Pierre wrote:
It depends, but overall guitar does have a very preponderant place in the Parliament-Funkadelic sound. Early Funkadelic albums, like "Maggot Brain" (the title track is one of the greatest track-long guitar solo ever) or the underrated masterpiece "Standing on the Verge of Getting It On" feature prominently Eddie Hazel, who is considered one of the greatest guitarists ever and who certainly informed Prince's style. On "One Nation Under a Groove", there are two guitarists (Mike Hampton and Gary Shider) who play an important role, so yes, I would call it guitar-based. For instance, one of the tracks is called "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!". I guess that's pretty self-explanatory
Jirin wrote:I wouldn't describe LCD Soundsystem's music as emotional, and a lot of the emotional content is sarcastic. Their lyrics appeal more to me on an intellectual level than an emotional level. The melodies and production are the larger part of the appeal.
I guess we're not listening to it the same way. In my opinion, a part of his music does feature a good amount of melancholy even when he's being sarcastic, like on "All My Friends". And "Someone Great" is genuinely heartbreaking. Of course the melodies and production are fundamental, but if there was no emotion, I believe it would feel much more dry than it actually does. The Fall, one of James Murphy's acknowledged influences, for instance, features a good amount of sarcasm and his music is less melodic, and I don't feel the same things as I do when I listen to LCD Soundsystem. Murphy's experiences and the way he conveys them are different.
I feel like music is a representation of the artist's emotions, in terms of the music, as well as the lyrics. That is, at least the way I perceive it to be, with intellectual lyrics, innovative music, and whatever else there is in a song contributing to the overall atmosphere and purpose, rather like an insight into the artists mind, or a new world. That is why I feel like This is Happening, catchy as the album may be, does not deliver full satisfaction. While there are good lyrics, I feel like there are way too many cringe-worthy lyrics as well, that do not deliver well. Also, the music really sounds more like it intends to be catchy and somewhat shallow, straying the impact of the album further from the epicenter. Overall, the album is not really bad, and it definitely has some good songs, but it just isn't enough, especially when there is much more artful music to listen to. Therefore, I'd give the album around 5 or 6, which isn't bad, but not truly spectacular.
However that is simply my observation of the way I find the album to be. In a way, music can also be especially purpose, boiling down to one's taste and personality, and hence I may be missing something that is immediately obvious to someone else. If so, please tell me. Just in case though, I'll listen to the album again.
I'll also be listening to the Parliament album as soon as I have enough time. Right now, my mocks are nearing their end, and my board exams are in November, so currently I'm unable to listen to many albums. But rest assured, the album has made my list.
"God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
