perhaps you could say every song is a "classic" of sorts, but only by that viture, that it is The Beatles, and that you are taking The White Album, as it is, as in it is The White Album, after all (but if you're going to say that, then you may as well say that about everything that is released).
However, in terms of making the album itself a "better" album, I still think that the most of the rockier songs and ballads are incongruent with quite a number of the fillers and novelty songs. Likewise, there are just some songs which, IMO, aren't as good as others, and due to the fact that it is a double-album, this tends to spread things out too tenuously.
In this regard, some parts of The White Album are brilliant, perhaps their best even, and IMO, would have benefitted from lessening some of the content.
Once again, some may like every song on the album, and think that it fits nicely, but there are many who would also agree with my sentiments. You could say it for any album, or piece of music really - some people will like it, others won't.
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
BTW... if you want to really hear Beatles going concept... get thee to Revolver.
What makes you think I don't already have it?
Originally posted by Defender
sadly the live album seems to have lost it's apeal in the naughties
even the ones that are released just lack something?
R.E.M. would be one of the few "big" bands to do so, with their 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi' album. A number of the songs were recorded live, although some were editted later with overdubs, or extra recorded tracks.
Originally posted by Wally
Mountain: Flowers Of Evil
I've heard a few musicians mention this band. What are they like?
Are they pretty much your typical 70's rock outfit?
S.J Rollin
27 Jun 2002, 11:50
Originally posted by Stocka
What makes you think I don't already have it?
Lots of Things...
I didn't include live albums in my mentions (Uli's album is not a full live album, there's a few studio pieces on it), otherwise the list would be as long as my arm.
Rainbow's 1976 Germany double CD is probably my favourite live double, ahead of Deep Purple's 1970/72 In Concert and UFO's Strangers in The Night (double LP, single CD).
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Lots of Things...
Read: "Because I don't agree with your 'expert' opinion"?
You seem to be alluding that you are in a position of "expertise" based on some sort of 'criteria' (as to who has more, or particular albums, or whatever it may be) and that my opinion is therefore inferior due to you therefore perceiving a lack of "expertise" on my part, rather than accepting the fact that a difference in opinion can merely come down to opinion based on personal preference and individual tastes in music. Likewise I seem to get the sense that you take the position whereby you consider your opinion to be that of an expert, and by which all other opinions should be judged against, rather than merely accepting the fact that others may have different opinions (qualified ones at that), and acknowledging such without questioning their level of "expertise" via your own position.
My comments in this thread, have come from my personal opinion. My critiquing of the subject in question, has been in regards to my own personal likes or dislikes. On the other hand, you seem to be positioning yourself as a self-appointed expert in order to argue against the opinions of others and question their level of supposed "expertise", rather than actually acknowledging their points as being of a personal opinion (and worthy of having), and debating your points based on your opinion as being one of personal preference, regarding personal likes and dislikes.
Whether I have any particular album or not doesn't necessarily relate to the particular topic, and likewise, the manner in which you've brought it up, tends to suggest more of a 'name-dropping' exercise than one by which you are drawing a comparison to the actual topic.
For what it's worth, I too could position myself as an "expert" by saying I have Revolver, as well as many other records by The Beatles, as well as any other band for that matter. However, does that really matter? Does it really qualify whether or not my opinion regarding the topic at hand "rates" or not? I don't think so. It's merely one of an opinion of whether an individual likes something or not.
Critiquing someone on their "expertise", primarly based around a judgement on their likes or dislikes or personal preference is a fairly questionable practice, IMO.
S.J Rollin
27 Jun 2002, 13:30
Sorry Stocka...I dont have time to really get into reading your reply let alone whatever you are referring me to.
I just thought you (in your original post) may have forgotton about the mere presence of Magical Mystery Tour and the amount of quality new material that existed on it between Sgt Peppers and the The Beatles double LP.
In listening terms... I regard it as a well placed stepping stone between the two... even with the 18% of pre-released, pre-Pepper stuff on it.
Being that it is quite clear that you will continue to vehemently hold the view that it was a compilation....I will leave you to it.
I will stick with calling it an Album....cool?
Originally posted by Stocka
I've heard a few musicians mention this band. What are they like?
Are they pretty much your typical 70's rock outfit?
Yep, Mountain were a "dinosaur" rock band. Lots of volume and power chords, not pretty, but very heavy. They were very good.
where's wally?
Originally posted by roofus
(btw...Flowers of Evil was not a double album)
I stand corrected, i actually have Flowers Of Evil on CD, not vinyl.
Great album nonetheless.
where's wally?
Mr Ripper
27 Jun 2002, 16:31
Anyone for Hot August Night?
Originally posted by Mr Ripper
Anyone for Hot August Night?
GOOD LAWD!
Briedis
27 Jun 2002, 16:41
Originally posted by Mr Ripper
Anyone for Hot August Night?
Yes me! I loved Neil as a young chap!
My favourite double albums:
Yessongs - Yes
Wall - Pink Floyd
Physical Graffiti - LZ
Song Remains the Same - LZ
White Album - Beatles
Bitches Brew - Miles Davis
My least favourite double albums:
Tales from Topograpihic Oceans - Yes If ever there was an ad for the "Double LPs are too long-winded" argument then this is it
By the way you guys talking about the Beatles. Great stuff! Really enjoyed reading that. I personally wouldn't cut much out of it, possibly just Revolution9 and Wild Honey Pie, but "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me and My Money" is a great song! You can't leave that off, one of my favs on the album.
Also, my favourite song from "Magical Mystery Tour" is I AM THE WALRUS! Possibly one of Lennons finest hours. John Lennon is one of my biggest heros, I love his work.:cool:
Originally posted by Darky
Rainbow's 1976 Germany double CD is probably my favourite live double,
I love this album,
No other Rainbow line-up compares with this one,
Mr. Blackmore is in slashing form, i really enjoy the take on 'Mistreated' with the great Ronnie James. Cozy Powell....for mine.......is in the same league as 'Bonzo' Bonham, Ian Paice, and Ginger Baker as far as drummers go.
where's wally?
Briedis
27 Jun 2002, 16:44
Originally posted by PeteLX
GOOD LAWD!
Danana-nup-nup-na-nana-nana!
S.J Rollin
27 Jun 2002, 17:48
Originally posted by Briedis
By the way you guys talking about the Beatles. Great stuff! Really enjoyed reading that.
Also, my favourite song from "Magical Mystery Tour" is I AM THE WALRUS!
Goo Goog Ga Joob!!!
thats Walrus for "Cheers"... trust me, I'm an expert!
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
I will stick with calling it an Album....cool?
:cool:
Although never released as a double album, I tend to see Radiohead's 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac' albums as being one piece of work.
The songs were all written around about the same time, and recorded at similar times as well. Likewise, there are other stricking similarities, which to me hint, that the band would most likely see the albums as two installments in one piece of work.
Whenever I listen to these albums, I always feel the need to listen to them both, generally in the order that they were released, so strong it the link between them.
Likewise, you also have the two albums by Smashing Pumpkins, the commercially released 'Machina/The Machines of God', and the "free for all" internet MP3 release of 'Machina II - Friends and Enemies of Modern Music' (which was originally pressed on limited run of a series of vinyl records).
Although it's not a double album, essentially you could argue that once again, it was a case of two installments making up one piece of work. Most of the songs were written around the same time, and around the same theme, and likewise, original track listings for the commercial release included a number of songs from the follow-up internet album, amongst other similarities.
Unfortunately, most of the good material from both pieces of work is separated by the virtue of having the two separate albums, with some almost diabolical material to be found on each. Apart from the fact that I never engaged with the 'Machina' albums thematically, and while there may have been some sort of 'theme' that Corgan was running with, it always made me wonder why they didn't release the BEST material they had on ONE album, instead of spreading it across two records, with a lot of songs that just simply weren't as great (IMO), in between.
Interestingly enough, Corgan is continuing on with the theme of those two particular albums, by creating his own "mythical" band, entitled 'Glass and the Ghost Children' (:o). Apparently, it's supposed to be of a similar concept to Sgt. Pepper's, The Wall, and that Gorillaz band, whereby mythical characters are portrayed as a band.
:rolleyes:
I'd prefer a 'serious' solo album, Billy! ;)
On second thoughts, after listening to The White Album over the past couple of days, I would change my list to include 'Back in the U.S.S.R.', and 'Do it in the Road'.
:cool:
Winston Wolf
28 Jun 2002, 19:12
KISS ALIVE !
The ULTIMATE Double Live Album ..... EVER !!!!!!!!!
not only did it launch KISS's initial success.....it also pioneered the popular trend of subsequent Live albums that followed by other artists
Does anyone have, or has anyone heard any of the double live albums that Pearl Jam released over the last few years?
I've always wondered whether they'd be worth buying, or one of them at least, but considering there are so many, I'd rather see/hear what others have to say in regards to which one(s) would be the best.
machiavelli
2 Jul 2002, 00:58
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
No it doesn't... they are facts and are out there in discographies, session history's and the like. Magical Mystery Tour is definitely an album in its own right.
Actually, Magical Mystery Tour was not released as an album. It was released as a double EP. SO the predecessor album ot the White Album was Sgt Pepper.
Only after their break up did the record company release MMT as an album and in America first.
Originally posted by machiavelli
Actually, Magical Mystery Tour was not released as an album. It was released as a double EP. SO the predecessor album ot the White Album was Sgt Pepper.
Only after their break up did the record company release MMT as an album and in America first.
A double EP? Now there's a novel concept!
S.J Rollin
3 Jul 2002, 17:03
Originally posted by machiavelli
Actually, Magical Mystery Tour was not released as an album. It was released as a double EP. SO the predecessor album ot the White Album was Sgt Pepper.
Only after their break up did the record company release MMT as an album and in America first.
Actually it was...
Capitol Records... who had the license for The Beatles recordings in the US, released the album / LP of Magical Mystery Tour on 27th November 1967.
Parlophone Records released the 7" double EP on December 8th 1967 and went with the Capitol LP format after the band split.
pedrothelioness
4 Jul 2002, 11:10
zen arcade by husker du. One of my fav albums of alltime, by my alltime fav band, very beyond its time.
happy_in_hell
4 Jul 2002, 11:52
HIStory has got to be the best double album....... in my collection!
It has the old, classic MJ songs, but yet, new stuff!! The mind boggles.:D
Originally posted by Stocka
I've heard a few musicians mention this band. What are they like?
Are they pretty much your typical 70's rock outfit?
In lots of ways they were the continuation of Cream. Their bass player was Felix Pappalardi who produced Cream's Disreali Gears album.
The singer and guitarist was Leslie West who was described in Melody Maker at the time as a 300lb singing canary. He was a giant of a man, great rock voice and he had the biggest, fatest, sweetest guitar sound around.
Originally, Leslie West released a solo album called "Leslie West - Mountain", and this eventually evolved into a whole band being called Mountain.
Mountain appeared at Woodstock in '69 (they feature on the second Woodstock compiliation album that was released), and this subsequently launched them into the big time.
They were huge in the States and Europe, but never caught on here in Australia.
The biggest hit they had was a song called Mississippi Queen......you'll find it still available on any of the peer to peer networks such as WinMX or KaZaa (not that I'm advocating piracy of course *grin*).
Live, they were like so many bands of their era, long self indulgent jams in the middle of normal 4 minute songs. Still, that was what the times required and they delivered in spades.
Flowers of Evil imo is the quintessential Mountain album as it was half live and half studio and showed both sides of them. I preferred the live side myself.
After Mountain, Leslie West and the drummer Corky Laing formed a "supergroup" with Jack Bruce of Cream, imaginatevly called "West, Bruce, and Laing". They released (2?) albums which I didn't think lived up to their collective reputations.
As a guitarist Leslie West was superb, he didn't need to play blindingly fast (even though he could be quick when required), he was one of the few who could say it all with just a few notes. he was the first rock guitarist to regularly use "pinch harmonics" which are the staple of metal guitarists everywhere (some old timers may say Harvey Mandel or Roy Buchanan was....but I'll agree to disagree), and had the sweetest vibrato in his fingers.
You could do no wrong by having a listen to him and see where guys like Eddie Van Halen came from.
The man of the (TV) HOUR, Ozzy Osbourne, had a bottler LIVE double album or two.....but I gotta mention Tribute with Randy Rhoads which stands as one of my favs.
machiavelli
6 Jul 2002, 15:06
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Actually it was...
Capitol Records... who had the license for The Beatles recordings in the US, released the album / LP of Magical Mystery Tour on 27th November 1967.
Parlophone Records released the 7" double EP on December 8th 1967 and went with the Capitol LP format after the band split.
But what the Yanks do doesnt count. They also managed to get a coupe of extra albums out of th first few Beatles albums by cutting down on tracks. I mean there was no official album release called "Yesterday and Today" except by Capitol.
Go with the offial Parlophone Beatle controlled releases. Forget what the stupid yanks did.
S.J Rollin
8 Jul 2002, 13:43
Originally posted by machiavelli
But what the Yanks do doesnt count. They also managed to get a coupe of extra albums out of th first few Beatles albums by cutting down on tracks. I mean there was no official album release called "Yesterday and Today" except by Capitol.
Go with the offial Parlophone Beatle controlled releases. Forget what the stupid yanks did.
What the...?
you are changing tack for the sake of an argument here machiavelli...
Parlophone and Capitol are both owned by EMI Music!!! All of it official...
"a Collection of Beatles oldies" was put out in the UK by Parlophone in 66 so by your assesment, does that one count as an official album? I'm with Stocka and will calling that a compolation record with Parlaphone cashing in.
Capitol had to play catch up football when it came to the first couple of years of the The Beatles. They didnt get in step with where they (the band) were actually at until "Hard Days Night" which they then released before Parlaphone.
With the mania that surrounded The Beatles during that time... a two year backlog of ready made hits for the US and with The Beatles still cranking out the material... it makes perfect sense that they (Capitol and the Beatles) would issue their previous work to the massive and sebatious US market differently to what they had done at home.
Capitol eventually cleared the backlog of material by the time of Help and Rubber Soul which were respectively released by Capitol and Parlophone within a week of each other. Before The Beatles started to totally loop everyone out with Revolver, both companies released a retropsective compolation album under different names.
Just because the Beatles were from Liverpool it doesnt mean that what Parlophone did was the standard. The Beatles by this stage were a world wide phenomenon and their biggest market was the USA. The had toured Japan and the Phillipines and even showed up in Adelaide for Christs sake.
From Hard Days Night to Let It Be... The Beatles Albums were released only days apart on both sides of the Atlantic. During that period, both Capitol and Parlaphone issued an assortment of compolation albums. The format of Magical Mystery Tour is the only difference where the US LP had more tracks (inc. two pre-Pepper recordings) on it than the Brittish equivelant.
machiavelli
8 Jul 2002, 14:44
Double WTF!!!!!
The Beatles released a double EP for MMT.
In UK.
I dont see you quoting what they did in SPain or Albania or Greece, and the is fair enough b/c that is irrelvant.
Compilations albums are irrelevant. That is really what the MMT "album" is anyway.
The Beatles did not release an MMT album. Capitol did in the US.
Otherwise go listen to your Hey Jude album. I can see The Beatles put a lot of work into that concept!
S.J Rollin
8 Jul 2002, 16:23
Originally posted by machiavelli
Double WTF!!!!!
The Beatles released a double EP for MMT.
In UK.
Thats right...in the UK. In the USA they released an LP for MMT.
I dont see you quoting what they did in SPain or Albania or Greece
Your point being?
Compilations albums are irrelevant. That is really what the MMT "album" is anyway
This has already been debated in earlier posts... give me the name of one track on the Magical Mystery Tour LP that features on a previous Beatles album??? Be it EP or LP.
18% (2 tracks) were recorded pre-Pepper and released on the one single...so what???
Otherwise go listen to your Hey Jude album.
Don't have it... I have The Beatles Box Set of LP's (EMI) that only has the legitimate Beatles albums
machiavelli
8 Jul 2002, 22:52
Originally posted by S.J Rollin
Thats right...in the UK. In the USA they released an LP for MMT.
Your point being?
This has already been debated in earlier posts... give me the name of one track on the Magical Mystery Tour LP that features on a previous Beatles album??? Be it EP or LP.
18% (2 tracks) were recorded pre-Pepper and released on the one single...so what???
Don't have it... I have The Beatles Box Set of LP's (EMI) that only has the legitimate Beatles albums
I have the original releases of the vinyl albums which includes the only official release of the double EP MMT. Past Masters I dont remember as official releases, so you are wrobng my friend.
I ahve all the OFFICIAL singles and EPs as well.
But at the end of the day there is no point arguing (discussing vigourously) with someone who is obviously intelligent enough to realise The Beatles will never be surpassed.
S.J Rollin
9 Jul 2002, 12:06
QUOTE]Past Masters I dont remember as official releases, so you are wrobng my friend. [/QUOTE]
Not saying that it is...
Past Masters is a double Compo thrown into the box set at the end to pick up the slack. The released material that never made it to any of their LP's...inc: She Loves You, Hey Jude, some brilliant B-sides like Rain etc, the two German versions of their songs etc.
Your carry on about Capitol Records as not "OFFICIAL" has been nothing short of tedious. At the end of the day, Capitol obviously had the right formula back then because MMT is the only piece of work that has been re-formatted for re-release by Parlaphone & EMI (excl: special anniversary editions) as an album to the exact reproduction of the 67 release of Capitol's Magical Mystery Tour. Says it all...