View Full Version : The Darkness: They are terrible, aren't they?
Sorry, I need reassurance here. I'm getting more and more disturbed by the number of people who seem to think The Darkness are :notworthy
What's wrong with you people? :eek: Or have I just fallen into some strange alternative dimension entirely lacking in taste, where S Club are in a movie and-
Hang on...:suspect:
I saw them live late 2001 or early 2002 and they were just unutterably terrible. And now they have singles getting played on the radio?? AC/DC are already comic - you cant be comic versions of something comic...it's like doing a spoof of Spinal Tap.:confused: From what I've heard and seen, The Darkness are just BAD - plain and simple...
Personally I think they're ace. IMO they're a good old-fashioned rock band who seem to... "mean it", I suppose. I wouldn't agree that they're comic in nature -- they seem to have a bit of glam to them, which might give that impression.
All in all, I think they put on a good show, full of guitar solos and falsetto choruses -- and Justin's solo during Love On The Rocks (With No Ice), performed while being carried through the crowd on a roadie's shoulders, gives them extra points for cool in my estimation. :D
I wouldn't liken them to a Spinal Tap spoof though... whereas Tap were portrayed as out-of-touch and over-the-top, oblivious to good taste and fueled by a misguided sense of the gravitas of their music (see Stonehenge), I rather think The Darkness are taking inspiration from 70s/80s rock and running with it with a knowing wink.
That's the image and the stage presence of course; regardless of all that, I like the music. Maybe my tastes are simpler than yours. :p
Arch Stanton
14-04-2003, 12:28
My view of the Darkness...
:eek:
:|
:suspect:
:confused:
Barney_Tabasco
14-04-2003, 13:19
My view is :thumbs: :nuts: :notworthy
jmdomain
14-04-2003, 13:37
I think they're a guilty pleasure :D
Pike Bishop
14-04-2003, 14:14
They are great. Anyone know when their album is out?
mardyChris
14-04-2003, 14:18
All I know is that my housemate has been out with 2 of the band!
MaxNutter
14-04-2003, 14:52
running the risk of sounding old, but whhhhhhooooooooooo???
Get yer hands off a my woman...
Island Swing
14-04-2003, 15:25
Totally agree with the TheoGB they are neither original or at all cool. First heard Jo whiley going on about them a few months ago and its the worst of 80s rock which I hoped I'd heard the last of.
Utter utter crap.
To all the people who don't like them are you taking them seriously?
Just take them as a band having a laugh you'll enjoy them a lot more.
If that fails try selling your Radiohead albums and get out of the house more!
Originally posted by ljp
To all the people who don't like them are you taking them seriously?
Just take them as a band having a laugh you'll enjoy them a lot more.
Um no. The problem is that they're spoofing what's already been comic! It's like doing a spoof of Spinal Tap. AC/DC already did it much better and they weren't a band you could take seriously but then that was their charm.
The Darkness are just kitsch, which is the problem! :p
If that fails try selling your Radiohead albums and get out of the house more!
Well I will admit to finding The Darkness' cover of Street Spirit quite refreshing, but then it always was the dull track off The Bends...:suspect:
Originally posted by TheoGB
Um no. The problem is that they're spoofing what's already been comic! It's like doing a spoof of Spinal Tap. AC/DC already did it much better and they weren't a band you could take seriously but then that was their charm.
The Darkness are just kitsch, which is the problem! :p
I wouldn't want to accuse anyone in ACDC of being a spoof band! I know someone that accused a member of Motley Crue of not being a serious band - he got thrown off the tour bus!
Whats wrong with copying a previous band / comic or serious?
I agree that they are kitsch / pretentious but surely that's their whole point?
Don't all bands need an angle now?
Bands like 'The Darkness' dont write music to be over analysed they just write good time tunes - much like every glam rock band in the eighties!
jonorigin
14-04-2003, 21:34
They are like spinal tap but without the humour. Like if Harry Enfield had written Spinal Tap and a cack album to go with it!!
TungataZebiwe
07-07-2003, 20:04
Just got this album - fantastic! It's just a feel good record as long as you don't take it to seriously.
The singer (when he's not hitting top C ;) ) sounds really like Robert Smith sometimes I reckon.
kohoutec
07-07-2003, 20:12
Theyre a bit daft really arent they? A group for people to *ironically* like methinks
Mandroman
07-07-2003, 21:08
Originally posted by kohoutec
Theyre a bit daft really arent they? A group for people to *ironically* like methinks
Quite possibly so for some of their fans but there really is something quite exciting about seeing them live. I thought they were fantastic at Glasto. The crowd where as mental at 10:30 am that friday as they were at any other stage of the whole weekend in front of the Pyramid. Just seen them at HMV Oxford Circus where it was packed to the rafters and everyone loved it. Amidst all the serious gloominess of the likes of Coldplay et al, it's good to see smiling faces from the stage itself right to the back of the crowd.
And they've put the edit back in Suff@#k!
Please read the T&Cs (http://www.thedvdforums.com/) regarding masked swearing :nono:
I think The Darkness http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/party/ylsuper.gif
The album is superb and they are simply having fun. I think the Spinal tap tag is a bit harsh, with Justin's vocal style and classic rock sound they know it would be hard to play it straight, I think smst summed it up nice "I rather think The Darkness are taking inspiration from 70s/80s rock and running with it with a knowing wink"
AndyWilson
07-07-2003, 21:56
Some of us had to live thru this sort of stuff in the 70s, and are still badly scarred by friends insisting on playing Lynyrd Skynrd and Boston....
They are great. Anyone know when their album is out?
It came out today I think. Haven't managed to buy it yet.
heard most of the album today, and I quite frankly think they Rock! and that's not just cause they're local either (so is Hannah Spearitt of S Club and Myleene Klass, and I hardly sing their praises!). I really think they are a fun listen, it's rock about rock!
Originally posted by Stewart Howie
Totally agree with the TheoGB they are neither original or at all cool. First heard Jo whiley going on about them a few months ago and its the worst of 80s rock which I hoped I'd heard the last of.
Utter utter crap.
Agreed.
Arch Stanton
08-07-2003, 08:54
Having now seen them live, Mr Stanton can say that there great entertainment and i will be going to see them again.
Still wouldn't dream of buying thier album though.
They did a live version of 'street spirit' on Dermots late night music program last week. Needless to say it was the WORST cover version i have ever heard. That band really deserve a hell of a lot of bullets in their ass for butchering it.
Originally posted by jambo
Get yer hands off a my woman...
don't you mean....
Get yer hands off my wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooo ooo oooo ooooo ooooooooooooman? :D
They sucked at Download and suck generally. Will die out pretty soon methinks.
Originally posted by biggis
They did a live version of 'street spirit' on Dermots late night music program last week. Needless to say it was the WORST cover version i have ever heard. That band really deserve a hell of a lot of bullets in their ass for butchering it.
They also played it at their opening set at Glastonbury, and it went down a treat :notworthy
Guess its just one if these bands you need to be in the mood for...
yeah - probably like Marmite - either hate them or love them. Coincedentally - I hate Marmite too :D
Arch Stanton
08-07-2003, 11:33
The street Spirit cover at Glastonbury was indeed truely special. :clap:
Still wouldn't buy any of thier records though.:|
Originally posted by AndyWilson
Some of us had to live thru this sort of stuff in the 70s, and are still badly scarred by friends insisting on playing Lynyrd Skynrd and Boston....
..how can you compare Lynyrd Skynyrd with Boston:confused: ...one was AOR and the other was a genuine southern roots/rock band who made some really original albums...how many Skynyrd albums have you actually listened to?., or are you one of those people who judge them on Freebird alone?
mattster
09-07-2003, 01:51
For once I think people are missing the point of The Darkness. Whether they suck or blow, are pastiche or irony, it doesn't really matter. They are what they claim to be, FUN. No more no less.
If you don't like them, great. If you do like them, great. They write some catchy songs and make people smile a lot, especially live.
They might not be the greatest razor sharp musical perfectionists live, but sometimes that's not the whole point. We've already got a raft of poe faced muso's, all trying to be note perfect and painfully cool, and shuffling about , dressed uninspiringly from Burtons and Top Shop. Sometimes there comes a time when it's about atmosphere, entertainment and fun. Full on entertainment.
Don't waste your time losing sleep over trying to pidgeonhole everything and wondering about the hidden double bluffs and agendas. Just listen, and if you like them, great, and if you don't , cool as well, you have approximately 5000 other bands to get all bothered about.
Long live entertainment and showbusiness :clap:
P.S. I bought the album out of curiosity and word of mouth, and it's great. First record to make me smile for a while.:)
Originally posted by mattster
For once I think people are missing the point of The Darkness. Whether they suck or blow, are pastiche or irony, it doesn't really matter. They are what they claim to be, FUN. No more no less.
If you don't like them, great. If you do like them, great. They write some catchy songs and make people smile a lot, especially live.
They might not be the greatest razor sharp musical perfectionists live, but sometimes that's not the whole point. We've already got a raft of poe faced muso's, all trying to be note perfect and painfully cool, and shuffling about , dressed uninspiringly from Burtons and Top Shop. Sometimes there comes a time when it's about atmosphere, entertainment and fun. Full on entertainment.
Well I could claim you've missed the point.
Go and see ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - there's very little in the way of po-faced, note-perfect work there - sheer energy and enjoyment. They have great songs and they aren't some kind of bizarre parodic band.
The point is that The Darkness don't even try. While they might be a 'real' band, that doesn't mean they're not the thin end of a very large wedge that encompasses more mainstream 'kitsch' acts. They encourage the record companies to stop looking for new and interesting acts, and concentrate on the same tired old stuff.
Pike Bishop
09-07-2003, 08:09
I just ordered their album yesterday from CD-Wow.
I think that they are getting a bit too much stick off these forums, personally I like them, I think they write some good songs with great live performance to go with it. They are generally fun and like someone has already said brings a smile to my face. More importantly they don't take themselves too seriously.
Compare them to the media's obsession with bands like Coldplay who appear so dull and stuck up their own arses it is untrue. I think The Darkness are breathing a bit of life into the stale rock/pop scene of the UK and good on them for shaking it up a bit.
Originally posted by Pike Bishop
I think that they are getting a bit too much stick off these forums, personally I like them,
More people have posted in this thread saying they like them than those who don't.
Like many others have said The Darkness are great entertainment and fun, in my book that goes a long way :thumbs:
Originally posted by Pike Bishop
I just ordered their album yesterday from CD-Wow.
I think that they are getting a bit too much stick off these forums, personally I like them, I think they write some good songs with great live performance to go with it. They are generally fun and like someone has already said brings a smile to my face. More importantly they don't take themselves too seriously.
Compare them to the media's obsession with bands like Coldplay who appear so dull and stuck up their own arses it is untrue. I think The Darkness are breathing a bit of life into the stale rock/pop scene of the UK and good on them for shaking it up a bit.
I think it's unlikely you'll find many fans of Coldplay on here. I am constantly amazed at peoples' assumption that because you don't like so called 'fun' music, you must be into so-called 'depressing/dull' music.
The way I see it: Electric 6 are fun and good; The Darkness are just bad.
Barney_Tabasco
09-07-2003, 13:46
Apparently The Darkness album is set to enter the album charts at No.2!! :eek:
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
The street Spirit cover at Glastonbury was indeed truely special. :clap:
Still wouldn't buy any of thier records though.:|
Nooooo!
I listened to that and i had to go and listen to the original :nuts: it was awful :lol:
Edit: im listening to the original now, because ive got the darkness' version in my head :oh-hum:
anywho..
their current single is "ok"
:|:|:| out 5 on the :| rating
Arch Stanton
09-07-2003, 16:03
I think you had to be there to apreciate it's splendor.
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
I think you had to be there to apreciate it's splendor.
Nah. I've only heard the record and thought it was cool. Think I said in my original post in fact.
But then I always considered the RH original a bit of a dull song, if you're not in the mood...
Blank Frank
10-07-2003, 12:19
Spinal Tap: The Next Generation
LouBarlow
10-07-2003, 20:03
Well after hearing the record, finally, I have to say I like it a fair bit.
Theo, are you basing your hatred on a gig you saw a few years back ?
This would seem an odd way to judge a band...many sound **** in their infancy. I just think a lot of people criticising them here are just doing so because they think its the right thing to do...because their music isn't half bad when you listen to it.
The Darkness seem to have suffered from 'anti-hype' and like sheep, people agree, despite not actually bothering to listen to the music in the first place.
Weird.
Originally posted by LouBarlow
Well after hearing the record, finally, I have to say I like it a fair bit.
Theo, are you basing your hatred on a gig you saw a few years back ?
This would seem an odd way to judge a band...many sound **** in their infancy. I just think a lot of people criticising them here are just doing so because they think its the right thing to do...because their music isn't half bad when you listen to it.
The Darkness seem to have suffered from 'anti-hype' and like sheep, people agree, despite not actually bothering to listen to the music in the first place.
Weird.
I've heard the singles too.
I think it's very fair to base my opinion of band on their live performance, considering they were already a very tight and together unit.
Make no mistake, it was a great show...if you actually want to live in the 70's haven't moved on in any way whatsoever!!
I did feel it was a shame that the lead guitarist's wireless system didn't pick up a local airbase's communication system for authenticity.
I don't really know how 'anti-hype' can fill the Astoria. I know what I like and I don't like this. I've seen tonnes of bands do the circuits and The Darkness were certainly playing a level above most others, but they weren't writing anything special. You should know how much I prize writing ability and ideas!;)
LouBarlow
10-07-2003, 22:44
I wasn't applying my theory to you Theo - as you say, you have witnessed them at their most primal, but I have the suspicion that many 'knockers' in this thread haven't even heard them - but because they have been told they are retro-nonsense, they agree...
Originally posted by LouBarlow
I wasn't applying my theory to you Theo - as you say, you have witnessed them at their most primal, but I have the suspicion that many 'knockers' in this thread haven't even heard them - but because they have been told they are retro-nonsense, they agree...
Well I think if you read the thread again you'll see that everyone, with the possible exception of 'kohoutec' and 'Dazzle', who give no info either way, would appear to have heard the stuff and made their opinion based on that. :confused:
And I would certainly imagine Dazzle will have heard and/or seen the bad since he seems to pick up on a great deal of music around.
LouBarlow
11-07-2003, 15:56
Another possible reason for people taking a dislike to them could be that they are about to become superstars by basically taking the **** - wheras all the hard-working bands scrimping a living out of playing the circuit see no real commercial success.
Of course there are better bands out there, but I really can't knock The Darkness for making it big...obviously people will buy this stuff.
Originally posted by LouBarlow
Another possible reason for people taking a dislike to them could be that they are about to become superstars by basically taking the **** - wheras all the hard-working bands scrimping a living out of playing the circuit see no real commercial success.
Of course there are better bands out there, but I really can't knock The Darkness for making it big...obviously people will buy this stuff.
I think people dislike their music and their style, which isn't quite them same as a dislike based on envy and/or injustice. I think that's more about general disappointment in the mainstream choice of the public.
I first saw them supporting def leppard in manchester, and thought the band where very tight and quite skilled players, but then the lead singer did his "falsetto" and I went to the bar until they finished. If he didn`t to that voice then I would like them, but I think it spoils the band! Just please stop that voice!!!!!
I bought the album on Saturday, mainly on the strength of Growing On Me.(which I like) But the rest of the album fails to do anything for me.
Quite a disappointment.
Perhaps they are something best experienced live, I don't know.
Disappearer
14-09-2003, 19:46
I feel like I missing something because I just don't get why The Darkness are so damn popular. People whose music tastes I've respected have now started raving about them and I'm beginning to think that some sort of Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers thing has gone on while I wasn't looking. Am I the only one who thinks they're a bit ****? I didn't really want to hate them but because of their inescapable popularity I find myself having to take sides.
I can understand why someone who's a fan of, say, Queen or Meatloaf, would rate them, but when someone who normally listens to The Flaming Lips or Doves starts proclaiming their brilliance then I start wondering what the hell is going on!
Can I just state, for the record, once and for all, that The Darkness are not, and will never be, cool!
Rant over!!! :D
The Bear
14-09-2003, 20:32
If you were into 80's rock á la Queen, Kiss, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, etc then you will like The Darkness. Regardless of what bands you are currently into.
They write catchy tunes which also rock, his voice is funny but good at the same time, they have widdly guitar bits in them and the songs are fun to listen to. What's not to like about them?
I haven't stopped listening to them since last week.
I'm afraid to listen to the album cos i just might like it.
The first single had the sheer audacity to actually grow on me and the second single is so insultingly catchy it scary.
I look at them and shudder but i guess they must be doing something right to be getting such wide acclaim.
I can't stop listening to it - just can't. I've got loads of new albums on my Zen which have gone unlistened cos I can't be bothered.
It's on my Zen, it's in my car, it's everywhere! :D
Arch Stanton
14-09-2003, 20:42
People like the Darkness simply because people are fed up with moaning angst rockers and introspective indie kids that dominate the music sense at the moment.
Are the Darkness that good, not really (especially when compared to the old metal thier ripping off.) but the're putting a smile on peoples faces and there harmless enough.
Dave 3:16
14-09-2003, 20:48
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
People like the Darkness simply because people are fed up with moaning angst rockers and introspective indie kids that dominate the music sense at the moment.
Are the Darkness that good, not really (especially when compared to the old metal thier ripping off.) but the're putting a smile on peoples faces and there harmless enough.
My thoughts exactly...
Good Charlotte are also excellent entertainment, due to the fact they so poor it's funny to watch :lol:
During their set on the Kerrang awards that crowd was like a mortuary
Disappearer
14-09-2003, 20:52
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
but the're putting a smile on peoples faces and there harmless enough.
You could say the same about Robbie Williams.
LeftHandedGuitarist
14-09-2003, 20:59
I'm a massive Queen fan, but it took me a long time to start liking The Darkness. I do now though - their singles are great, but most of the album isn't all that inspiring apart from a few.
Originally posted by TheoGB
And I would certainly imagine Dazzle will have heard and/or seen the bad since he seems to pick up on a great deal of music around.
Unfortunatly Ive not had the "pleasure" of seeing them perform in the flesh . I have however heard enough seen on tv etc of them to form an opinion that they remind me of a sixth form parody of spinal tap/bad news. I seriously doubt that the over the top theatrics will go down as well once the second album is out, ie the joke will not be as funny.
Granted falsetto vocals and squalling guitars were never my favorite, but I could see the conviction and originality in many of the originals.
In short I just dont get it :confused:
I'm with the Invasion of the body snatchers theory too
;)
Goldeneye
14-09-2003, 21:09
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
People like the Darkness simply because people are fed up with moaning angst rockers and introspective indie kids that dominate the music sense at the moment.
Are the Darkness that good, not really (especially when compared to the old metal thier ripping off.) but the're putting a smile on peoples faces and there harmless enough.
Perfect summation - absolutely perfect!:notworthy
Songs that grow on you - even though you don't want them to! And at last there is a bit of 'fun' back in modern music... I was tired of listening to 'new stuff', only to want to slit my wrists at the end of it....;)
Arch Stanton
14-09-2003, 21:35
BTW do you know Justin from the Darkness wrote the 'slomp' jingle for Akea....
Muddy Mudskipper
14-09-2003, 21:35
I had the misfortune of hearing their Street Spirit cover today on the radio. And they should be strung up for it, and then pelted with sharp rocks.
Awful novelty band.
Originally posted by Dave 3:16
My thoughts exactly...
Good Charlotte are also excellent entertainment, due to the fact they so poor it's funny to watch :lol:
During their set on the Kerrang awards that crowd was like a mortuary
You keep slagging them Dave but you've still got them listed as a band you're 'into' in your faceparty link :cuckoo: :razz: :cuckoo:
Dave 3.16 loves Good Charlotte. He wants to "be with them"
:D
Dave 3:16
14-09-2003, 22:49
wtf...arg
spida1998
14-09-2003, 22:57
I think they're ace as well, deserve all the praise they are getting :notworthy
Jimmyboy
15-09-2003, 01:05
Originally posted by Muddy Mudskipper
Awful novelty band.
This is why I haven't bothered checking them out any further than the singles, because they are so clearly a novelty band which won't last longer than the one album (or 15 minutes).
As little as 2 years from now you'll look through your CD collection once the hype has well and truely warn off and you'll think "why the heck did I ever buy that Darkness CD!".
They're like the now version of that band who did a rock cover of Three Little Pigs in the early 90's. :gag:
Will Young has a longer career ahead of him than The Darkness.
Shame really coz theres probably a half decent band somewhere beneath the eccentric over the top campness.
Dave 3:16
15-09-2003, 01:19
Originally posted by Jimmyboy
They're like the now version of that band who did a rock cover of Three Little Pigs in the early 90's. :gag:
Green Jelly? (IIRC) but don;t quote me on that
Originally posted by Dave 3:16
Green Jelly? (IIRC) but don;t quote me on that
It was Green Jelly :)
I had the experience of seeing them live on their only (?) UK tour :oh-hum:
Believe they started of as Green Jello but got sued as it's a brand name in the US.
Originally posted by Dave 3:16
wtf...arg
Nice edit :lol: you forgot to take out NOFX as well :nuts:
Originally posted by Dave Metcalf
Nice edit :lol: you forgot to take out NOFX as well :nuts:
What the hell were they doing in there in the first place, anyhow.
Damn, did someone get a screencap to use to taunt him in later threads? :( :lol:
Anyone remember James Whale and his Radio Show?
Remember they used to have an unsigned band slot?
And it was always some **** poor metal band from some Midlands hell hole?
That's The Darkness, that is.
Mind, they do no harm at all, but in six months time nobody will remember them, so good luck to them as they rake in as much as they can.
johnson293
15-09-2003, 10:08
Originally posted by The Bear
If you were into 80's rock á la Queen, Kiss, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, etc then you will like The Darkness. Regardless of what bands you are currently into.
They write catchy tunes which also rock, his voice is funny but good at the same time, they have widdly guitar bits in them and the songs are fun to listen to. What's not to like about them?
I haven't stopped listening to them since last week.
^ Wot he said! :clap:
I like them because they dont take themselves too seriously, and some of the tunes Rock! :notworthy
I 'aquired' the album a couple of weeks ago, and have been giving it a whirl in the car...and it is definitely a grower!...first play, thougth it was patchy, but after a few goes, I'm getting more into it!
I heard them on the Radio One 'one big sunday' yesterday, and they are actually sounded very good live, which surprised me!
Basically, if you dont like them/their music, dont listen to it/buy it...but taste is a personal thing...and one mans Darkness is another mans radiohead...or something! :nuts:
Which reminds me, they did a cracking, and very wierd cover of 'Street Spirit' by Radiohead yesterday! :nuts:
MJ :thumbs:
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
BTW do you know Justin from the Darkness wrote the 'slomp' jingle for Akea.... I vaguely remember mention on a Radio 1 show that he also wrote the theme to Pop Idol.
I actually had a conversation with a mate of mine about this a couple of weeks ago, it went along the lines of "wtf are they all about? they are a bit crap arent they"
2 weeks later I cant stop listening to the singles, fell about reading an interview with them in guitar magazine and going to alter my route home to buy the album ...
If you like it, enjoy it... if you dont then live and let live :)
The Bear
15-09-2003, 16:11
To everyone that says they are a novelty band - Why are they??
It's not as if they take the **** with silly lyrics like Spinal Tap, and the music is no worse (a lot better actually) than a lot of cheesy 80's rock bands that people were heavily into at the time.
The songs are well written and impeccably structured, with intelligently written vocal melodies (bar the falsetto, which incidentally adds a lot of vocal dynamic that a lot of bands nowadays are incapable of doing), and some superb guitar solos (Friday Night especially).
Las Ketchup/Junior Senior - They only have one silly catchy song then quickly release an album and hope they rake as much money as possible - That to me is the definition of a novelty band.
Someone doing I'm A Little Teapot to a heavy rock/dance backing would be taking the **** or a novelty.
I just don't see why The Darkness shouldn't be taken seriously just because their style is one that has been overtaken by Rap/R'n'B/Boybands/Garage in recent years.
If Guns 'N' Roses actually started their careers today and released stuff like Paradise City, would they be labelled ****-takers or a novelty band? After all they are a very similar style of song (heavy riffs + squeally scratchy vocals).
Arch Stanton
15-09-2003, 16:18
The Junior Senior album certainly isn't the work of a novelty band. It's a quality pop album.
ive changed my mind now ;)
if you want to like the darkness i suggest you dont listen to their version of Street Spirit because its quite poor in comparison to the album which is good bar one or two tracks :thumbs:
I think their version of Street Spirit is great.
The Bear
15-09-2003, 20:51
Originally posted by Bish
I think their version of Street Spirit is great. Absolutely. Not as strong as some of the stuff on the album but still a damn good cover. The timing/tempo change from verse to chorus is just :notworthy
Jimmyboy
15-09-2003, 21:52
Originally posted by The Bear
If Guns 'N' Roses actually started their careers today and released stuff like Paradise City, would they be labelled ****-takers or a novelty band? After all they are a very similar style of song (heavy riffs + squeally scratchy vocals).
I don't think you could have picked a worse possible rock band to make that comparison.
Guns N Roses were against everything The Darkness stand for (well until they went all November Rain).
Originally posted by The Bear
To everyone that says they are a novelty band - Why are they??
Having seen them live before their fame I can say categorically they were not a serious band and I have been to a lot of of unsigned gigs in London.
The unbelievable vocal screech of Justin was not something I remember from that night. I remember, however, his AC/DC belt buckle and his 'Justin' tattoo with the lightning strike apeing the AC/DC slash, in place of the 's' in his name.
They played in an over the top fashion without a hint of irony and frankly I could only imagine they were an ex-AC/DC covers band who'd made the mistake of thinking they could write songs as well as their heroes.
It's not as if they take the **** with silly lyrics like Spinal Tap, and the music is no worse (a lot better actually) than a lot of cheesy 80's rock bands that people were heavily into at the time.
Well I don't really know what to say to that as I don't really know what the lyrics of Whitesnake, et. al. were about. All I can say is there's nothing special about the lyrics I've read of their's. Technically Spinal Tap's lyrics aren't taking the ****. They are serious in themselves and could be viewed as such but they are silly to those who see the irony.
The songs are well written and impeccably structured, with intelligently written vocal melodies (bar the falsetto, which incidentally adds a lot of vocal dynamic that a lot of bands nowadays are incapable of doing), and some superb guitar solos (Friday Night especially).
Guitar solos though...what's superb. I think we moved that idea along a lot in the 90's and now a fast blizzard of notes makes not a 'superb' guitar solo - just a very dull and obvious one because it was done to death for 30+ years.
As for 'impeccably structured' - verse chorus verse chorus - I'm sorry, but it's hardly any different from other bands
Las Ketchup/Junior Senior - They only have one silly catchy song then quickly release an album and hope they rake as much money as possible - That to me is the definition of a novelty band.
Someone doing I'm A Little Teapot to a heavy rock/dance backing would be taking the **** or a novelty.
To a degree I would concurr, but then this is more about bands/groups that are pure crap from the no-talent onwards bracket.
And for what it's worth I'd rather endure another 30 mins of The Darkness live at The Verge than listen to that terrible Junior Senior single again. :gag:
I just don't see why The Darkness shouldn't be taken seriously just because their style is one that has been overtaken by Rap/R'n'B/Boybands/Garage in recent years.
If Guns 'N' Roses actually started their careers today and released stuff like Paradise City, would they be labelled ****-takers or a novelty band? After all they are a very similar style of song (heavy riffs + squeally scratchy vocals).
I couldn't really comment except to say that G'n'R came out at a time when music was about what they were doing and in many ways laid down how stuff should be, though I didn't like them much. :)
The Bear
15-09-2003, 23:35
You make some fair points Theo, although:
Originally posted by TheoGB
Having seen them live before their fame I can say categorically they were not a serious band and I have been to a lot of of unsigned gigs in London.
They played in an over the top fashion without a hint of irony and frankly I could only imagine they were an ex-AC/DC covers band who'd made the mistake of thinking they could write songs as well as their heroes. Well, I haven't personally seen them live, but I caught their 2 songs on Jools Holland a few weeks back knowing nothing about them and they absolutely blew the rest of the bands away in terms of performance. Their live playing, especially Justin's was superb, and he really controlled the audience. Even Jools ran straight up to him afterwards to shake his hand.
I actually felt sorry for Moloko who had to play straight after to close the show out, as there was no way they could follow it.
Obviously they had been practising since you'd seen them.
Originally posted by TheoGB
Technically Spinal Tap's lyrics aren't taking the ****. They are serious in themselves and could be viewed as such but they are silly to those who see the irony. Big Bottom, Sex farm, Majesty Of Rock. All insane lyrics written by a spoof band purely to get a laugh (This Is Spinal Tap is a comedy after all).
Originally posted by TheoGB
Guitar solos though...what's superb. I think we moved that idea along a lot in the 90's and now a fast blizzard of notes makes not a 'superb' guitar solo - just a very dull and obvious one because it was done to death for 30+ years. I am also totally against a fast blizzard of notes when they are there just to show off. I meant the solos are actually thought out to fit within the chord structure and around the key of the song. They have a planned out 'route' (not just random widdling until the 8 or so bars are up). And the fast bits are actually very few, but when they are used they work within the context of the solo and are not there just to fill space up (except maybe right at the ends of a couple of songs :nuts: )
Originally posted by TheoGB
I couldn't really comment except to say that G'n'R came out at a time when music was about what they were doing and in many ways laid down how stuff should be It's all very well saying that Guns'N'Roses were doing it at the right time. But, if they were to release that stuff today as an unknown band what sort of reception would they get?
I'm just saying that The Darkness are a victim of the music industry's current climate, and 15-20 years ago their attitude wouldn't have been thought any more wrong than a lot of other bands.
I suppose it all depends how they follow up their current commercial success as to whether they get taken any more seriously or not. Or at least as seriously as they want to be taken. Time will see if they stick to their guns with the same attitude or go down the spoof band road.
Blimey I do go on sometimes :ignore:
Originally posted by The Bear
You make some fair points Theo, although:
Well, I haven't personally seen them live, but I caught their 2 songs on Jools Holland a few weeks back knowing nothing about them and they absolutely blew the rest of the bands away in terms of performance. Their live playing, especially Justin's was superb, and he really controlled the audience. Even Jools ran straight up to him afterwards to shake his hand.
I actually felt sorry for Moloko who had to play straight after to close the show out, as there was no way they could follow it.
Obviously they had been practising since you'd seen them.Or possible we just like a different style of performance. They were good when I saw them - just also very very silly Big Bottom, Sex farm, Majesty Of Rock. All insane lyrics written by a spoof band purely to get a laugh (This Is Spinal Tap is a comedy after all).
I guess what I meant was that the band play them seriously. There are undoubtly many people out there who think those songs are not only great but don't even see the irony. I've been to enough clubs now where kitsch has taken over to the point where people seem to forget that they're dancing to stuff that is very actually crap! :D
Anyhow, I wouldn't class "Get Your Hands Off My Woman..." as anything but a 'comic' song. It goes all out to please the kids, etc. While I realise this is only one of their songs, it was the most-heard single when the comments of 'novelty band' were going around, so that's certainly a cause, I would say.
I am also totally against a fast blizzard of notes when they are there just to show off. I meant the solos are actually thought out to fit within the chord structure and around the key of the song. They have a planned out 'route' (not just random widdling until the 8 or so bars are up). And the fast bits are actually very few, but when they are used they work within the context of the solo and are not there just to fill space up (except maybe right at the ends of a couple of songs :nuts: )
Okay, I'll try to get through my boss' MP3s of the album again. I have to say that it was just excruciating last time I tried. Their stuff on radio didn't really make me think too much of the soloing and such.
I like their version of Street Spirit, though.
It's all very well saying that Guns'N'Roses were doing it at the right time. But, if they were to release that stuff today as an unknown band what sort of reception would they get?
I'm just saying that The Darkness are a victim of the music industry's current climate, and 15-20 years ago their attitude wouldn't have been thought any more wrong than a lot of other bands.
Sorry that is precisely what I meant. If you try to come onto a scene and you're being so aggressively retro what can you expect? I might as well say 25-30 years ago The Stereophonics would have sounded really cool so therefore they are good. But I'm not, because I think they're lazy re-hash artists who haven't shown any propensity to bring anything new to the world of music.
You can't ask music to be compared to a context from which it doesn't come.
ro_ram_ro
16-09-2003, 11:02
Definetly with the Marmite quote, The darkness are only bringing abit of fun and showmanship which went missing in the 90s from music. I used to quite like those 80s rock bands, reminds me of Def Leppard, (who I feel did it much better) or Bon Jovi. I've got the album and feel that apart from 2 tracks it really isnt anything special, nothing catchy , (I've tried it 3 or 4 times).
:brickwall
If you want a direct comparision get out your old Bon Jovi greatest hits, (Livin on a prayer anyone?
:clap: ) or Hysteria (Pour some sugar on me!!! :clap: ). Then see how The darkness stand up as an album. Who knows the next album might be decent.
Creamstick
16-09-2003, 13:56
Originally posted by ro_ram_ro
The darkness are only bringing abit of fun and showmanship which went missing in the 90s from music.
And here was me thinking that I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, The Black Crowes, Beck or Faith No More in the 90's, along with many other bands who were known as much for showmanship in their live shows as they were for the quality of their music :blah:
I also don't remember Bruce Springsteen, Dr. John, David Bowie or the greatest showman in music history, Tom Waits, disappearing for ten years.
Funny that.
ro_ram_ro
16-09-2003, 14:43
Originally posted by Creamstick
And here was me thinking that I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fishbone, The Black Crowes, Beck or Faith No More in the 90's, along with many other bands who were known as much for showmanship in their live shows as they were for the quality of their music :blah:
I also don't remember Bruce Springsteen, Dr. John, David Bowie or the greatest showman in music history, Tom Waits, disappearing for ten years.
Funny that.
Showmanship as in putting on an act and shameless crowd pleasing, dressin up and playing at it as a laugh and being a bit kitsch
Originally posted by TheoGB
I guess what I meant was that the band play them seriously. There are undoubtly many people out there who think those songs are not only great but don't even see the irony. I've been to enough clubs now where kitsch has taken over to the point where people seem to forget that they're dancing to stuff that is very actually crap! :D
.
Good point.
The Darkness have recorded their Christmas Single, complete with childrens chior........FFS:|
Disappearer
16-09-2003, 18:43
Originally posted by Dazzle
The Darkness have recorded their Christmas Single, complete with childrens chior........FFS:|
:gag:
The Bear
16-09-2003, 19:55
From the NME website
Hawkins said: "It's got a kiddies choir on it, it's got tubular bells - it's your basic full-on Christmas experience. And the chorus is world class, one bit goes 'Don't let the bells end, just let them ring in peace'. It gonna be lovely."
The spandex-clad singer said that 'Love You Five Times', one of the band's oldest songs, will appear as a B-side on the Christmas release.
"Then there's 'Physical Sex", Hawkins said. "(It) includes the lyrics 'Phone sex and cyber sex ain't all that, I prefer to take my sex in its original format, so you know what you can do with your mouse mat'.
Other new material includes 'We Can Keep Ourselves Amused' and 'Dinner Lady Arms'. Oh dear. Lyrics and song titles are going down the silly route.
The Bear
See its not a spit and a fart away from Spinal tap after all, is it?
Squirrel God
16-09-2003, 23:06
Another "The Darkness" fan here :)
Any band that can come up with "Growing on Me" is worthy of attention in my book :thumbs:
Dave 3:16
16-09-2003, 23:11
Originally posted by TheoGB
I've been to enough clubs now where kitsch has taken over to the point where people seem to forget that they're dancing to stuff that is very actually crap! :D
Should have seen my moves on saturday night at The Cockpit (Leeds) when they played KISS- God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You :notworthy
The Darkness is ace!
Only got the CD the other day, after seeing its topping the album charts everywhere.
I Love Queen and I think these have a similar style! :clap:
I ought to be horrified but I caught them on MTV2 for the first time the other day and the videos were hilarious. Can't see the joke lasting too long though.
The singer reminds me of Colin Grigson aka Rik Mayall in Bad News :)
Arch Stanton
18-09-2003, 22:04
Mr Stanton gave the Darkness record another listen today.
It's still not very good.
Infact i played Van Halens Debut album straight after it and it really did show up how ropey the Darkness album is.
Radiohead
19-09-2003, 08:01
It's pretty average stuff but they appear to be having a bloody good time so fair play to them.
mullethead
19-09-2003, 08:28
I've not seen this many mixed responses to a band since Jack Off Jills infamous 'Slipknot' thread :clap:
George vader
19-09-2003, 20:16
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
Infact i played Van Halens Debut album straight after it and it really did show up how ropey the Darkness album is.
Try Fair Warning http://www.geocities.com/rjwilliams35/gifs/headbang.txt
BlueDwarf
20-09-2003, 23:41
Originally posted by jonozz
It was Green Jelly :)
I had the experience of seeing them live on their only (?) UK tour :oh-hum:
"Iiiiiiiiii, wanna be.........Fred Flintstone!"
:lol: :nuts:
I used to have the Cereal Killer album....
As someone who used to listen to 80's rock a lot, I think the Darkness are "ok", but I've only listened to the album once.
I avoid the music press & music shows on tv, so haven't been bombarded with them to the point of boredom.
I thought they were quite funny when they were at Glastonbury. The joke's wearing a bit thin now...
i started a similar thread on another forum, and seemed to be in a minority of one in thinking they were.... well crap.
i was, and still am into alot of the 80`s metal bands mentioned on this thread, and imo there is simply no comparison.
a pub band at best, that have found an angle that the mainstream music press seem to have fallen for.
to me they are the rock equivelent of the cheeky girls:)
Thats a bit harsh IMO. As far as i am concerned the album is good , the songs are catchy and its good seeing Hard rock/Metal at the top of the charts for a change. :notworthy
Originally posted by Arch Stanton
Infact i played Van Halens Debut album straight after it and it really did show up how ropey the Darkness album is.
Holy crap !!!
Mr. Stanton & RDNZL in agreement over music for once :eek:
:D
I bought the CD blind yesterday having never seen them on the TV or heard them before. It was sheer curiousity and word of mouth on the forums here that convinced me to take the plunge. Considering that my CD collection comprises mainly of Queen albums and various rock compilations, I thought it might be my kind of music.
First impression - it's . . . . different! The first two songs are not exactly to my taste, but after those I think the songs get better, with Friday Night and I Believe In A Thing Called Love being my favourites. The songs are definitely catchy (perhaps infuriatingly catchy!), and as for the high notes - I don't really mind it. The album reminds me very much of Queen's earlier works, especially Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack.
Overall, it's growing on me (pun intended) and would probably catch myself singing it every now and again (but not the high notes).
I give them a hearty :thumbs: for the album.
Disappearer
22-09-2003, 21:36
What the hell are this band still doing at Number One?!? What's the matter with you people?! :razz: :D
Arch Stanton
22-09-2003, 21:48
Originally posted by Disappearer
What the hell are this band still doing at Number One?!? What's the matter with you people?! :razz: :D
Don't worry the 15 minutes is nearly up.
Seeing them in December. Looking forward to a rock-tastic experience!
bought the vinyl of the new single today :clap: its a picture disc as well :)
I find it impossible to dislike The Darkness - although as a miserable sod who usually takes serious music way too seriously, I probably should!
I think I like the idea better than the actual band, though - the album's pretty good, not great. Musically the band is a bit too reliant on leaden AC/DC wannabe plod rock which doesn't work well with the high camp vocals & guitar histrionics.
Also the production is fairly horrid - trashy over - loud cymbals & hi hats and abrasive guitars. Sounds like a demo.
However, it's way more good than bad. The singles are insanely catchy and Love On The Rocks With No Ice is a classic. Even the one truly dire song (Givin' Up) has a sweet guitar break.
As far as the "joke band" tag is concerned - some of the lyrics aren't exactly comedy (the aforementioned Givin' Up, for example) and they strike me as simply having an awareness of their own absurdity rather than taking the **** out of the genre!
The problem they'll face is being this year's King Adora - the band people will be embarrassed to admit to liking in a year's time.
What they need is success in an irony - free zone. I understand their record label is planning to hard-sell them in the US...
Re: Green Jelly, mentioned earlier in this thread. Their drummer was Danny Carey, now of Tool.
The Bear
24-09-2003, 14:55
I agree with you about the drum production but the guitars sounded fine for a hard rock album with 2 busy guitars on most tracks. Justins lead parts sounded especially warm and squealy, but maybe thats just in comparison with the rhythm parts.
Givin' Up is great if not only for the Freddie Mercury vocals and Brian May harmonised guitar solo. I think the weakest songs are Black Schuck and Holding My Own.
I hear they went down a storm in LA recently too.
LeftHandedGuitarist
24-09-2003, 21:51
Have you heard them doing a cover of Street Spirit (Fade Out.) on Radio One? It was pure genius!
The Bear
24-09-2003, 22:07
It's a great cover. I like the way they've adapted it to their style and not done a straight copy of the record.
I especially love the way they go from a fast riffin verse to a full nu-metal wall of sound for the chorus, then back again. Genius.
TheoGB likes it as well so it they must have done something right with it :p
Originally posted by The Bear
TheoGB likes it as well so it they must have done something right with it :p
Yep. Maybe it's just 'cos they put distorted guitars on? :D Like I said earlier, I find the original is often quite dull.
And I don't think there's anything wrong with the production of the Darkness album. Don't like the album, but the production seemed good.
megatron
25-09-2003, 17:49
Has the Street Spirit cover been released as a b-side?
Originally posted by megatron
Has the Street Spirit cover been released as a b-side?
No
The Bear
25-09-2003, 23:58
Hopefully they will on a future single though.
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