YTSEJAM Digest 5131 Today's Topics: 1) TFS Delivery Failure: YTSEJAM digest 5130 by email_address_removed 2) Dream Theater, Zwolle, Netherlands, 11-11-1999 by Richard 3) Home CD single by Richard 4) Re: And they called him... "Brian" by "Brian Hayden" 5) Re: Veil of Secrecy by Adam Perkowsky 6) Musicland Vs. Sam Goody by email_address_removed 7) My thoughts on the "Home" radio edit. by email_address_removed 8) Re: And they called him... "Brian" by "Chuck Reis" 9) How to attract fans in reality by Dan Wait 10) Re: And they called him... "Brian" by Amanda Rosenblum 11) Analog - 93X by "Al @ Switchcraft" 12) Re: Analog - 93X *very short* by "Brian Hayden" 13) Re: YJam drug discussion by "Art Ellis" 14) Re: Analog - 93X by "TheCowGod" 15) New analog by "Al @ Switchcraft" 16) Re: Veil of secrecy in Europe? by Rogerio Brito 17) Re: YJam drug discussion by "Brian Hayden" 18) The radio campaign by "Al @ Switchcraft" 19) Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force - Alchemy: A Review (NDTC) by email_address_removed 20) SFAM ***SPOILERS!!!*** by Matt Birskovich 21) TNT - Transistor: A Review (NDTC) by email_address_removed ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 15:11:14 -0400 From: email_address_removed To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Cc: email_address_removed Subject: TFS Delivery Failure: YTSEJAM digest 5130 Message-ID: Your message to the following recipients was undeliverable: mnawrath@itsyourlife=2Ecom=20= ***************************************************** Administrator Newton Memorial Hospital Tel: 973-383-2121 Internet Address: a@itsyourlife=2Ecom Home Page: http://www=2Eitsyourlife=2Ecom ***************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 21:11:55 +0200 From: Richard To: Dream Theater Mailing List Subject: Dream Theater, Zwolle, Netherlands, 11-11-1999 Message-ID: <3812087B.5B9A@wxs.nl> Hi there, I'll be renting a car to drive from Utrecht to Zwolle. If anyone's interested in driving along, please contact me! I've got three places left. -- \= Richard Karsmakers - email_address_removed - ICQ #18645533 =/ | STNICCC2000; Dawn Crosby; GWAR; Diskmags; Shred Guitar; Allies | | "ST NEWS"; "W3M3"; "Twilight World"; Plantiac; "UVK 2000" | | FOG; Detente; Fear of God; Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged | | P.O. Box 67, NL-3500 AB, Utrecht - The Netherlands | /===--------------- http://www.fortysecond.net ---------------===\ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 21:11:06 +0200 From: Richard To: Dream Theater Mailing List Subject: Home CD single Message-ID: <3812084A.7317@wxs.nl> I would very much appreciate it if someone out there could help me get the "HOme" CD single. I am from Europe and the single seems unavailable here... I posted a message like this about a week ago but no reaction... Can someone help me out by contacting me personally? Cheers! -- \= Richard Karsmakers - email_address_removed - ICQ #18645533 =/ | STNICCC2000; Dawn Crosby; GWAR; Diskmags; Shred Guitar; Allies | | "ST NEWS"; "W3M3"; "Twilight World"; Plantiac; "UVK 2000" | | FOG; Detente; Fear of God; Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged | | P.O. Box 67, NL-3500 AB, Utrecht - The Netherlands | /===--------------- http://www.fortysecond.net ---------------===\ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 14:18:51 -0500 From: "Brian Hayden" To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: Re: And they called him... "Brian" Message-ID: Okay, Korg came up with a cool post so I gotta respond. :) Responding To: "Chuck Reis" Original Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 12:08:46 -0700 (PDT) > I agree, Brian. I am validating your opinion so you will be happy and be > quiet. :) First of all, lol. > The thing is that 93-X plays stuff like DT. The thing is, no they really don't. They play AC/DC. Aerosmith. A little 80's popmetal like Crue or Ratt. Lots of new metal like Korn, LB, Godsmack. Go here for what's in heavy rotation right now: http://www.93x.com/playlist.html Once every few months PMU might pop up. "Another Rainy Night" comes on once every couple weeks...that's about as close at it gets. If you think that they would play DT just because they play stuff that's kind of heavy, it's like saying Mozart and Dvorak are the same thing because they both used orchestra. > You're also right. Alot of our requests were probably hostile. Al told > everyone to be civil, but that's not always going to happen. Ha. Al told everyone to be civil after he called them fascists. Ooops, too late. > Not everyone > crusades like Ghandi. I think more people are like Ghengis Khan. > hehehe. Hehe, yeah, and look, India is independent and most of what was once Mongolia is the most worthless fucking land in a couple of countries with a shitload of problems of their own. :) And yeah, you'd kick Kasparov's ass. Most likely literally, somewhere in the middle of his second hour of considering which pawn to open the game with. :) -Brian ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 12:23:27 -0700 (PDT) From: Adam Perkowsky To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: Re: Veil of Secrecy Message-ID: Hello everyone, Mark wrote: > It's for *those* people that we're still keeping up the "Veil Of Secrecy"... Despite of all the "fans" who have been deliberately sabotaging Mike's efforts to keep the album a surprise (you know who you are), SOME fans will still pee in their pants from excitement when they pick up their copy of the new album...< Can we please get past this people? Nobody was sabotaging Mike's efforts to keep the album a surprise. The people who heard the album before the release date did not force the songs on people who did not want to hear it. Nobody forced anyone to listen to the shoutcasts that broadcast the mp3s and nobody was forced to read the newsgroups. With the promo CDs getting out, Mike had to know that mp3s would start floating around. I can't believe he's that niave. I applaud those people who have wanted to be kept in the dark about the new album and have not succumbed to the desire to read about SFAM or hear some of the songs. I couldn't wait. As soon as I heard that these songs were available, I had to hear them. Does that make me any less of a fan? I have been into DT since Charlie was in the band and have seen my fare share of concerts. I have bought at least one DT shirt at every show I went to and have every DT CD and video. I have called WBAB and WNEW here in NYC to request "Home." If Mike or the rest of the guys in the band think any less of me because I heard SFAM before the release date, so be it. IMHO, the whole "Veil of Secrecy" thing has turned this list into a warzone and I think if Mike had to do it all over again, he'd do things a little differently. I could be wrong though. :) And, even though I have had SFAM for a few weeks now, I will still pee in my pants (using Mark's words) when I pick it up on Tuesday. I can't wait until I can pop that baby in my CD player and have the booklet in hand while listening to this masterpiece. Hope to see some of you at the instore on LI on Tuesday. I'll be the one will the wet stain on my pants after buying the CD! :) Later, Adam Perkowsky NP: marillion.com ===== "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- Spinal Tap __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 15:24:38 EDT From: email_address_removed To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: Musicland Vs. Sam Goody Message-ID: I think the in store thingy is at Sam Goody...I was there yesterday and there was a sign up for it.. just a suggestion, hell knows I could be wrong :) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 15:27:33 EDT From: email_address_removed To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: My thoughts on the "Home" radio edit. Message-ID: Well, I downloaded the album version first...that was wonderful. I reeeeeeally dig that song. Then, I decided to download the radio edit. Well, the album version is [spoiler deleted] minutes longer than the radio edit. The way the album version [spoiler deleted] is disrupted by the radio edit's shortened nature. The radio edit was, however, really well done. Sounds really, really great. Did Kevin Shirley do this album, too? Nonetheles, I really like the way the radio edit was done...great marketing. It doesn't do anything but catch the listener's ear and grab them by the [expletive deleted] and force them to like. It was this mentality that made me think, "Agh! what a pricktease of a song!" Anyway...just thought I'd share that :o) [eriC] ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 14:16:06 -0600 From: "Chuck Reis" To: Subject: Re: And they called him... "Brian" Message-ID: <001c01bf1d93$8b0f58a0$message_id_removed> > The thing is, no they really don't. > Go here for what's in heavy rotation right now: > http://www.93x.com/playlist.html The funny thing about that is that it is almost a perfect duplicate of a CD that my little brother wanted me take burn for him last weekend. LOL. No, he isn't a Dream Theater fan, but he will concede that they are good and would listen to them if they were on the radio, or what-not. I'll tell you, my little bro >perfectly< fits the mold of the audience that this radio station is targeting. Maybe he's a bit biased because I listen to them and he's saying it just to make me happy. I don't think so, though, cuz he makes fun of alot of stuff I listen to as much as I do with his. :) One thing, though, is we both like Tool and Shania Twain. Kind of funny how that works, eh? hehehehe. Anyway. I think they could easily fit the single in with their program. I'll put it to the test and see what my little bro says about it. :) That will be a representation of our efforts. :) I'll make sure to get his honest opinion. -- KorgX3 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 13:28:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Dan Wait To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: How to attract fans in reality Message-ID: I play DT for all my friends... prog is just not most people's cup of tea. It's too complex for most people. Sadly, BS hip-hop is king of the world at the moment. Now it's story time: I bought Rush's "Hold Your Fire" b/c I liked 'Time Stand Still'... haven't heard them on the radio since the 80's, but I remembered that song and on a whim got the album. Since they friggin rule, I checked out web-sites and stuff... and learned about DT, Fates, QR, Vai, Satch, Deep Purple, LTE... Now I have an extensive collection of prog and prog/like (Satch might fit here) stuff. So I guess what I'm trying to say (not very well) is that prog bands have to link together more so that someone who knows about and likes one will learn about others... I'm certainly grateful for having found so much cool stuff, but I'm also certain that there's more cool stuff out there. The easier it is to find (and listen to... audio samples are da bom!) the more I'm gonna buy. While it'd be nice to broaden the fan base, that's perhaps unrealistic, sadly enough. Of the 100's of people I've introduced to prog, two of them actually got into it. my 8^(1/3) cents worth -Dan ===== Hobbes: Do you have an idea for your story yet? Calvin: No, I'm waiting for inspiration. You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood. Hobbes: What mood is that? Calvin: Last-minute panic. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 13:46:59 -0700 From: Amanda Rosenblum To: YtseJam Subject: Re: And they called him... "Brian" Message-ID: Well, they certainly don't call him Mellow Yellow ;) Anyway, I have an idea. How about the people that want to hear Home on the radio call up the radio stations that they actually listen to. Maybe even during one of those requests slots. Then listen. If you want to hear it played, do it for yourself, not for the "hapless millions that have not been shown the glory that is Dream Theater". I just have to say one other thing. I was listening to NIN's "The Fragile" and I think that this has to be one of the most well marketed albums ever. It was hyped, and hyped, and then some. But the thing that really made the difference for me was that the single "The Day the Whole World Went Away" was released before the album. As excited as I was about the album, I was more psyched after I bought the single. I think it's better to release the single before the album comes out to give the listeners a taste of what they will be getting, rather than have a few MP3s floating around and me bitching about the radio edit. How bout it Mike? Maybe for the next album? ~~Amanda ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 16:01:47 -0500 From: "Al @ Switchcraft" To: retaehT maerD Subject: Analog - 93X Message-ID: The Cow God wrote: >sure, if you dont ever play the tape other than to re-record it. he was >referring to something you listen to regularly (which IS the point of the >whole process right?), which would wear down much more often. unless you >kept two copies of everything you own, and simply made another "for use" >copy of each one every few weeks. however... Dude! I play my open reel tapes all the time. Reel-to-reel tapes are not as dropout prone as cassettes for several reasons. 1: They are magnetically shielded by the metal reels. 2: They have several times the particles per inch over cassette because of the additional width. 3: Cassettes move tape at 1 7/8" per second - Open reel tapes run at several user selectable speeds normally ranging from 3 3/4" to 30" IPS. 4: Because the recording industry relies on analog reel tapes advancements in the media are being made all the time. I'm listening to Heart's "Dreamboat Annie" on my machine now. It was recorded back in 1977 on my old Ampex machine. Also on this tape is Alice Cooper's "Welcome To My Nightmare" and Steve Miller's "Fly like an Eagle." This tape has been played countless times and it still sounds fine. OK, so there is one 1/2 second dropout on Steve Miller's "Wild Mountain Honey" Big deal.. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jay Omega wrote: >It tells me you're rewording the statement "digital, while already better >than analog in a proper implementation, is still advancing, while analog >has been almost stagnant as long as most 'Jammers have been alive." New professional analog media (tape) and new machines are being developed all the time. The basic principals of analog have remained unchanged. But so have the basic principals of the wheel, toilet tissue and kitchen tables. >Calling it a fact does not make it true. It's your preference. It might >be mine, too. I've never heard a reel-to-reel. Maybe you should considering most of your CDs came from analog source tape. And as theory suggests, the CD can't be better, only equal or worse. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian Hayden wrote: >Right, because you sicced a few dozen people on them and harassed them with >an endless stream of email telling them how unenlightened and stupid and >fascist they are. Boy, I can't imagine why they got nasty. Good way to get >people on your side there guy. Now wait a minute.. I had NO control what other people sent 93X. Furthermore, I never encouraged ANYONE to get nasty, and really, nobody did. >Oh please. I'm sure a self-appointed tech god like you could get the single >off the net in about 2.3 seconds if you wanted to hear it that much. I think That's not the point of getting "Home" played. And I resent your preceding comment. Do you think I spend the time writing the audio related posts for my own benefit? What the fuck do I get out of it? Do have any clue the time that has gone into some of my posts? Researching prices on gear that's available in stores today, locating and posting links, validating my information before it's sent, writing long posts on how to get the best possible sound from your existing equipment, and yes, my take on the analog/digital media as one of the few people on this list that's ever had exposure to both types of media in their top form. Had I thought this was going to annoy the bulk of the Jam, I would have never been involved in the first place. Maybe it's time for me to reevaluate my usefulness and quit wasting my time and the bandwidth of the Jam. -- Al - The Ytse-ProGtologist ^ Switchcraft Microsystems ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When you live in the land of 10,000 lakes, it's nice to know that all men are created equal in cold water. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 16:14:58 -0500 From: "Brian Hayden" To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: Re: Analog - 93X *very short* Message-ID: Responding To: "Al @ Switchcraft" Original Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 14:13:39 -0700 (PDT) > Brian Hayden wrote: > >Right, because you sicced a few dozen people on them and harassed them > with > >an endless stream of email telling them how unenlightened and stupid and > >fascist they are. Boy, I can't imagine why they got nasty. Good way to > get > >people on your side there guy. > > Now wait a minute.. I had NO control what other people sent 93X. > Furthermore, > I never encouraged ANYONE to get nasty, and really, nobody did. Your message pasted here called someone a "fascist" and insulted their intelligence. I can repaste it in case you've forgotten? > >Oh please. I'm sure a self-appointed tech god like you could get the > single > >off the net in about 2.3 seconds if you wanted to hear it that much. I > think > > That's not the point of getting "Home" played. You typed, in capital no letters no less, that you wanted to get this on the radio because "the fucking cd isn't out yet." Remember that? Again, I can paste it if you need a refresher. -Brian ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 17:18:08 -0400 From: "Art Ellis" To: Subject: Re: YJam drug discussion Message-ID: <001301bf1d9c$1b732d60$5226f7a5@com> > And probably annoying the people around you a hell of a lot more. ;D > > -Brian I guess you weren't there! There were about 6 diehard DT fans up near the first 8 rows of the stage, the rest of the crowd wasnt even there yet. There were maybe 1000 people spread over a 19,900 capacity venue, so I doubt I was bothering anybody. And anyways, I can sing in key, which is more than I can say for most concertgoers! :-) ~~Art Webmaster http://www.joestump.com "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 17:18:27 -0400 From: "TheCowGod" To: Subject: Re: Analog - 93X Message-ID: <00bd01bf1d9c$25fcee60$message_id_removed> ]From: Al @ Switchcraft Subject: Analog - 93X > I'm listening to Heart's "Dreamboat Annie" on my machine now. It was recorded > back in 1977 on my old Ampex machine. Also on this tape is Alice Cooper's > "Welcome To My Nightmare" and Steve Miller's "Fly like an Eagle." This tape has > been played countless times and it still sounds fine. OK, so there is one 1/2 > second dropout on Steve Miller's "Wild Mountain Honey" Big deal.. you can stand that? i would have thought that would require a whole new re-record :) > never been involved in the first place. Maybe it's time for me to reevaluate my > usefulness and quit wasting my time and the bandwidth of the Jam. now Al, while i generally agree with a lot of what you say and find your posts quite interesting, please dont do the thing that it seems everyone of any kind of notability on a list does when confronted - threaten to leave and take his valuable information elsewhere. i know you probably didnt mean it that way, but thats what it came across sounding like, and i've heard this same thing like 10 times before on various mailing lists from various people "in the know" or in connection with whatever band was the subject of the mailing list or whatever. just thought i'd point that out. moo. *** END OF TRANSMISSION *** ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 16:22:28 -0500 From: "Al @ Switchcraft" To: retaehT maerD Subject: New analog Message-ID: Robert Jurado wrote: >What do you personally do nowadays with releases >that are put out primarily on CD and maybe some crappy >cassette tape? I mean, how does someone who digs analog so >much deal with the fact that crappy cassette tape is the only >analog format for most new releases? And is your "analog" >hardware just relegated to having to play your old records You can buy new records of new material, just not that much rock stuff. There are stores that cater to the vinyl crowd. Most all Classical and much of the Jazz scene has a strong vinyl presence. The rock stuff that's available is mostly imported from Europe and Japan. >or, perhaps, reel-to-reel recordings? Or...do you just buy >an "audiophile" grade CD player? I don't really know You used to be able to buy pre-recorded reels. I never did because just like today's cassettes, they used cheap tape and I wanted no part of that. I use my reel-to-reel to keep the wear down on my records, tape live shows at local venues and record CDs that are out of print. I also have used my system for both indoor and outdoor parties, so it's nice to lower the speed to 3 3/4 IPS and record six hours of material so I can enjoy the party rather than play DJ. Reel-to-reels are not for everybody, there is a certain degree of work involved that some people just aren't willing to do. But the sonic benefits and amount of material you can squeeze on one tape far outshine any other form of recording. >much about who even makes such things. I've heard of Linn. >That's about it. The list is nearly endless. I'm not a huge Linn fan. they charge too much for their gear. There is superior gear out there for equal or less money. But in Linn's defense I will say that comparing their gear to consumer stuff is like comparing a porterhouse steak to those little Snausage dog treats. If you want a list of manufacturers e-mail me privately and I'll provide one. I can see this stuff no longer belongs on the Jam. -- Al - The Ytse-ProGtologist ^ Switchcraft Microsystems ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When you live in the land of 10,000 lakes, it's nice to know that all men are created equal in cold water. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 15:05:37 -0200 From: Rogerio Brito To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: Veil of secrecy in Europe? Message-ID: On Oct 22 1999, email_address_removed wrote: > > >< Why would we spoil the surprise for people in the US by giving out EVERY > possible detail BEFORE the 26th simply because SOME countries in Europe > already have the album available in stores? >< > > What about the countries that don't get it until after the 26th? > There are some, aren't there? Europe can't talk about it until the > US gets it, so shouldn't we have to wait for the rest of the world? Excellent, my friend. At least one of the members of the mailing list seems to think (besides me, of course :-) ). Seriously, I wrote way back to a brazilian Dream Theater mailing list that I maintain talking about the whole idea of the veil being severely flawed and one of the reasons that I pointed out was this (among many others -- e.g., naming an official release with the same name of a bootleg). If you've got to keep surprise about something, then do it well or don't do it at all. []s from a perfectionist, Roger... -- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rogerio Brito - email_address_removed - http://www.ime.usp.br/~rbrito/ Nectar homepage: http://www.linux.ime.usp.br/~rbrito/opeth/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 16:34:07 -0500 From: "Brian Hayden" To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: Re: YJam drug discussion Message-ID: Responding To: "Art Ellis" Original Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 14:24:43 -0700 (PDT) > And anyways, I can sing in key, which is more > than I can say for most concertgoers! :-) Some less charitable people would also say that's more than you can say for James live. ;D Let me personally state, though, that I thought the dude was freakin awesome when I saw them...and he had a cold too. /me waits to get schmacked down some more.... -Brian ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 16:52:31 -0500 From: "Al @ Switchcraft" To: retaehT maerD Subject: The radio campaign Message-ID: Greetings fellow Jamsters, Before we start another radio campaign I think we need to establish some kind of framework. It's critical that we all maintain our cool and keep the message body a simple request that's worded in your own way and not simply a paste of someone else's request. And it needs to be done at a rate of just a few per day from different return address. In other words: Use your own address and not a false return address in case the station attempts to reply. This got WAY out of hand, and that's partially my fault. I had no idea people would be telling them they didn't live in the area and didn't listen to the station. I also had no idea people would slam the stations politics and make speeches. This wasn't a total disaster, but it certainly didn't play out as I had intended. I'm not done with 93X, I'm just going to change tactics. I'd like to privately hear from these people regarding establishing some ground rules and drafting a strategy to implement on other stations: Chris Ptacek Chuck Reis Matthew Schnoor Jon Parmet Oh yeah.. Mr. Portnoy, if he has anything to add.. -- Al - The Ytse-ProGtologist ^ Switchcraft Microsystems ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When you live in the land of 10,000 lakes, it's nice to know that all men are created equal in cold water. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 19:25:03 EDT From: email_address_removed To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force - Alchemy: A Review (NDTC) Message-ID: (Posted here and there) Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force - Alchemy If the leaves are turning colors, it must be time for a new release from everyone's favorite pirate-shirt wearing Swede, Yngwie Malmsteen. Getting a new cd from YJM is sort of like ordering a Big Mac from McDonalds; no matter what the packaging and where you buy it, you know exactly what it's going to taste like. While it could be argued that modern neo-classical shred metal (Symphony X, etc.) would not exist without Yngwie's work, his latter-day material (say, anything since "Marching Out") suffers from "where have I heard this solo before" syndrome. The tip-off that something has supposedly changed this time around is the resurrection of the "Rising Force" moniker. Ok, whereas his last few (dozen? score? gross?) discs were 85% "metal" this one is maybe 90%. The performances are typically strong, the production crisp, and the cheesy lyrics intact. Like many other bands that never change, for example, say, King Diamond, Yngwie has the formula down to an art. For the fans who keep Yngwie in donuts and pirate shirts, Alchemy strikes (har har) gold. For people looking for Yngwie to have learned some new scales or something, forget about it. Personally, Yngwie amuses me to no end. I love the style, so I have respect for his influence and, I guess you could say "timelessness," but everytime I heard him ripping out the same old scalar run over a blues backbeat I have to chuckle. Bottom line: if you are the type who gets the same toppings on your pizza every week and wouldn't dream of switching from Domino's to Papa John's, and this mind-set carries over into your music, buy Alchemy right now. If you are the type who wants something new and truly progressive, spend your money elsewhere. Yngwie has become a brand name; if that's bad thing, so be it, but avoid this disc like the plague. For people who own several Yngwie releases and wouldn't dream of changing him: 8/10 For others who enjoy the style, but want something new: 6/10 Kevin Madden ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 23:30:01 +0000 (GMT) From: Matt Birskovich To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: SFAM ***SPOILERS!!!*** Message-ID: OK, so I went to Cheap-cds.com, hoping to get the CD ordered and here by a little after the release date, but they sent it to me early. I must say that, on *first* listen, I am over-all disappointed. The concept is an interesting one. However, these things have been done in too many similar ways before. I don't understand what the constant quotes of Met. I are supposed to be. There is no parallel in my mind. I also wish that they would keep some common themes constantly going through the entire albom, since it is a concept albom and all, not just similar passages here and there. Some parts are down right cheesy, like where the girl R&B singer is doing her a la Pink Floyd moaning. Some of the guitar tone as well. I don't feel that Petrucci has grown at all since his last effort, namely, LTE II, which is disappointing since I have seen him grow in every albom I've listened to up until now. James also takes no chances vocally, staying in the same a la Pink Floyd range throughout almost the whole albom. It is pleasant to hear what Jordan adds to the band, but I wasn't qaying money to hear LTE with a singer. The albom runs on with small threads of continuity. The lyrics do not seem half as thoughtful as in the past. To me, the albom breaks no new ground. What would I do differently? Well, like I've said, more continuity for starters. Give the listener something he/she can hang onto and watch grow in varied ways throughout the albom. If I decided to quote so much of Met. I, I would have also tied them together more fully. This all means probably more work out of the studio and not as much rushed composing. Wlhat happens anyway? Does Nicolas emulate exactly what Victoria did before? What's the deal with the end? Will there be a SFAM II? On a posative note, I did like the story line. I also liked the enhanced textures Jordan brought to the band. JP did learn some more cool picking patterns. The background vocals were better than on FII, if not wonderful. (I just don't think the rest of those guys have voices for singing.) The end, whatever it was, was startling. All in all, I'll hang onto this albom because it's DT and I'll listen to it some more because I don't think one listen is enough to condemn an albom with. I was much more inspired by Jason Becker's Rasberry Jams, which I also got from Cheap-cds. I look forward to the other fans here pointing me toward a more posative view of this albom. Be well. Matt B Notice the new email address. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- mattb __ __ ____ ___ ___ ____ email_address_removed /__)/__) / / / / /_ /\ / /_ / / / \ / / / / /__ / \/ /___ / ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 19:47:07 EDT From: email_address_removed To: ytsejam@torchsong.com Subject: TNT - Transistor: A Review (NDTC) Message-ID: (posted here and there) TNT - Transistor I was excited to hear that TNT had come out with another cd and harbored=20 hopes that it would continue with the interesting sounds that were initiated on=20 "Firefly," a=20 cd I felt was very underrated. Then again, most every TNT album has been=20 underrated. TNT has been issuing variations on a theme, almost a hair band with better=20 lyrics and interesting guitar-playing, for years, but without any real success. To my=20 ears, TNT has been distinguished by Ronnie LeTekro's innovative, interesting=20 approach to guitar (tones, sounds, etc.) and Tony Harnell's almost sweet vocal stylings.= =20 Transistor's only bow to modern sounds is, hmm, how do I put it, a bit sloppier approach=20 to percussion and, on two very specific occasions, almost techno drum lines. (Believe it or=20 not, that's good) That may be the only thing that separates today's TNT from your older=20 brother's (or yours, if=20 you are pushing 30 like me) version. Some of the songs feel like they could= =20 be out-takes from the "Realized Fantasies" sessions. Unfortunately, they were left out=20 for a reason. The opening track, "Just Like God," is probably the high point for me, for i= t=20 takes a few=20 more chances with a more modern sound. Unfortunately, most of the following tracks never really kick into gear, bogging down in a=20 mid-tempo rock swamp, getting hung up on sweet ballads far too often. The best of those=20 would be "Fantasia Espa=F1ola," for my money. I kept wanting the cd to take a proverbial left=20 turn, but it really never did. LeTekro's playing is just not enough to hold this=20 listener's interest, I am=20 afraid. If you liked the mid-tempo TNT material better than the stuff like=20 "Tell No Tales," by all means, buy this cd immediately. If you loved the hookier "Realized=20 Fantasies" material, unfortunately, this disc has as many hooks as a yard stick. I can see the=20 dust gathering already. For big TNT fans: 6/10 For everyone else: 4/10 Kevin Madden ------------------------------ End of YTSEJAM Digest 5131 **************************