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I'm risking getting ignored by many of you here (if not all) but I want to talk about my favourite band, Jamiroquai.
Lots of you may well have heard the new single 'Little L' and I expect some might have liked it. And no doubt, many of you will know about the forthcoming release of '2001: A Funk Odyssey', the album containing the song.
This is all good, as I'm looking forward to hearing some new stuff from them. But my worry is that this band are losing their appeal because they simply don't seem to worry about carrying on their retro styling.
The last album saw the replacement of the bass player, and the new guy only played on a handful of the songs. All the rest was synthesised rubbish.
Now I hear the new song and some of the other new tracks, and the same thing seems to have occured.
I want real instruments - real drums and bass guitar in particular. One of my very 'electronic' music making mates even agrees that the sythesised bass sounds we often hear just aren't dynamic enough to impress.
Yes there are other bands who use only the intruments, but I can think of very few who carry on a genre which truly revolves around groove and musicianship as much as jazz and funk do.
The Chili Peppers are still holding in strong with Flea (bass player), and judging by his recent performance at V2001, he by no means intends on fading into insignificance through electronic replacement. And neither does his partner in funk, Chad Smith.
But who else is there to even approach such a style? The closest you can come is some of the more intricate metal rhythm sections, and thats just an area I feel is a great distance from the funky jazzy music I enjoy.
Disco will continue without doubt, which is one blessing. But I'm sure many of you would turn your noses up to James Brown NOW, let alone in a few years time. So I'm hoping for someone to come out of the woodwork and bring in a whole new wave of the movement which I believe is being lost.
I went to a blues club a few months ago and saw three guys playing a kind of groovy jazz. And they were the most awesome thing I've heard for years. Just amazing to anyone who was there. But I don't see the sort of talent you can find in a blues/jazz club ever coming onto the mainstream music scene.
So the question is why? Well I believe it's all about record companies and what they think we should be listening to. Well I hope so anyway. A part of me thinks that this sort of music is simply losing fans, which is a worry, but that's taste for you.
Finally, I was working in an office not long ago and when I asked the boss what sort of music he likes, he told me this:
"I like a SPECIFIC sort of church organ music"
Does that ring any bells?
Lots of you may well have heard the new single 'Little L' and I expect some might have liked it. And no doubt, many of you will know about the forthcoming release of '2001: A Funk Odyssey', the album containing the song.
This is all good, as I'm looking forward to hearing some new stuff from them. But my worry is that this band are losing their appeal because they simply don't seem to worry about carrying on their retro styling.
The last album saw the replacement of the bass player, and the new guy only played on a handful of the songs. All the rest was synthesised rubbish.
Now I hear the new song and some of the other new tracks, and the same thing seems to have occured.
I want real instruments - real drums and bass guitar in particular. One of my very 'electronic' music making mates even agrees that the sythesised bass sounds we often hear just aren't dynamic enough to impress.
Yes there are other bands who use only the intruments, but I can think of very few who carry on a genre which truly revolves around groove and musicianship as much as jazz and funk do.
The Chili Peppers are still holding in strong with Flea (bass player), and judging by his recent performance at V2001, he by no means intends on fading into insignificance through electronic replacement. And neither does his partner in funk, Chad Smith.
But who else is there to even approach such a style? The closest you can come is some of the more intricate metal rhythm sections, and thats just an area I feel is a great distance from the funky jazzy music I enjoy.
Disco will continue without doubt, which is one blessing. But I'm sure many of you would turn your noses up to James Brown NOW, let alone in a few years time. So I'm hoping for someone to come out of the woodwork and bring in a whole new wave of the movement which I believe is being lost.
I went to a blues club a few months ago and saw three guys playing a kind of groovy jazz. And they were the most awesome thing I've heard for years. Just amazing to anyone who was there. But I don't see the sort of talent you can find in a blues/jazz club ever coming onto the mainstream music scene.
So the question is why? Well I believe it's all about record companies and what they think we should be listening to. Well I hope so anyway. A part of me thinks that this sort of music is simply losing fans, which is a worry, but that's taste for you.
Finally, I was working in an office not long ago and when I asked the boss what sort of music he likes, he told me this:
"I like a SPECIFIC sort of church organ music"
Does that ring any bells?
I know what you mean. Even though I am becoming more involved in the electrical scene, it's still lovely to see 'guitar' bands prove that the instruments can still provide some lovely and interesting tunes.
eg. Turin Brakes, Elbow, JSBX, Radiohead, S.F.A., Star Sailor
But as you will notice, it's good to see how interesting some of these bands are getting with the inclusion of electric sounds.
I agree, there is nothing like going to see a live band, be it in a small dead end pub with some old guy playing a guitar, or seeing Pink Floyd play at Earls Court (man that would be good to see). I play in a band and it is just the greatest feeling playing your own music. I don't think that DJs can get the same rush, I find it quite incomparable.
On the original note of Jameroquai, I just think that they have drained it all from their 'disco' sound and each song is the same. They need to try something new I feel.
eg. Turin Brakes, Elbow, JSBX, Radiohead, S.F.A., Star Sailor
But as you will notice, it's good to see how interesting some of these bands are getting with the inclusion of electric sounds.
I agree, there is nothing like going to see a live band, be it in a small dead end pub with some old guy playing a guitar, or seeing Pink Floyd play at Earls Court (man that would be good to see). I play in a band and it is just the greatest feeling playing your own music. I don't think that DJs can get the same rush, I find it quite incomparable.
On the original note of Jameroquai, I just think that they have drained it all from their 'disco' sound and each song is the same. They need to try something new I feel.
I don't have a problem with music taking a more electronic direction, just as long as there is someone left who still creates it in the way I like.
In contrast to what you commented, Jamiroquai have become more samey ever since the synths began taking over. I admit that it is soley up to the band what they play and how they try and evolve, but if you check out the first album "emergency on planet earth" you'll see a diversity not present in anything recent. Second album too - electronic working it's way in but with strong jazzy undertones and no slippage in exoerimentation.
Now they just seem to rely on an electronic 'disco' bass riff and simply change the lyrics around and maybe get the drummer sitting on his head to achieve a different pattern.
You won't be surprised to hear that Supersonic is one song that I don't listen to very much. It just brings into perspective the lack of 'band' involved in some of those types of songs.
But anyway, clearly opinions vary.
As for Stereophonics, well their principals are with being a proper band, playing with guitars and drums and nothing else. If everything sounds the same, it's probably due to the lack of song writing ability rather than anything to do with the creative ranges of their intruments.
Believe me, the common old guitar is still able to blow peoples minds from a creative perpective.
Now the question: Is it a bad way forward?
Well from the perspective of someone who likes to go and see music in it's most pure form - live - I think it is a bad way forward yes. I'm not one of these people that has shielded myself from dance, and hip hip, and happy hardcore or whatever else.
I have listened to a lot of it and seen a lot of it live. It just bewilders me as to how many people could ever fit into that scene. Yes there are those that have become comfortable with the non-centralised live music scene (where you don't often look at anyone, the sound simply envelopes you and you dance), but I can't imagine that ever giving me the slightest tingle in the spine like a band can.
There is still a huge market for guitar based music, and an established and growing one for electronic. And the two forms are by no means segregated - their paths frequently cross. But when it comes down to the basic music structure, instruments are often what holds it all together.
And when we think about it, what would we be more impressed with at a live gig? A 2 minute Flea/Chad bass/drum solo, or a guy expertly moving a slider on a mixing desk?
Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of skill involved. That was an exageration. But for creativity and diversity nothing can or will ever beat an instrument, or do the job without use of an instruement sample.
Oh and to the last guy that posted, cheers for the tip on that Jon Spencer album - listened to it and will soon be buying it :)
In contrast to what you commented, Jamiroquai have become more samey ever since the synths began taking over. I admit that it is soley up to the band what they play and how they try and evolve, but if you check out the first album "emergency on planet earth" you'll see a diversity not present in anything recent. Second album too - electronic working it's way in but with strong jazzy undertones and no slippage in exoerimentation.
Now they just seem to rely on an electronic 'disco' bass riff and simply change the lyrics around and maybe get the drummer sitting on his head to achieve a different pattern.
You won't be surprised to hear that Supersonic is one song that I don't listen to very much. It just brings into perspective the lack of 'band' involved in some of those types of songs.
But anyway, clearly opinions vary.
As for Stereophonics, well their principals are with being a proper band, playing with guitars and drums and nothing else. If everything sounds the same, it's probably due to the lack of song writing ability rather than anything to do with the creative ranges of their intruments.
Believe me, the common old guitar is still able to blow peoples minds from a creative perpective.
Now the question: Is it a bad way forward?
Well from the perspective of someone who likes to go and see music in it's most pure form - live - I think it is a bad way forward yes. I'm not one of these people that has shielded myself from dance, and hip hip, and happy hardcore or whatever else.
I have listened to a lot of it and seen a lot of it live. It just bewilders me as to how many people could ever fit into that scene. Yes there are those that have become comfortable with the non-centralised live music scene (where you don't often look at anyone, the sound simply envelopes you and you dance), but I can't imagine that ever giving me the slightest tingle in the spine like a band can.
There is still a huge market for guitar based music, and an established and growing one for electronic. And the two forms are by no means segregated - their paths frequently cross. But when it comes down to the basic music structure, instruments are often what holds it all together.
And when we think about it, what would we be more impressed with at a live gig? A 2 minute Flea/Chad bass/drum solo, or a guy expertly moving a slider on a mixing desk?
Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of skill involved. That was an exageration. But for creativity and diversity nothing can or will ever beat an instrument, or do the job without use of an instruement sample.
Oh and to the last guy that posted, cheers for the tip on that Jon Spencer album - listened to it and will soon be buying it :)
I would much prefer for Jameroquai (or however you spell it) to go off in a more electrical way. Each song they now do sounds like a variation of the last one made. It's starting to bore me.
Supersonic, in my opinion is one of their best songs because it contains their style but in a different, 'newer' format.
Another band, caught in a trap of producing the same garble is the Stereophonics. When are they going to wake up and see that they are losing many fans because they aren't daring enought to take their music anywhere else (in a metaphyiscal sense).
It's rather sad really. Development is good, we NEED development, it shall bring good fortune.
I can honestly see many people turning to electrical sounds in the future, is it really that bad a way forward. Don't get me wrong, I love instruments, I play one myself, maybe a stronger connection with the both can produce some funky beats.
Oh if you wanna go for some funk, look no further than the John Spencer Blues Explosion. Man he rocks all. Check out the album ACME.
Supersonic, in my opinion is one of their best songs because it contains their style but in a different, 'newer' format.
Another band, caught in a trap of producing the same garble is the Stereophonics. When are they going to wake up and see that they are losing many fans because they aren't daring enought to take their music anywhere else (in a metaphyiscal sense).
It's rather sad really. Development is good, we NEED development, it shall bring good fortune.
I can honestly see many people turning to electrical sounds in the future, is it really that bad a way forward. Don't get me wrong, I love instruments, I play one myself, maybe a stronger connection with the both can produce some funky beats.
Oh if you wanna go for some funk, look no further than the John Spencer Blues Explosion. Man he rocks all. Check out the album ACME.
I'm risking getting ignored by many of you here (if not all) but I want to talk about my favourite band, Jamiroquai.
Lots of you may well have heard the new single 'Little L' and I expect some might have liked it. And no doubt, many of you will know about the forthcoming release of '2001: A Funk Odyssey', the album containing the song.
This is all good, as I'm looking forward to hearing some new stuff from them. But my worry is that this band are losing their appeal because they simply don't seem to worry about carrying on their retro styling.
The last album saw the replacement of the bass player, and the new guy only played on a handful of the songs. All the rest was synthesised rubbish.
Now I hear the new song and some of the other new tracks, and the same thing seems to have occured.
I want real instruments - real drums and bass guitar in particular. One of my very 'electronic' music making mates even agrees that the sythesised bass sounds we often hear just aren't dynamic enough to impress.
Yes there are other bands who use only the intruments, but I can think of very few who carry on a genre which truly revolves around groove and musicianship as much as jazz and funk do.
The Chili Peppers are still holding in strong with Flea (bass player), and judging by his recent performance at V2001, he by no means intends on fading into insignificance through electronic replacement. And neither does his partner in funk, Chad Smith.
But who else is there to even approach such a style? The closest you can come is some of the more intricate metal rhythm sections, and thats just an area I feel is a great distance from the funky jazzy music I enjoy.
Disco will continue without doubt, which is one blessing. But I'm sure many of you would turn your noses up to James Brown NOW, let alone in a few years time. So I'm hoping for someone to come out of the woodwork and bring in a whole new wave of the movement which I believe is being lost.
I went to a blues club a few months ago and saw three guys playing a kind of groovy jazz. And they were the most awesome thing I've heard for years. Just amazing to anyone who was there. But I don't see the sort of talent you can find in a blues/jazz club ever coming onto the mainstream music scene.
So the question is why? Well I believe it's all about record companies and what they think we should be listening to. Well I hope so anyway. A part of me thinks that this sort of music is simply losing fans, which is a worry, but that's taste for you.
Finally, I was working in an office not long ago and when I asked the boss what sort of music he likes, he told me this:
"I like a SPECIFIC sort of church organ music"
Does that ring any bells?
Lots of you may well have heard the new single 'Little L' and I expect some might have liked it. And no doubt, many of you will know about the forthcoming release of '2001: A Funk Odyssey', the album containing the song.
This is all good, as I'm looking forward to hearing some new stuff from them. But my worry is that this band are losing their appeal because they simply don't seem to worry about carrying on their retro styling.
The last album saw the replacement of the bass player, and the new guy only played on a handful of the songs. All the rest was synthesised rubbish.
Now I hear the new song and some of the other new tracks, and the same thing seems to have occured.
I want real instruments - real drums and bass guitar in particular. One of my very 'electronic' music making mates even agrees that the sythesised bass sounds we often hear just aren't dynamic enough to impress.
Yes there are other bands who use only the intruments, but I can think of very few who carry on a genre which truly revolves around groove and musicianship as much as jazz and funk do.
The Chili Peppers are still holding in strong with Flea (bass player), and judging by his recent performance at V2001, he by no means intends on fading into insignificance through electronic replacement. And neither does his partner in funk, Chad Smith.
But who else is there to even approach such a style? The closest you can come is some of the more intricate metal rhythm sections, and thats just an area I feel is a great distance from the funky jazzy music I enjoy.
Disco will continue without doubt, which is one blessing. But I'm sure many of you would turn your noses up to James Brown NOW, let alone in a few years time. So I'm hoping for someone to come out of the woodwork and bring in a whole new wave of the movement which I believe is being lost.
I went to a blues club a few months ago and saw three guys playing a kind of groovy jazz. And they were the most awesome thing I've heard for years. Just amazing to anyone who was there. But I don't see the sort of talent you can find in a blues/jazz club ever coming onto the mainstream music scene.
So the question is why? Well I believe it's all about record companies and what they think we should be listening to. Well I hope so anyway. A part of me thinks that this sort of music is simply losing fans, which is a worry, but that's taste for you.
Finally, I was working in an office not long ago and when I asked the boss what sort of music he likes, he told me this:
"I like a SPECIFIC sort of church organ music"
Does that ring any bells?