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favourite rock bands

290 replies · 4,530 views
almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Lonegunmen wrote:
Not really, have you liistened to the top 40? it sounds today exactly like it did this time last year with only the names changing.
 
Mind you, if I agreed with you, then weren't the record companies once nailed for falsifying record sales of particular artists to boost sales of theose said artists?


no, i don't listen to top 40 stuff, that's my point. A lot of music in the 70s sucked too.
I like tautologies because I like them.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Because of where I work Cos, I get bombarded with Rap & Hip Hop. I cant stand the crap as a result. Give me "underground music anytime!.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Lonegunmen wrote:
TheJam wrote:
The best bands, and as they all feature guitar, bass and drums they are all rock bands, are, in order, The Jam, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Sex Pistols, Ramones.


Did you watch that documentary on the ramones the other week? Awesome stuff on it. London Calling has to be The Clash's signiture tune - also a favourite with QPR fans. The Jam, SLF, Buzzcocks, all interesting. I used to listen to The John Peel show - 10pm-midnight (RIP JP) and learned some excellent music. Talking heads, before they became famous, The Plasmatics, Cockney Rejects, The Fall and The Stranglers. I was never a punk but i did enjoy some Punk Music. The Sex Pistols version of "God Save The Queen" being an all ti me punk classic.� Or "My Way".


Ah the mighty John Peel show..hard to think that it will ever be bettered. My very first CD was bought the week (it was a long way to shops where I grew up!) after hearing Jello Biafra and DOA's "Wish I was going to El Salvador" on that show. The Cd still has pride of place. Some of the greatest bands recorded for his sessions. My top five in this minute would be:

1. Electro Hippies
2. Dr and the Crippens (never on vinyl but incredible neverheless)
3. Snuff
4. Extreme Noise Terror: Ipswich's greatest export (even more so than John Wark, HN!)
5. Doom, closely followed by Napalm Death and Carcass.

The only problem was having to broaden my scope by listening to lots of African rhythmical stuff that Peely was interested in. HarryHotspur2008-06-15 23:17:09
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Lonegunmen wrote:
Because of where I work Cos, I get bombarded with Rap & Hip Hop. I cant stand the crap as a result. Give me "underground music anytime!.


yeah radio is pretty dire - i feel your pain
I like tautologies because I like them.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Critical_Lemon wrote:
Major record labels are stuck in a rutt, refusing to innovate or release challenging music. Most of the truly original music that charts tends to have been by bands that were originally on independent labels and met with significant comercial success. But of course charts are going to sounds similar one year to the next, musical fashions last several years, look back 10 years and the music sounds distinctly different.

Back to major labels though, they know what sells and try to sell it themselves, and then keep selling it. Underground bands get big because of major label distribution, all major pop music styles started out underground and were brought to the surface by major labels. I just wish those major labels would take risks rather than trump for what is selling at any particular moment.

In short, major labels exist to make money. Not help make an artistic impression on the world.
 
The major labels are screwed. They are now paying for their greed and arrogance over the years. I predict that all major labels (and there are only really two left anyhow) will be history in twenty years, as will all music store chains. The only music shops left will be the small collectors shops, the places for true enthusiasts to get their stuff and talk to like minded folk. Downloading (mostly for free, it's impossible to stop) is killing the music industry as we know it, and as it has been a corrupt and self-serving money printing machine for far too long I won't be sorry to see it go. Radiohead have shown the way forward. I don't like their music but I totally admire their way of doing things.
I know what I'm talking about here. I used to own a music store in AK City, and still have a lot of friends and contacts in the industry. Just a couple of weeks back, a mate that works at one leading AK store told me they'd be gone in five years, probably less. And the biggest NZ owned store of them all (I'm not naming names but it's obvious who I'm talking about) is in serious trouble with turnover down over 50% over the last 18 months.
Prophet of doom? No. Just wait and see.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
TheJam wrote:
The best bands, and as they all feature guitar, bass and drums they are all rock bands, are, in order, The Jam, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Sex Pistols, Ramones.
 
Saw SLF a few weeks ago in Auckland. Marvellous.

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
[QUOTE=Lonegunmen
 
NWOBHM?? Thank God for Youtube, I've been watching some of these groups on there.  There certainly was some good groups during the 70's and they all had a distinctive sound unlike the repetitive cliched stuff of today. Deep Purple, Ld Zep & The Who all sounded so very different in styles yet all had an awesome range of work.
[/QUOTE]
 
 
 
NWOBHM is the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, a sub-genre from the very late seventies, early eighties. Bands that you listed were a part of it, others like Girlschool, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Saxon were big movers.
TheJam2008-06-16 08:31:51
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jag wrote:
TheJam wrote:
The best bands, and as they all feature guitar, bass and drums they are all rock bands, are, in order, The Jam, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Sex Pistols, Ramones.
 
Saw SLF a few weeks ago in Auckland. Marvellous.
 
Yeah, me too. third time for me. Exceptional gig.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Saxon? There's a blast from the past. Youtube - allows muso fans to search and try before you buy. I'd rather pay the band than the lable for their music. I'd like to buy from a shop and keep them going but the choices are too limited. You go into one and search for either Mike Oldfield or Alan Parsons, Rainbow as examples.
 
A late friend of min used to work for P&O shipping until his death in 1990. He told me that CD's arrived on the wharf at $8 a unit and everything after that was profit.. Back then, CD's were between $30 & 35.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Well entire production of an album can be up to maybe 250,000 dollars at the high end, many records are made for about 50,000 or even less (Antartica Takes It recorded their first record with one microphone and a laptop). If you sell each cd to wholesalers or record stores at 8-10 dollars you only need to sell about 30,000 cds to make a decent profit.

TheJam, yeah you are right, the industry (at least in it's present/past form) is dying and as someone who wants to make a living in music it makes me wonder how exactly I can go about it.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
You could be like most of this new breed of underground muso's. Record your stuff and release it on youtube and go from there. All the best in your venture.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Yeah, I'm in that whole scene. I was actually going to illustrate the problems of the music industry with a personal example. My old band put out an EP last year and none of the people I knew wanted to buy it, they just wanted it for free.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
When I had my shop in the late nineties, a new release would cost me anywhere from $18-23. I'd then mark it up and try to sell it for $30 to make a profit (and not much of one). Someone I knew inside a record company told me that a particular big selling album back then had cost the record company abot $6 a unit all inclusive. I'd got it for about $22.50 from memory. And they wonder why we've got no sympathy for their plight? They are/were just parasites.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
In the words of Crass "Only stupid w**kers help EMI".
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Critical_Lemon wrote:
Yeah, I'm in that whole scene. I was actually going to illustrate the problems of the music industry with a personal example. My old band put out an EP last year and none of the people I knew wanted to buy it, they just wanted it for free.


make money form live shows - very few bands acrtually make much money from selling their albums - read articles by Steve Albini, a man who hates record labels with a passion. Buying a CD helps the label out about 10 times more than the band. Bands need exposure to be successful, which is why I don't feel guilty for downloading music - about 50% of the bands i listen to I wouldn't of even heard if it wasn't for downloading - whereas i'd never spend $35 on a band i've never heard.
I like tautologies because I like them.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
On one occaision I mentioned to Michael Logie from the Mint Chicks that I ripped Crazy?Yes!Dumb?No! Off of my sister's copy of the record. He said they don't mind people downloading their stuff, especially if they dont actually have the money to buy. I look at it the same way, I put about a grand into the EP, only made like $300 back.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Playing live is the major way bands make money now, that's why so many are reforming. A lot of them just can't live off the royalties any more.
I think that a strong range of merchandise, available at your gigs, is critical. T-shirts can be printed up these days for about $12 - good quality ones - and then sold for $25. there is a place here in west Ak that will make up button badges for about 60 cents each, sell them for $2 a piece. You could do with a website - not a blog, a proper site - with news of gigs, band features and info, merchandise, including CDs (easy to set up now using PayPal etc for payments). and don't forget there are a lot of people out there who love vinyl - release a 7". There is a real niche market for vinyl, a bigger market than most people realise. You'll have to get it manufactured overseas (Aussie/USA) as no-one here in NZ has the equipment any more.
In fact, the record companies are now trying to get a piece of the merchandise pie out of the bands after years of ignoring it - they are so head-in-the-sand it is incredible they've kept going this long. But bands just don't need them any more. All you need is a bit of techno-savvy and strong management by someone who knows what they're doing.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
TheJam, ever thought of going into band management?
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
TheJam wrote:
Playing live is the major way bands make money now, that's why so many are reforming. A lot of them just can't live off the royalties any more.
I think that a strong range of merchandise, available at your gigs, is critical. T-shirts can be printed up these days for about $12 - good quality ones - and then sold for $25. there is a place here in west Ak that will make up button badges for about 60 cents each, sell them for $2 a piece. You could do with a website - not a blog, a proper site - with news of gigs, band features and info, merchandise, including CDs (easy to set up now using PayPal etc for payments). and don't forget there are a lot of people out there who love vinyl - release a 7". There is a real niche market for vinyl, a bigger market than most people realise. You'll have to get it manufactured overseas (Aussie/USA) as no-one here in NZ has the equipment any more.
In fact, the record companies are now trying to get a piece of the merchandise pie out of the bands after years of ignoring it - they are so head-in-the-sand it is incredible they've kept going this long. But bands just don't need them any more. All you need is a bit of techno-savvy and strong management by someone who knows what they're doing.


haha a band i was in did that, we made 500 copies and sold about 50. $1000 down the drain! oh well
I like tautologies because I like them.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Cosimo wrote:
haha a band i was in did that, we made 500 copies and sold about 50. $1000 down the drain! oh well
 
The market for vinyl, especially singles, is stronger now than at any time since the advent of CDs. That said, it's got to be properly presented and marketed, and, of course, the sounds on it have to be something that people want to hear. The likes of the acts that are in the charts would have no use whatsoever for a vinyl release. For bands that want to appeal to the "underground" market (or to those who would like to think they are a part of that market) vinyl is a way of positioning your band accordingly.
A lot of the older bands that I collect - Buzzcocks being a good example - have realised that there are a lot of people like me out there who have a lot of Buzzcocks records (as well as the CDs) and want to keep their collections up, so they are releasing singles on CD and 7" as well as digitally. 
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Critical_Lemon wrote:
TheJam, ever thought of going into band management?
 
Yeah, I've been approached a few times, but it's not something that really interests me. I've spent a fair bit of time in the music industry and I've realised that I'd rather be a fan than a worker.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
The Jam & Cosimo, have either of you got your musical efforts online somewhere for a listen??
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I'm not in a band LG, I think you mean Critical Lemon.

Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
My previous band has a couple of songs on our mysace if it still exists (I think it does).
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Don't be shy, who are your previous and current bands CL?
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
My old band is The MakeOut Kids, not 100% sure what the name will be in the long term of the new one but at the moment it The Jogging Gorgeous Summers, possibly changing it to The Toy Tigers.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Another thing I think Kiwi bands tend to be really bad at is the image/identity thing. It think it may have come from the Flying Nun ideal, that of no image being the image itself. The old shoegazing The Clean sort of look is how Kiwi bands tends to project themselves, and I think this is wrong. Obviously there are exceptions but generally bands operate under our famous "tall poppy" restraints; that of not standing out. But you're up on a stage, you are in the entertainment business, you are supposed to be therefore entertaining the audience. That's where image is important. Of course you are saying 'look at us"; that's exactly what you want to happen. I don't really like The Hives, but no-one can deny that the way they present themselves is fantastic. That's what kiwi bands don't do enough of. They tend to just wander on stage wearing whatever they put on that morning, with no backdrop telling folk who they are or anything like that.

I also get frustrated when seeing kiwi bands with their tendency for long breaks between songs. It's like a three minute track, and then two minutes downtime, effing about tuning up and talking to each other. Finish one song, get straight into the next. Have a set list preapred beforehand and stick to it. No need for talking betweeen songs then.
Sorry to rant. I'm just throwing ideas out there that may be able to help some people. Saying that I'm "sharing my experience" makes me feel old, but i guess it's what I'm doing.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
The very occaisional (so long as you dont overdo it) bit of well done banter can be good though.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Oh yeah, audience interaction is important. They'll go and see you again if they feel like they were a part of the performance. Seeing a band play now is more than likely that band's main way of reaching their audience, more so now than the fan going out and buying a CD. So it's got to be done properly.
I guess what I've missed here is the most important thing. You've got to have the songs, or all of this is just cosmetic.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Though average music can get you places if you have a marketable image. Sadly.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Critical_Lemon wrote:
Though average music can get you places if you have a marketable image. Sadly.


HELL yeah - look at The Feelers FFS. Or Coldplay, or Opshop, or...[to infinity...]
I like tautologies because I like them.
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Cosimo wrote:
Critical_Lemon wrote:
Though average music can get you places if you have a marketable image. Sadly.


HELL yeah - look at The Feelers FFS. Or Coldplay, or Opshop, or...[to infinity...]
 
U2 stand out as a shining example. As do Queen. I've never understood how either got to be so big.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Changes every week.
Currently listening to PJ Harvey and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds back catalogue.
 
All time, The Clash, well The Clash before Combat Rock
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Nowt wrong with Combat Rock, stuff like Ghetto Defendant and Know Your Rights are among The Clash's best work.
Have you heard the Mick Jones mixes of the album, with extra tracks such as The Beautiful People Are Ugly Too? The bootleg's called Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg, which was to be Combat Rock's original title.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
TheJam wrote:
Cosimo wrote:
Critical_Lemon wrote:
Though average music can get you places if you have a marketable image. Sadly.


HELL yeah - look at The Feelers FFS. Or Coldplay, or Opshop, or...[to infinity...]
 
U2 stand out as a shining example. As do Queen. I've never understood how either got to be so big.
 
Do U2 actually play music at their concerts? I thought it was just a stage for the Messiah Bonehead to self promote himself and how much he is doing to make the world a better place - yeah Right!
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Yeah, Boner should eff off to a rainforest with Sting, take off his shoes, put a saucer in his lip and opt out of civilisation. We'd all be better off, including him.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
He's Sir Bonehead these days...
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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
If you want an example of what U2 could have been had they not decided to sell out big-time then grab hold of some Echo and the Bunnymen. A great band who started off at the same time as U2 and they were very similar to U2's initial music (Boy and October). However EaTB didn't compromise their ideals for commercial success and their albums such as Ocean Rain and Evergreen are aural gifts from God.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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almost 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Totally agree Jam, yes, they sold out. Perhaps U2 still haven't found what they're looking for? (Oooops, wrong thread!).
 
Eco was good, shame they never kicked on but at least they never sold themselves out.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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