quote:

Originally posted by RavingLunatic:
I was more taken aback by the tone of the comment: "It's not as good as you think," whereas most people would say "I don't like this as much as most of you seem to."

It should go without saying that when I—or anyone for that matter—says anything, an invisible "in my opinion" should be added at the end of every sentence. So I did say, "it's not as good as some may think, in my opinion." This doesn't label everyone who likes them as 'wrong' but rather, I'm scratching my head trying to find what everyone loves.

This is a super long thread but I think I read a post where RL said something to the effect of "this is the best indie-rock I have heard in years" (I might be wrong) but I am floored by that claim. And I've listened to my copy many, many times so I am trying. It just doesn't sound as good as everyone had described it (to my ears.) As for technical vocal ability: getting past the musical problems I have with it, the voices did grate on me.

I realize it is considered near blasphemy to dislike this band's music but I wanted to share my opposite side on it.

As for soul, Chamberk, have you heard Lee Fields' album? That's chock-full of heavy soul.

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:

quote:

Originally posted by RavingLunatic:
I was more taken aback by the tone of the comment: "It's not as good as you think," whereas most people would say "I don't like this as much as most of you seem to."

It should go without saying that when I—or anyone for that matter—says anything, an invisible "in my opinion" should be added at the end of every sentence. So I did say, "it's not as good as some may think, in my opinion." This doesn't label everyone who likes them as 'wrong' but rather, I'm scratching my head trying to find what everyone loves.

What's that!? A convert to the subjectivity side??? Sure sounds like it to me.

Here's the Delusions of Adequacy review

I think this review bears out Shad's theory that many of these reviewers have heard Hometowns before and have tired of it.

Also, here's the Sputnikmusic review from May which gives Hometowns a 4.5 out of 5. Hopefully, MC will add this soon to bring up the average.

Delusions of Adequacy in my experience has the poorest writing of any of the review sites I'm familiar with. I get the feeling it's a pretty motley bunch over there though, so I'm sure it varies.

I just went ahead and ordered a copy (to supplement my homemade one) from Saddle Creek, along with a super-awesome RAA poster (and a poster tube because who wants a folded up poster?). Kind of a splurge, but I love this band.

Great show in LA tonight. They played everything from Hometowns except "The Air". Plus, they played the Untitled Song and "Eye of the Tiger".

Also, it was great to meet crob and joymonger. Crob, I totally got your back. Music is soooo subjective!

And, a word of warning to everybody. Amy confirmed to me that they do read these boards. So, be nice! I'm looking at you, FKA.

Yeah, great meeting you Troy, and great meeting joymonger as well.

Damn Troy! Already posted about it!

It was a really nice show. They seem like a tight knit group and it was a pleasure to see them perform. I'm totally smitten by Amy and had a nice chat with Paul the drummer and apparently claims he has a lot more in his tank and can keep up that crazy drumming for much more.

Once again, thanks Troy for being so into the band. Your enthusiasm is definitely contagious.

Hi crobbbbb

EDIT: I like how one of the first things we do before we all go to bed is post on the board, hahaha

quote:

Originally posted by joymonger:
Damn Troy! Already posted about it!

It was a really nice show. They seem like a tight knit group and it was a pleasure to see them perform. I'm totally smitten by Amy and had a nice chat with Paul the drummer and apparently claims he has a lot more in his tank and can keep up that crazy drumming for much more.

Once again, thanks Troy for being so into the band. Your enthusiasm is definitely contagious.

Hi crobbbbb

EDIT: I like how one of the first things we do before we all go to bed is post on the board, hahaha

I love how we are the only three guys even on the boards right now. Haha. It put a smile on my face, for sure.

And Amy is adorable. End of story.'

Edit: Amy, if you are reading this, me and my date loved you! She thought you were great and it was an absolute pleasure meeting you tonight. (I can't believe I'm about to say this...) She also wanted me to find out where you got your outfit. Women.

I was pretty excited yesterday top find out that they'll be playing in Bloomington this August. After missing the Indianapolis show with my ankle surgery, I figured I'd missed out completely, but I'll be sure to make the Bloomington show.

I'm sad to say that the RAA may never come back to LA. Here's why:

Nils busted for jaywalking in LA

I guess Nils is now a wanted man in LA.

Edit: What do you think Nils is saying to the cop in the picture? My vote is for:

"Don't you know who I am?" or

"I'm sorry officer, but we don't have streets in Alberta."

This message has been edited. Last edited by: The Fall of Troy,

You gotta be kidding me. They actually confront people for jaywalking? Don't tell me he got a ticket.

quote:

Originally posted by RavingLunatic:
You gotta be kidding me. They actually confront people for jaywalking? Don't tell me he got a ticket.

This was on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. There are two places that you don't want to jaywalk in LA - Hollywood and Westwood (where UCLA is). It's a busy street. And, the cops were out in full force yesterday for some reason.

Well. I just gotta say, as a traffic engineer I don't have much sympathy for people that get picked up for jaywalking (I said people, not Rock Stars Nils! Sorry about the fuzz!). I mean I spend a lot of time and state money setting up crosswalks and timing lights so there can be safe crossing, and then I see people crossing at random times just 50 feet from a cross walk. And then we get blaimed for traffic accidents and are called back into redesign the system.

Sorry, had to vent.

Peace bros.

I agree with Shad, the dude broke the law, sorry.

In terms of the album, I think that the allmusic review is spot on. In a live setting they probably thrill but when they entered the studio, it all fizzled. It sounds to me like they could have used the help of a very good producer to tell them such things as "Hey, you know, you really shouldn't just end the song that way" or "You might wanna try fleshing out the songs a bit" or even "Umm, you can't really sing, let's try these vocal exercises." Three out of five stars sounds more than fair.

I mean, I know that there are some crazed fanboys here but let's not get bent out of shape because the critics don't love it as much as you do.

Yeah, everybody, don't get so bent out of shape. This place really needs to get under control. We can't have all this raging fury around here. I'm gonna have to lock this thread if everybody doesn't just settle down. It's pure madness around here.

[Insert gratuitous insult + blatantly provocative comments + a baffling resentment at others' enthusiasm]

WOW! Reading this thread is an eye-opener. Congrats to all of you dudes who helped the band. Teh internetz are amazing huh?

I think the album is just ok but sheesh this Raving dude needs to get that stick out of his butt. Maybe the kida guy just doesnt like it and wants to discuss it in discussion forums. Take a chill pill sister.

I'm pretty sure RL was being sarcastic. I haven't seen a lot of carping over the fact that some of the reviews of the album are mediocre. I am disappointed in the reviews from DoA, Undertheradar, and AMG, but that doesn't lessen my enjoyment of the album any.

There are two criticisms of the album that I don't get. It always annoys me when a critic knocks an album because it "doesn't capture the energy of the live show." What album does? In my experience, most bands sound better live than on an album. It's like the band gets a penalty for putting on a great show.

I listened to this album for months before I caught the band live and always found it fresh and exciting. The fact that the RAA is even better live only increases my love for the album, not diminish it.

And, I especially don't understand FKA's criticism of Amy's voice. She may not be the greatest vocalist, but I think saying that she can't carry a tune is a bit harsh. In fact, most critics that have reviewed the RAA, whether it was the album or their live shows, have been extremely positive about Amy's backing vocals. The harmonies on "Don't Haunt this Place" are amazing. And the ending of the album with her singing "Our love is strong/Our love is strong/While my heart's still pumping blood" is an excellent emotional conclusion to the album and gets to me every time.

I'm sorry for being the umpteenth person to say this, but it's a really awesome story you guys. I was wondering however how many people illegally downloaded the album? I only ask because I've begun to realize how much that sort of think can bolster a lesser known band's popularity.

For the record, I really enjoyed the album. I wish they would come down to Cleveland at some point!

quote:

Originally posted by Dwigt:
I'm sorry for being the umpteenth person to say this, but it's a really awesome story you guys. I was wondering however how many people illegally downloaded the album? I only ask because I've begun to realize how much that sort of think can bolster a lesser known band's popularity.

Nobody around here would ever dream of doing that.

I, for one, got my copy from eMu.