YTSEJAM Digest 1170 Today's Topics: 1) Re: YTSEJAM digest 1167 by Rebecca Rankin 2) prog Christmas carols... by "The Charge of the Trench Coat Brigade!-Neil Gaiman, Books of Magic 3) Re: YTSEJAM digest 1167 by Rebecca Rankin 4) :tcejbuS by email_address_removed (Mr. NoDepthPerception) 5) A little Vindaloo by "Sanjay A. Modi" 6) Re: YTSEJAM digest 1161 by "Adam SOUDURE" 7) YTSEJAM INTt. hats are here! SIGNED POSTER GIVEAWA by email_address_removed 8) PICTURE of DT HAT SOON...hopfully about.. by email_address_removed 9) trevor rabin AND DT? by Kyle Mallett 10) Re: James voice?? by email_address_removed 11) Long time, no post... by The Digital Man 12) samples by LRW 13) Re: Keyboardists by Damon M. Fibraio 14) Alternate DT vocalists (cont'd) by email_address_removed (Zack Gemmill) 15) JP's 7 string by William Kriski 16) Re: should they keep James? by Damon M. Fibraio 17) Re: keyboards, James, Trevor Rabin, and other stuff by Damon M. Fibraio 18) Recent topics by "Randall W. Aquino" 19) Steve-O!!! by email_address_removed (Michael Bradley) 20) Berklee, etc. by C. Moyer 21) Vindaloo thing, 7-string by Brian Wherry 22) Tears by Ryan Wilson 23) New DT cd boots & Vanden Plas by email_address_removed.fr (Stephane Auzilleau) 24) Alex Skolnick by Baron Sengir 25) Re: Hi by email_address_removed.fr (ludovic duborgel) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 19:17:03 -0600 (CST) From: Rebecca Rankin To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: YTSEJAM digest 1167 Message-ID: Re: James's voice. Everyone keeps mentioning that some people don't like James's voice because he sounds too 80's. I've never heard this argument used before on the Jam, why is this cropping up just now? Anyway, I think people are misinterpreting the 80's sound anyway. One person mentioned that 80's music was melodic. I guess they mean all those cheezy pop songs from the 80s. But really that music still exists today. Listen to Mariah Carey (sorry if there are fans of her on here but....) or any other pop artist currently. It sounds just like 80s pop, only not as harsh. The sound of pop is a bit warmer, more accoustic, still it is done mainly with digital snyths and drum tracks to give it that "poppy" sound. Yuck. Anyway, James definately doesn't sing with an 80's pop style. He does however sometimes sing a "metal" style and I think most laymen acquiant metal with the 80s... Metallica, Megadeth, Guns'n'Roses (which isn't even metal, but most people think it is...) and such. And yes, he does have that screamy thing going, but not all that often. So really, I think metal as a style is pretty passe, grung is in, and when they don't hear LeBrie singing in a boring monotone whiny voice they get turned off by it and call it 80's music. Which it isn't at all but if they think that, that's their loss. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 20:25:16 EST From: "The Charge of the Trench Coat Brigade!-Neil Gaiman, Books of Magic To: email_address_removed Subject: prog Christmas carols... Message-ID: check out Tori Amos's import CD, Under the Pink and More Pink. it has a live version of Little Drummer Boy on it. and a nice rendition, too! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 19:27:35 -0600 (CST) From: Rebecca Rankin To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: YTSEJAM digest 1167 Message-ID: Re: Trevor Rabin (yuck) I can't believe everyone is taking this Trevor suggestion so lightly. One person even said that it'd make DT mainstream without making them pop crap that Yes and Genesis now are. The thing is, Trevor MADE Yes the pop crap they are today. And Trev didn't quit Yes, they fired him. He's now writing movie soundtracks or something. And as a guitarist and singer Trev isn't all that great to begin with, much less his stinky songwriting abilities. He's the last thing DT needs. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 18:54:13 -0700 From: email_address_removed (Mr. NoDepthPerception) To: email_address_removed Subject: :tcejbuS Message-ID: That's how you do it, Bafu. Answers to your lyrics quiz: >"If you see something that just isn't true, please let me know." Mike Bahr >"Will AL BALKIEWICZ ever send me the tapes he has owed me for nine >months?????" Some man/woman/thing. I forgot the name. >"I'm a "girl!" What about me?" JOdi? >"My evil side exposed." Michael Coghl...Oh, wait....ooops. >"d00d." Nuggethead, who BANNED ME FROM YTSEJAM WITH THE NICK YTSE-BEN, SO I HAVE TO CHANGE IT EVERY TIME I GO IN THERE. >"If African Americans would stop acting like victims, they would cease to >become as such." A reeeeeal brave person. >"Please refer to the set of guidelines you received upon subscribing." Ken Bibb, "Master of Listserv" >"bassist, INTROSPECTION" I forgot his name, but he's the bassist for INTROSPECTION. >"Actually, I think ay FOUNDITSA CAUDAP WIMAAAYYY!!" Well, I've heard (seen) BAfu do it. >"In closing--the list now sucks!" Some idiot. Stop posting those BULLSHIT letters. >" " Dammit, I forgot. >"Ride more rollercoasters!!!" That OTHER guy that I forgot. >"I AM OFFENDED!" Michael Coghlann (I think. Therefore I am, but DON'T OFFEND me you FUCKING IDIOT. >"It will be the last thing you do with teeth in your head." Michael Coghl...Oh, whoops. >"You're all a bunch of mimes!" AM NOT! >"Duh, okay Stalin from friends Joey Shitiforgothislastname, for >"I simply refuse to wear a sock on my head." HOW'D YO FIND OUT ABOUT THAT????? >"You're the MERCY FUCK, ASSHOLE." HAAHAAAHAAAHAAAHAAA! >"4 bloody victims! AH AH!" O.J. Simpson if he never learned to count. >"Look what the list dragged in." What? >"Toxic Waltzer? Where the hell did you come up with that stupid name?" Michael Coghl....Oh, whoops. >"On the Eve of Destruction..." Yeeeeeees? >"Oh, no, that is that Kraut from Germany again." That Kraut from Germany. >"I tap my icy manipulator! You can't talk!" Just don't touch MY icy manipulator, Okay? >"You're one real bad-assed mf. Are you a spitter?" I'm a bad-assed mammoth flower? What? >"Stay safe and happy listening." Niel Gallop >"Hello everyone, it's ****." Babs >"aka No More aka's." Ooh! Ooh! I KNow this one! >"I'm feelin' kinda spooky. John Myung....and me when I'm hyper. >"I think spontaNUity." Michael Coghl....Oh, oops. >"I need something smaller." Kevin Moore >"I try to look at the audience as little as possible." >John Petrucci? >"I feel like I'm someone's dinner entertainment." Someone's dinner entertainment.....Jus' kidding, Mike Portnoy, aka God > Seeeeya. BEN LAUSSADE, The Master of Puppets. (Most of you fell for my Top-5 thimg, didn't ya? HOOHOOHAAHAAHEEHEE!) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 20:45:55 -0500 (EST) From: "Sanjay A. Modi" To: email_address_removed Subject: A little Vindaloo Message-ID: I was wonderng if anyone(someone must) knows the little 'magic' that Petrucci wields from 2:26 on. The part I'm really intersted in is however the palm-muting bonanza he "busts" into @ 3:55 to 4:25, It's some pretty slick stuff. Anyway, I'd appreciate it if anyone has tab for it could send it to me. . Jam On... ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 12:08:56 GMT+0800 From: "Adam SOUDURE" To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: YTSEJAM digest 1161 Message-ID: > **Greg "Big Brother" Lee**writes: > > >The only thing I don't have is the Dixie Dregs and Genesis... > >I'm looking for DD... > > If this sounds like you... > Get "BRING 'EM BACK ALIVE!" > It's an INCREDIBLE CD! > It's a great line up - > Morse, LaRue, Morgenstein, Lavitz & Sloan... > the recording quality is top notch, and the > performances should adequately floor you. =) > Seconded, thirded etc etc. This Cd kicks monumental arse IMHO. Steve is in great form, and his interplay with Allen Sloan and T. is mind boggling :) > Yeah, it's live. The only ways you'd know it are: > > 1) I just said it > 2) The CD says it somewhere > 3) The audience noises > 4) There's a "drum solo" on it - it's actually not JUST > Morgenstein flailing away on the drums, either. > But, you'll have to go buy it to see what I mean. =) > The drum solo is very cool, I normally don't like 'em, but this one has some real creativity... > And, yes, it does have Cruise Control on it. > The absolute highlight for me (and most others I suspect) is CC. The jam out at the end blows me away... > Just get it, already! > Yes, every DT fan should go forth and buy this album!!!! As for Genesis stuff, my suggestions would be: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Trick of the Tail Foxtrot If you don't like any of these, you are unlikely to like any of the other 70's stuff IMHO. For 80's Genesis, get Abacab and the self titled album, they both have some great tunes.... > It's on Capricorn Records, should you have to special > order it. > > -Hairball Adam -- ============================================================= Adam Soudure Computer Support Faculty of Education Email: email_address_removed.au Edith Cowan University Phone: + 61 9 370 6468 Mt Lawley, Western Australia ============================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 21:46:56 -0500 From: email_address_removed To: email_address_removed Subject: YTSEJAM INTt. hats are here! SIGNED POSTER GIVEAWA Message-ID: HEY YTSEJAMERS! It's time to order your original DREAM THEATER-YTJEJAM INTERNATIONAL embroidered hat!! In addition, all orders will receive a FREE Dream Theater window sticker. (http://www.dreamt.org). ATTENTION: Order by December 18, 1995, and you may WIN one of the following: ** AUTOGRAPHED Dream Theater Poster: In 1989, while promoting the "Images & Words" album, the entire band (including Kevin M.), autographed (29 1/2 x 20 inches) poster(picture of cover of I&W album). The poster is now 6 years old and shows some signs of age, but the signatures are distinct and addressed "to todd". The poster is in good shape. ** Dream Theaters "SUBCONSCIOUS" import CD: Only 500 original copies were made. ** Tori AMOS "Little Earthquakes" CD. ABOUT THE HAT: The hat is Black with a Royal Blue bill and adjustable strap. A multi-colored, embroidered logo is displayed and "YTSEJAM INTERNATIONAL" is printed beneath the DT logo. ALL ORDERS received by December 18, 1995 will be entered into the drawing. The winners will be announced on December 20th, 1995 via E-Mail and the Ytsejam Mailing list. All orders are 100% Money Back Guarenteed if you are not satisfied with your hat. HOW TO ORDER: The cost of the embrodered hat is only $15.00. Postage for USA is $1.00. Canada Postage is $2.00. Anywhere else worldwide postage is $3.00. (US funds/Money order/checks)* Please also include your name, address, e-mail address, number of hats orders to: TRS GROUP 11184 Antioch Rd. Suite 700 Overland Park, KANSAS 66210 USA I will have a picture of the hat listed on the WEB: http://www.dreamt.org The picture of the poster and hat will be on http://www.dreamt.org in the next couple of weeks. PLEASE allow 4-6 weeks for your hat to be delivered. If you have ANY questions...please, feel free to write: email_address_removed thank you. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:13:02 -0500 From: email_address_removed To: email_address_removed Subject: PICTURE of DT HAT SOON...hopfully about.. Message-ID: I am hoping I will get the sample Dream Theater hat monday or tuesday. (12-4-95). I will then get the picture up probably by FRIDAY. Remember all..the Dec 18th deadline. I have seen the embrodery work, and it looks nice! If you would like more information how you can win a Dream Theater signed poster or get your own embrodered limited DT hat, write me: email_address_removed or: http://www.dreamt.org Todd email_address_removed ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:56:53 -0600 (CST) From: Kyle Mallett To: email_address_removed Subject: trevor rabin AND DT? Message-ID: I've only had the time to scan the last few post, but I just noticed a few comments about the suggestion that trevor rabin should be in DT. that would simply suck. i'm sure i would like trevor era Yes if their previous musical accomplishments never existed, but knowing what they did before, I can't even listen to the stuff w/him. (imo) trevor rabin is the worst thing that ever happened to Yes, and I like DT more than Yes. i know it won't, but i'd hate to see that happen. he definitely insists on being the front man. but the thing that bothers me the most is that he has the audacity (sp?) to come into a band that is such an accomplished group of progressive musicians and suggest that the way he wants them to be would be better. I wish they would've changed their name when he joined. sorry, i've been wanting to comment on that for some time. kyle mallett ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 23:57:21 +0000 From: email_address_removed To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: James voice?? Message-ID: > >go over the top and his vocals tend to dominate the song. "Voices" Is my > >prime example of this. In songs like "Learning to live" or "Take the > > Voices... umm... look at the song title ;-) Really! Also, the singing on Voices is some of the best singing I've ever heard. It's a showcase song for James, and he does it brilliantly. He's one of the best singers around. This doesn't mean that people won't get annoyed with his singing, though. It is very common that people don't like high quality stuff, because they often don't understand it well. Some people on this list are here for guitar, some for drums, some for bass, some for keyboards. Many people have expressed as much. Some are here because they like metal music played with some progressiveness. Some because they like progressive music. We all have our reasons, and for some of us, certain parts of the band may not quite "fit". James voice is one for instance. For me, sometimes the drums get pretty overbearing and I feel like I'm just being pounded to death. But, we're all here cause we like DT, and we should all remember that. Also, we're going to criticize. How could we not? We're intelligent people talking about a particular subject (DT - in case you weren't sure), we're going to analyze. Just cause we find faults doesn't mean we don't love it, it just means we get bored only saying DT ROOOOLZ! all the time. So all those people who have problems with Jame's voice are only expressing some probably minor complaints. Although, for those that don't like his voice, I'd really like to know what you do like. Mike Stover email_address_removed http://home.eznet.net/~spider/spider.htm "He who can copy, can do" - Leonardo Da Vinci ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 00:24:41 -0500 (EST) From: The Digital Man To: Ytse Jam Subject: Long time, no post... Message-ID: I haven't written in in a while, and I've still got about 10 Jams sitting in my inbox, but I thought I'd check in and say... Bafu. *************************************************************** * Christopher R. Merlo |8^)= * * The University of Vermont, 211 Jeanne Mance Hall * * Burlington, VT 05405 U.S.A. * * email_address_removed http://www.uvm.edu/~cmerlo * * * * * Will work for bass strings * * *************************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:35:00 -0700 From: LRW To: 'ytsejam' Subject: samples Message-ID: What up Y'all?! I got a few requests for the quotes from SDV, but I figured I'd just = post them on the list to save time. I'm sure others will be interested = too. I throw in the voices (my favorite song) quote as well, just in = case anybody cares. recitation #1 I think its in the FAQ so I won't take the time. recitation #2 I can be on my own, get a good job, get my own place. go to the mall whenever I want. No one to tell me I'm too young. Some people, my advice before, about facing facts, about facing reality. And this, without a doubt, is his biggest challenge ever. He's going to have to face it. He's going to have to try and get some help here. I mean, no one can say they know how he feels. So they say that in Houston or something. They say, "Yes, it's 180 degrees, but its a dry heat." In Houston they say that? Oh, maybe I'm all mixed up. Dry until they hit the swimming pool. I obviously left out some studdering parts like when he repeats "He's = gonna hafta try..." voices: I don't wanna be here, 'cause of my suffering, 'cause of my illness. Only love is worth... (Only love is worth having.) Only love is what matters, loving every people on equal terms. You've got to know who you're dealin' with because, like a stranger, a-heh just might come in through here with a gun... and then, what would you do? (Heh.) Everything is immaterial, 'n' you know that reality is immaterial. This is not reality... Hope you enjoy... ***ATTENTION*** new way to pronounce ytsejam!!! the "Y" is silent, and tse (as in the restaraunt) is pronounced shay. thusly, shay-jam!!! do only 3 people have a favorite JP solo, or are we all being lazy??? = hmmm??? Craig Center Twin Falls, Idaho Bruin Varsity Basketball Team (our first game is tomorrow) The only Idahoan Jammer (I think) aka "The guy who can't decide on a sig" ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 95 0:48:36 EST From: Damon M. Fibraio To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: Keyboardists Message-ID: Will. I'll replace you and kick your ass on your instrument. Hahahahahahahaha. :) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 95 21:51:21 PST From: email_address_removed (Zack Gemmill) To: email_address_removed Subject: Alternate DT vocalists (cont'd) Message-ID: (Notice, I didn't say "alternative" !>)> What about The 3 Tenors? I bet they could get some really cool harmonies going. They probably wouldn't be in favor of the moshing bit though. Zach (keyboard-hater, hee hee hee) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:56:50 -0700 (MST) From: William Kriski To: email_address_removed Subject: JP's 7 string Message-ID: Icklestick posted this: < Yeah, John, how DARE you expend your musicality at the expense of us To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: should they keep James? Message-ID: I'm sorry, Zach, but there are people out ther who really feel that keyboardists should stick to techno. and I take offense at that strongly. 17 years of teaching myself how to play my instrument, and all my insecurity about how I play and how my musical career is in the shitter and then some guy comes along and says, "Hey them keyboard people suck and aren't necessary." Well f--- them, because I'll take them and their poor attitudes out. I didn't work this hard to be told I'm unnecessary. Kidding or not, there really are people out there with this attitude. Are there any on this list? If so, I question why you like DT. Truthfully, I don't think that there are keyboard bashers here because DT is all into keys. I'm sorry I tore you up but I really hate when people bash the instrument I love more than my own life. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 95 0:58:41 EST From: Damon M. Fibraio To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: keyboards, James, Trevor Rabin, and other stuff Message-ID: It's amazing what you miss when you can't read liner notes on your CDs. I never knew that Trevor Raben played Keys. And for a moment I thought that Tony K. had acutally found some talent on that song on Talk. Oh, well. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 22:51:25 -0800 (PST) From: "Randall W. Aquino" To: email_address_removed Subject: Recent topics Message-ID: First of all I would like to comment on Guitar Player magazine: It is aimed more towards jazz, classic rock, etc. While Guitar world is modern rock, metal, prog. That is why that JP wasn't given the props that he so rightly deserves in the guitarist category. While Guitar World does promote him. Plus he has a column every month. Rhythm guitarist: I think that you shouldn't try to fix something that isn't broken. DT is great without another guitarist. Adios. Randy Aquino ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 02:14:56 -0500 From: email_address_removed (Michael Bradley) To: email_address_removed Subject: Steve-O!!! Message-ID: Hey guys! I just want to say hey to a good friend of mine on the jam! HEY STEVE MATHEWS!! WHAZUP?!?!!?!Thanks for the response to my Devon Townshend thead and your dream band... "How's this for the lineup: Mike Portnoy on drums, Steve Vai and John Petrucci on guitar (holy seven-string), Geddy Lee on bass, Jens Johansen on keys, and Devin Townsend on vocals. I'm probably dreaming, but it would be interesting to hear." Cool concept!! I'd buy that record. One last thing...I have one thing to say about James LaBrie for all those I pissed off earlier. ***JAMES LABRIE RULES!!*** I never meant to sound like I wanted Devon instead of James. I just wanted to point out that he could fill the job in a pretty cool way. Also... BAFU VAI!! COME BACK TO THE JAM!! I think it's been getting a little too argumentative on the Jam lately! Bring back the whimsy! Later guys! -Mike Bradley ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 95 00:05:04 -0800 From: C. Moyer To: email_address_removed Subject: Berklee, etc. Message-ID: Well, folks, I just thought I'd put in my 2 cents on Berklee. First off, it is _not_ strictly a jazz school; it is one of the only music schools in the world to encourage "popular" music, i.e. rock, funk, etc. Secondly, the fact that john, john, and kevin were all from Berklee is nothing to write home about--the two key members of They Might Be Giants are from berklee. The Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, and Phish were all dorm buddies at berklee. These are but a few examples of many instances of the same type of thing. Thirdly, I think the only thing keeping DT from being "jazz players" is their own choice. For instance, listen to the guitar solo in "To Live Forever" on "Music in Progress" (the DT video that came out after IAW, for those of you who don't know)... toward the end john's exhibiting considerable skill at some of the more difficult aspects of jazz. And it sounds good...it doesn't sound like a metal guitarist attempting jazz, it sounds like the real thing. Not only that, but _every_ member of DT is absolutely phenomenal on their instrument ...I think all it would take for them to become successful at playing jazz that would fool even the most discerning ears would be a few hours of rehearsal. Perhaps more than 2 hours, but certainly not more than, say, 500 :) Anyway, just thought I'd contribute a portion from my vast stores of knowledge (laf!!) and say what I thought in the process. This is not meant as a flame, but rather simply as participation in a conversation :) Laters all. Clinton Moyer email_address_removed ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 02:08:47 -0500 (EST) From: Brian Wherry To: DT List Subject: Vindaloo thing, 7-string Message-ID: Sanjay, I can't believe you posted your question about that part of Bombay Vindaloo and didn't ask me personally!! I'm downright offended!! You're gonna mail me soon, right?!! I've got all the gory details on the palm muting -- the sextuplets -- the whole deal!! And to that guy who got his feathers all ruffed up because someone was *jokingly* saying that they wanted JP to lose the 7-string because they couldn't play the lo0w stuff..... Chill out!! It was a frigin' joke! He's not trying to "limit JP from pushing the envelope" or whatever. Oh, also, that part in Erotomania that you referred to involves sextuplets, not quints. Just so ya know. Later! Brian ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 00:54:17 -0800 (PST) From: Ryan Wilson To: email_address_removed Subject: Tears Message-ID: Yello.. I read on the National Midnight Star (rush digest) that someone who may see this message might dub me a copy of Dream Theater's cover of "Tears" if I send a tape. If this is true, I'm certainly interested. I've been a rush nut for a while and I just recently picked up on DT so, obviously, I'd *really* like to get my hands on a copy....Any reply would be appreciated. Thanks in advance... Ryan. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 11:14:13 GMT From: email_address_removed.fr (Stephane Auzilleau) To: email_address_removed Subject: New DT cd boots & Vanden Plas Message-ID: HI, First, I'd like to mention the release of 2 new DT cd boots: "Drifting away" (1 cd, Japanese label, Milwaukee 06.29.93) and "Rockin' Japan" (1 cd, Luxemburg, Urawa 01.24.95). No particular interest, just for the collection... Second, I would like to answer to Tim: >Hi Jammers, >I was very surprised to read the name Vandenplas here, 'cause the bandmembers >are some kind of 'local heroes' where I come from. They're from a town >not far from where I live ( and I know some jammer comes directly from >that town , and I'm pretty sure he knows the members personaly. Sorry >I forgot the dudes name). They are truly a great band. The best around >this part of my county I would say, but I think they lack in originality. > >May I ask you, Stephane , where you come from? I'm sure it's close >to the border (am I right :)) > >'till later > >Tim Schwartz >email_address_removed.de No, I do not know them personnaly, just speak with them when they came to Lyon (not very close to where they are from in Germany!). I have no interest in promoting them, and I just mention their name because I think they are very good. Yes, originality is not their strength, but if you are just interested by originality, you don't listen to many bands. And the live performance of Vanden Plas was great. Fortunately, we don't have all the same tastes, but you must admit that the ytsejammers should appreciate Vanden Plas. End. Speaking of that, those of you who appreciate Paradise Lost shoud listen to the latest album of Lake Of Tears "Headstones" (on BlackMark). They really sound like a Paradise Lost who took some vitamins. Enjoyable. Bye, Stephane ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 04:34:29 +0000 (GMT) From: Baron Sengir To: email_address_removed Subject: Alex Skolnick Message-ID: Someone asked if Alex Skolnick is still in Savatage. No. He filled in temporarily for the late Criss Oliva on A Handful of Rain, but he's no longer with the band. I belive he's working on a solo project now. Paul Baron Sengir ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 14:02:30 +0100 From: email_address_removed.fr (ludovic duborgel) To: email_address_removed Subject: Re: Hi Message-ID: >hi DT fans here's the review of an excellent album you should glink at > > ARAGON MOUSE (SI MUSIC 3069-2) marketed by ROADRUNNER > >All the fans of the world have been waiting for this album for 3 years.After the release of "the meeting" in 92, which was part of mouse concept, everybody thought "mouse" would come within a year. In fact they have taken >3 years to finish this concept album, an 8 acts masterpiece that every prog fan should possess. The only critic i can do as a huge Aragon fan, is the bass and drum programming on some songs. But compared with the beautiful melodies and arrangements you can find on it, that's almost nothing. >Aragon is indeed definitely one of the best prof rock band of the 90's. Creating so magnificient and full of emotion songs. Remenber "the crucifixion" and "the changeling"! "Mouse" is musically more complex than the former albums as it's a concept with many layerings of sound , real and samples sounds. >Les Dougan always unique and fantastic voice (listen songs like "the gate" and "unting the knot part2" for example), an incontestable talent to compose great songs and the amazing blend of Tom Bershing's keys and John Poloyanis guitar ( "cold in a warm place" or "end of the line p2"), make this album great. >A music which directly hit your heart in so intense moments as in "a room and one door", "brave new world" or "end of the line p2". No long 20 minutes pieces here, but short songs linked together and gathering many atmospheres, >from quiet songs with sweet synth sounds ("cold in a warm place", "end of the line") to harder ones with John's crying guitar ("a private matter", "the gate", "unting the knot p2") and also accoustic moments ("the switch"). > >An excellent album (their best one to date), which confirms Aragon large place in the current prog scene. I only wish to see them soon in Europe, playing Mouse on stage in front of excited fans. > ------------------------------ End of YTSEJAM Digest 1170 **************************