cacatua 14.08.2009 20:50 |
I don't imagine there will be many kind words here over this, but I posted it over at the Adam Lambert site and everyone is pretty thrilled. From Brian's Soapbox, August 14, 2009 Brian was at Rob Cavello's studio in Calabasas, where he was producing the new Meat Loaf album: "And I was privileged to hear a track that the guys have finished for Adam Lambert...a song for a forthcoming film, 2012. I have to say I was completely blown away...it's truly sensational. In fact it is so obviously a number one smash, any bookie would be mad to take bets on it. I am not kidding. I am not easily moved to jelly by male vocalists...but Adam's voice reaches out with sensitivity, depth, maturity and awesome range and power which will make jaws drop all around the world. It's an awesome performance. No doubt about it. The world of Rock has a bright new star." |
Lookin' Divine In Good Ol' '89 14.08.2009 20:54 |
Damn. I gotta get my head out of my ass and find out what this dude looks and sounds like. I dont watch idol, by the way. The Beatles episode was horrendous aside from the hot chick that played Let It Be. Crappy, talentless( mostly) fakers trying to claim they are a fan of an artist by choosing one of their generic songs to cover and usually doing so badly. No unkind words on the whole subject. Just voicing my opinion. |
cacatua 14.08.2009 21:06 |
Lots of kind words and praise for Brian over at the Official Adam Lambert site. ;o) Adam videos from Idol, including the one with Brian and Roger at the end: http://www.thebestarts.com/AdamLambert/idol/default.aspx Otherwise plenty of You Tube clips of him on the tour, though their quality is often dubious. |
lalaalalaa 14.08.2009 22:33 |
I don't think he's all that great. |
Sebastian 14.08.2009 22:57 |
I think he's an OK singer, but that's it - it'd make much more sense for Dr May to guest on a Dream Theater record, or to record something for Yes' upcoming album. |
cacatua 14.08.2009 23:43 |
Try to imagine how much I am enjoying this. [img=/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif][/img] |
john bodega 15.08.2009 04:38 |
See I don't even know whether to pay attention or not. Brian said glowing things about Katy Perry and she is utterly woeful as a singer. I have no idea if she's one of few artists these days who doesn't mime, or whether she writes her own material, or even if she's a fantastic person ... but an amazing singer she ain't. I think Brian's paying too much attention to boobs. He certainly was when the Pepsi thing happened... So yeah, I dunno. His word isn't worth much considering he'll praise any crap that comes along. Does it count that Adam Lambert doesn't have tits and is a far better singer than Katy Perry, though? |
Raf 15.08.2009 07:07 |
Zebonka12 wrote: (...) but an amazing singer she ain't. I think Brian's paying too much attention to boobs. He certainly was when the Pepsi thing happened...We can't blame him. :P When I watched the Pepsi commercial, I was paying more attention to that than to WWRY. |
cacatua 15.08.2009 14:33 |
Zebonka12 wrote: See I don't even know whether to pay attention or not. Brian said glowing things about Katy Perry and she is utterly woeful as a singer. I have no idea if she's one of few artists these days who doesn't mime, or whether she writes her own material, or even if she's a fantastic person ... but an amazing singer she ain't. I think Brian's paying too much attention to boobs. He certainly was when the Pepsi thing happened...So yeah, I dunno. His word isn't worth much considering he'll praise any crap that comes along. Does it count that Adam Lambert doesn't have tits and is a far better singer than Katy Perry, though? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I can't claim to be any authority on Katy Perry. I did listen to a couple of thigs she did, and it seemed to me that without anything backing her up she just sort of bleated, but I don't recall if Brian said anything directly about her voice or if it was about her as a performer. Adam has a great voice and can be quite a performer as well. He is also very versatile. |
LoosingMyBeat 16.08.2009 03:16 |
I really can't see what's so good about this guy... Watched some of the clips with him on youtube and his voice is nothing special. He is not even singing with his own voice, in the "Ring of fire" performance he makes his voice really scratchy and it does not sound good cause you can hear him struggling to do so. He trashes the song in so many ways on top of that. I dont think hes a rock singer, hes the lost backstreetboy. |
LoosingMyBeat 16.08.2009 03:22 |
In Whole lotta love hes actually kind of good tho.... :-/ |
Ken8 16.08.2009 08:49 |
Zebonka12 wrote: See I don't even know whether to pay attention or not. Brian said glowing things about Katy Perry and she is utterly woeful as a singer. I take a lot of what Brian says lately with a pinch of salt. Ever since the infamous "Rodgers was Freddie's favourite singer/Freddie wished he could sing like Rodgers" quote. |
cacatua 16.08.2009 10:18 |
LoosingMyBeat wrote: I really can't see what's so good about this guy... Watched some of the clips with him on youtube and his voice is nothing special. He is not even singing with his own voice, in the "Ring of fire" performance he makes his voice really scratchy and it does not sound good cause you can hear him struggling to do so. He trashes the song in so many ways on top of that. I dont think hes a rock singer, hes the lost backstreetboy. And I think you are fulla crap. The Ring of Fire performance on Idol was really good. Adam isn't struggling at all with anything, and even if he does use his voice to create different textures for different songs - WTF is wrong with that? Freddie didn't always sound the same either. It is called versatility and expression. Apparently to your way of thinking a song is untouchable from the way it was originally performed and that's "all she wrote". If you don't like it, then fine, it's not to your taste, but to say that he trashes the song is being spiteful. Brian's opinion carries weight. Some people around here just trash his opinions when they disagree with him, because that's all they can do. Next thing they will be saying is that he has dementia or something, if that hasn't already happened. |
Vela 16.08.2009 12:18 |
Oh do grow up some of you and get with the picture. You make me embarrassed to be an adult, never mind a fan of Queen and Freddie. I only heard of this boy because of the performance with Brian and Roger on the American Idol final that I had heard about, was searching for a clip of and ended up finding on here. I then looked up some more of his performances. Adam has more talent in his toenail clippings than some of those artists ludicrously suggested by some fans to front the band (Mica or Lady Gaga, give me a break! In that case, why not just get Kermit or Miss Piggy and be done with it?). Still, even though Paul Rodgers was the best vocalist Britain ever produced in Freddie's opinion, it wasn't enough for some fans so I shouldn't be surprised. For anyone to say Adam's voice is nothing special shows at best blind (or should that be deaf?) bias, or a blatant disregard and disrespect for the opinions of many big players and legends in the industry including Brian, and at worst a disturbing willingness to unreservedly demonstrate plain ignorance. Maybe it's time to either realise that perhaps these artists you claim to be fans of know considerably better than you what fits them best and give their opinions and decisions the respect they deserve, or just simply remove your cranea from your posteriors and realise that genuine talent can actually come from a talent show. Loosing My Beat, Adam is not singing with his own voice? Whose voice is he singing with then? Please identify the ventriloquist responsible because he is pretty impressive. As Roger Daltrey said about Freddie: "When we lost Freddie, we not only lost a great personality, a man with a great sense of humor, a true showman, but we lost probably the best, really, the best virtuoso rock 'n' roll singer of all time. He could sing anything in any style. He could change his style from line to line and, God, that's an art. And he was brilliant at it." If that is the case, Loosing My Beat, it would appear that, by your reasoning, the great man himself didn't sing with his own voice either . |
Holly2003 16.08.2009 12:24 |
Who said the art of the reasoned response was dead... |
dragon-fly 16.08.2009 12:24 |
For me, it seems that Brian is in a very positive mood these days. He even kissed Meat Loaf! That's better then sadness[img=/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif][/img] |
john bodega 16.08.2009 13:36 |
cacatua wrote: Brian's opinion carries weight. Some people around here just trash his opinions when they disagree with him, because that's all they can do.Once upon a time I might have agreed with you. His opinion carried weight before he started collaborating with people like Britney and blowing smoke up Katy Perry's arse. To me, that represents a guy whose judgement might not be so great. Sure - as long as he's having fun, then good for him. But Brian May is one guy I won't be asking for good listening material because he's obviously run out. |
Vela 16.08.2009 14:13 |
Zebonka12 wrote:cacatua wrote: Brian's opinion carries weight. Some people around here just trash his opinions when they disagree with him, because that's all they can do.Once upon a time I might have agreed with you. His opinion carried weight before he started collaborating with people like Britney and blowing smoke up Katy Perry's arse. To me, that represents a guy whose judgement might not be so great. Sure - as long as he's having fun, then good for him. But Brian May is one guy I won't be asking for good listening material because he's obviously run out. Time for you to move on then perhaps? |
cacatua 16.08.2009 14:26 |
Zebonka12 wrote:cacatua wrote: Brian's opinion carries weight. Some people around here just trash his opinions when they disagree with him, because that's all they can do.Once upon a time I might have agreed with you. His opinion carried weight before he started collaborating with people like Britney and blowing smoke up Katy Perry's arse. To me, that represents a guy whose judgement might not be so great. Sure - as long as he's having fun, then good for him. But Brian May is one guy I won't be asking for good listening material because he's obviously run out. Seems to me that Queen evolved to change with the times, and Brian is still doing that, which is no small thing for someone as he gets older. I am the same generation as he is and I see this sort of attitude all the time in the USA as a mind set between conservatives who want to freeze time in a certain period and hang onto it and liberals who see things as a constant evolution. It is like the difference between old thinking and young thinking. It has looked to me for some time as though gimmicks rule the day in the music business and singing talent was something that was no longer necessary. I hadn't watched Idol for years. My ol' man happened to be checking around on the tube one night and stopped on Idol and said I had to hear this guy, so I came to watch, and I thought he was quite good. So next week I tuned in to see if last week had been a fluke. It wasn't. MY GOD! SOMEONE WHO CAN ACTUALLY SING!!!! Not only did Adam sing but he changed his look like a chameleon every week - suddenly he looked like Elvis when he combed the hair back. He updated older songs and made them fresh and had you taking another look at them, like Ring of Fire. He was comfortable on stage and didn't sound self-conscious or phony. AND he was an incredibly nice and unpretentious guy. So it seems to me that Brian is still trying to keep current with the times and the popular talent that is around. Also he seems to be an incredibly nice man who would not go around saying So-and-So stinks, especially if So-and-So was gushing away about how Freddie was a big inspiration to her. But imagine how sincerely he is going to be blown away by someone who can sing and perform like Adam. I do worry about who will be influencing Adam now that he has all this stuff coming at him and hope that he doesn't get lost in it. Would I like to see Adam do something with Queen, or Brian and Roger, if you prefer? You damn well betcha! And I keep hoping that these mutual respect statements that keep coming out between Brian and Adam will lead to something, if just a one-time appearance somewhere along the line. But please quit denegrating Brian! It says more about you than it does about Brian. |
Sebastian 16.08.2009 16:54 |
So, if we don't accept everything Dr May says and don't have an orgasm listening to every artist he supports we're just a bunch of wankers who want to freeze time or murder everybody who was born after 1950? The thing is, besides the collaboration with Paul Rodgers (and regarding that I've always criticised the 'Queen+' label and the favourite-singer charade, but I've always thought it was a good idea in terms of music), Brian's been driving VW Beetles all this decade... which isn't 'bad', but is disappointing since he's got loads of Ferrari's. I think the best way to sum up how I feel is by creating a (hopefully fictional) sort of prediction: this is what we'll see in Brian's Soapbox a year from now: 16th August 2010 (A photo of Dr May snogging David Guetta) Hello folks! Animals, photos, my lady... (more of that crap) This week was fun: Rick Wakeman and I had lunch, and he suggested we should record something together (he also told me his son is a big fan of my work and wants me in the next Yes album), but I declined... I'm very busy producing the Black Eyed Peas! Also, I visited my old pals Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Vai, they were both thrilled to see me, but I had to cut the evening short before talk about a group effort could begin since I was going to watch the new Kellie Pickler wannabe, whom I think is the future of music. In the way home, I ran into Roger Daltrey, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Jordan Rudess, Larry LaLonde and other wonderful rock stars both old and young, many of whom would be willing to have me doing something with them. But I'm, of course, 100% devoted to the new musical (a hell of a lot more ridiculous than WWRY) and the upcoming Queen + Justin Timberlake tour. Justin was, of course, Freddie's favourite singer. Many thanks to all the people who've suggested me to work with Platypus, but I've got no fucking idea about who they are! By the way, don't forget to check out the new Vanessa Hudgens album, it rocks! Cheers! Bri PS: I heard JLS are covering Black Queen next Thursday - I'm sure they'll do great! PS2: Next year I'll replace Mr Morgan on BGT and AGT. Bye again! (A photo of Dr May snogging Flo Rida) |
cacatua 16.08.2009 18:10 |
Look, I have a fair amount of respect for someone who has covered the ground that Brian has covered. Just the guitar jazz band he created for Good Company is such a delightful thing for someone to have done. He wrote quite a few of the songs and had a pretty large contribution to the overall sound of Queen. That isn't even mentioning the making of his own guitar with improvements that allowed him to do different things with it, or the doctorate in astrophysics, and so on. Of course you don't have to agree with everything, like the advocacy for the humane treatment of animals. I happen to agree with that, but only up to a point because I have lived in the country for 37 years and have shot more varmints than I care to remember that were killing my animals. You simply have to take a stand to protect your own at some point, because animals aren't very humane to each other. Well, I guess that is off the track! LOL Anyway, if you think that Adam is unworthy of Brian's praise because he didn't "wade 5 miles through snowdrifts 3 feet deep" to get to the recording studio, and that Brian is an imbecile who has too much fun in life and his judgment is faulty, then so be it. |
Sebastian 16.08.2009 19:59 |
Adam's not unworthy of Bri's praise per se, but there are many people who are a hell of a lot more worthy of it (regardless of how they became famous). Recording a guitar jazz band isn't related to having the best taste either... AL isn't bad, but the fact BM spends time recording with him (rather than Rick Wakeman, Nuno Bettencourt or Joe Satriani) says a lot... about Dr May! And that 'lot' isn't precisely the best. |
cacatua 16.08.2009 20:49 |
Sebastian wrote: Adam's not unworthy of Bri's praise per se, but there are many people who are a hell of a lot more worthy of it (regardless of how they became famous). Recording a guitar jazz band isn't related to having the best taste either... AL isn't bad, but the fact BM spends time recording with him (rather than Rick Wakeman, Nuno Bettencourt or Joe Satriani) says a lot... about Dr May! And that 'lot' isn't precisely the best. Recording a guitar jazz band lies within the realm of having fun, of being fascinated with the idea of creating these instruments on a guitar and putting it together for the fun and challenge of doing it. Once done then move on. Been there done that. Not a career. I'm not a musician but I am an artist and I understand that. And who the hell cares if it satisfies anyone's criteria of "taste"? I don't think you have any idea of what makes an artist tick. I'm sorry that Brian doesn't seem to be living his life as you see fit these days. Perhaps we should bring that to his attention. I don't think he has anything more to prove and, who knows, perhaps he will yet do these things that are near and dear to your heart. |
Sheer Brass Neck 16.08.2009 21:28 |
If you are to judge a man by the company he keeps, judgement of Brian wouldn't be favourable over the past 10 years. He's above the "talent" he praises, and should spend his time working on art instead of the shit he surrounds himself with. I think he needs to stay busy, but really, what that Brian has done in the past 10 years lasts more than the moment it's in? I'd say zero. Others may disagree! |
Ken8 16.08.2009 21:54 |
Vela wrote: As Roger Daltrey said about Freddie: "When we lost Freddie, we not only lost a great personality, a man with a great sense of humor, a true showman, but we lost probably the best, really, the best virtuoso rock 'n' roll singer of all time. He could sing anything in any style. He could change his style from line to line and, God, that's an art. And he was brilliant at it." I've always respected Mr. Daltrey's opinion. |
doxonrox 16.08.2009 22:29 |
Sebastian wrote: So, if we don't accept everything Dr May says and don't have an orgasm listening to every artist he supports we're just a bunch of wankers who want to freeze time or murder everybody who was born after 1950? The thing is, besides the collaboration with Paul Rodgers (and regarding that I've always criticised the 'Queen+' label and the favourite-singer charade, but I've always thought it was a good idea in terms of music), Brian's been driving VW Beetles all this decade... which isn't 'bad', but is disappointing since he's got loads of Ferrari's. I think the best way to sum up how I feel is by creating a (hopefully fictional) sort of prediction: this is what we'll see in Brian's Soapbox a year from now: 16th August 2010 (A photo of Dr May snogging David Guetta) Hello folks! Animals, photos, my lady... (more of that crap) This week was fun: Rick Wakeman and I had lunch, and he suggested we should record something together (he also told me his son is a big fan of my work and wants me in the next Yes album), but I declined... I'm very busy producing the Black Eyed Peas! Also, I visited my old pals Nuno Bettencourt and Steve Vai, they were both thrilled to see me, but I had to cut the evening short before talk about a group effort could begin since I was going to watch the new Kellie Pickler wannabe, whom I think is the future of music. In the way home, I ran into Roger Daltrey, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Jordan Rudess, Larry LaLonde and other wonderful rock stars both old and young, many of whom would be willing to have me doing something with them. But I'm, of course, 100% devoted to the new musical (a hell of a lot more ridiculous than WWRY) and the upcoming Queen + Justin Timberlake tour. Justin was, of course, Freddie's favourite singer. Many thanks to all the people who've suggested me to work with Platypus, but I've got no fucking idea about who they are! By the way, don't forget to check out the new Vanessa Hudgens album, it rocks! Cheers! Bri PS: I heard JLS are covering Black Queen next Thursday - I'm sure they'll do great! PS2: Next year I'll replace Mr Morgan on BGT and AGT. Bye again! (A photo of Dr May snogging Flo Rida) Agree with this opinion or not, this is a fucking hilarious post!!! Props, Sebastian! |
The Real Wizard 16.08.2009 23:19 |
cacatua wrote: I'm sorry that Brian doesn't seem to be living his life as you see fit these days. Perhaps we should bring that to his attention. I don't think he has anything more to prove and, who knows, perhaps he will yet do these things that are near and dear to your heart. Amen. He has done it all... 200 million record sales, toured the world dozens of times, collaborated with hundreds of musicians in several genres, written books, and gotten a PhD. If he wants to plug his wife's work, do stereo photography, and state that certain pop stars are worthy of acclaim, then great. He's earned it. And if it makes anyone sleep better at night to think they know what's best for him, then all the power to them. Feel free to flame me for having my nose up Brian's arse again. Shame on me for respecting his right to do what he wishes. After all, he isn't a human being. He's only here to please people at Queen forums who always find something to complain about instead of doing something constructive. |
cacatua 16.08.2009 23:39 |
Sir GH wrote:cacatua wrote: I'm sorry that Brian doesn't seem to be living his life as you see fit these days. Perhaps we should bring that to his attention. I don't think he has anything more to prove and, who knows, perhaps he will yet do these things that are near and dear to your heart.Amen. He has done it all... 200 million record sales, toured the world dozens of times, collaborated with hundreds of musicians in several genres, written books, and gotten a PhD. If he wants to plug his wife's work, do stereo photography, and state that certain pop stars are worthy of acclaim, then great. He's earned it. And if it makes anyone sleep better at night to think they know what's best for him, then all the power to them. Feel free to flame me for having my nose up Brian's arse again. Shame on me for respecting his right to do what he wishes. After all, he isn't a human being. He's only here to please people at Queen forums who always find something to complain about instead of doing something constructive. Bless you! |
john bodega 17.08.2009 03:53 |
cacatua wrote: Anyway, if you think that Adam is unworthy of Brian's praise because he didn't "wade 5 miles through snowdrifts 3 feet deep" to get to the recording studio, and that Brian is an imbecile who has too much fun in life and his judgment is faulty, then so be it.What are you harping on about?? I hope this isn't in response to me because I don't think badly of Lambert in the slightest. I'm merely of the opinion that Brian's ability to pick out new talent is less than rock-solid if he'll be so glowing in his praises of people like Katy Perry. Adam Lambert is another kettle of fish really, because he can actually sing. Of course Brian isn't going to go onto his Soapbox and write 'Katy Perry isn't very good is she'. That's not the issue. I am not denigrating Brian, so there'll be no more of that thank you very much. It is not denigrating someone to be realistic about their tastes. I agree with Brian on a ton of things, even in music. Regarding some of his choices in recent years though, I'd probably side with Deacy's attitude ... and you're not going to accuse HIM of denigrating Brian are you? Brian's just a guy. He's one of my heroes, musically, and I think he's a top fella. It is not insulting to see him in a more realistic light though. |
john bodega 17.08.2009 03:59 |
Sir GH wrote: Feel free to flame me for having my nose up Brian's arse again. Shame on me for respecting his right to do what he wishes. After all, he isn't a human being. He's only here to please people at Queen forums who always find something to complain about instead of doing something constructive.This hyperbole stuff does you a disservice. I won't speak for Sebastian; maybe he really does think of Brian in a manner that might trigger a post like this, but I certainly don't. There really is no middle ground at this place sometimes, and it's a bit annoying. What I find most amusing is that there's people who will spring to his defense when he blows smoke up the bottoms of random singers, but when he's talking about something genuinely important he gets shot down for being preachy. Am I the only one who gets annoyed by this?? People ought to rethink their priorities a bit if Katy Perry is more worth discussing than hedgehogs, AIDS and roadside advertising. |
Togg 17.08.2009 04:23 |
An interesting set of responses to Mr Lambert Interestingly it's just the same type of comments I used to hear from people in the 70's and 80's when I said how good Freddie was... |
thomasquinn 32989 17.08.2009 06:41 |
I lost all that was left of my faith in Brian May's good taste when he decided a collaboration with 5ive would be a good idea. Then, there was the debacle with Beyoncé, Britney and Pink, and now there is this. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he had gone deaf. |
cacatua 17.08.2009 11:19 |
Zebonka12 wrote:Of course Brian isn't going to go onto his Soapbox and write 'Katy Perry isn't very good is she'. That's not the issue. I am not denigrating Brian, so there'll be no more of that thank you very much. It is not denigrating someone to be realistic about their tastes. I agree with Brian on a ton of things, even in music. Regarding some of his choices in recent years though, I'd probably side with Deacy's attitude ... and you're not going to accuse HIM of denigrating Brian are you? Brian's just a guy. He's one of my heroes, musically, and I think he's a top fella. It is not insulting to see him in a more realistic light though.cacatua wrote: Anyway, if you think that Adam is unworthy of Brian's praise because he didn't "wade 5 miles through snowdrifts 3 feet deep" to get to the recording studio, and that Brian is an imbecile who has too much fun in life and his judgment is faulty, then so be it.What are you harping on about?? I hope this isn't in response to me because I don't think badly of Lambert in the slightest. I'm merely of the opinion that Brian's ability to pick out new talent is less than rock-solid if he'll be so glowing in his praises of people like Katy Perry. Adam Lambert is another kettle of fish really, because he can actually sing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Apologies to you then. Sometimes it is hard to tell, and I've already had my battles over Adam Lambert here, who is given very little credibility, so when I post what Brian said, in no uncertain terms then here they come, piling on the messenger (Brian, not me) in order to destroy his credibility. I am willing to concede that Adam has a lot to live up to, from the start he has made, and no, I can't at this point see him singing any number of things that Freddie sang. And I am NOT saying that I think that he should become a front man for Queen (or Brian and Roger, if you prefer) either when I say this - just a point of comparison. But Freddie didn't come out of the box fully developed either, and I see some of the same qualities in Adam as a performer and singer that Freddie had, without Adam having the same voice, or trying to ape Freddie. As I have said elsewhere, Freddie was a unique phenomenon of a place in time, and the river of time has moved a lot of water downstream since then. Adam is trying to make the move away from theater work in order to be in control of what he sings and how he wants to sing it. I'm not sure how much control he has at this point though. I am not sure if it is more realistic to condemn Brian's actions these days or to give him the benefit of the doubt. |
Borhap80 17.08.2009 11:28 |
I would've liked to see some sort of collaboration between Queen and Adam Lambert. The result could be quite spectacular... But that was a digression...!? Some people on this board seem to regard music as something sacred, something holly that cannot be messed with. Musicians tend to play with whoever they want to, across boundaries concerning integrity, pride and credibilty. I seem to remember a person who acknowledged that music was showbiz and about having a ball: "I like to write songs for fun, for modern consumption. People can discard them like a used tissue afterwards. You listen to it, like it, discard it, then on to the next. Disposable pop, yes." Mercury did exactly the same when he was around. He gave complements to many of his contemporary artists like: Wham, Tears for Fears, Culture Club, Prince and so on. Did it give him cred to name Wham or not? Did anyone care? If Brian wants to salute an artist, and by doing this, crossing boundaries concerning cred, he is in the position to do that. Is Brian a bad person for doing it? Is he messing with the sacred legacy of Queen by doing it? Does he hurt somebody's feelings by giving complements to others? Is he less of a musician? He can do whatever he wants to do. Get a life! |
cacatua 17.08.2009 13:51 |
Thomas Tønnesen wrote:
I would've liked to see some sort of collaboration between Queen and Adam Lambert. The result could be quite spectacular...
But that was a digression...!?
Some people on this board seem to regard music as something sacred, something holly that cannot be messed with. Musicians tend to play with whoever they want to, across boundaries concerning integrity, pride and credibilty.
I seem to remember a person who acknowledged that music was showbiz and about having a ball:
"I like to write songs for fun, for modern consumption. People can discard them like a used tissue afterwards. You listen to it, like it, discard it, then on to the next. Disposable pop, yes."
Mercury did exactly the same when he was around. He gave complements to many of his contemporary artists like: Wham, Tears for Fears, Culture Club, Prince and so on. Did it give him cred to name Wham or not? Did anyone care?
If Brian wants to salute an artist, and by doing this, crossing boundaries concerning cred, he is in the position to do that. Is Brian a bad person for doing it? Is he messing with the sacred legacy of Queen by doing it? Does he hurt somebody's feelings by giving complements to others? Is he less of a musician? He can do whatever he wants to do.
Get a life!
I was going to look for that quote by Freddie. Thank you for posting it! |
The Real Wizard 17.08.2009 17:01 |
Zebonka12 wrote: What I find most amusing is that there's people who will spring to his defense when he blows smoke up the bottoms of random singers, when he's talking about something genuinely important he gets shot down for being preachy. Am I the only one who gets annoyed by this?? Complainers will always find ways to keep themselves employed. I can only speak for myself... it's not so much that I'm defending his views, but rather recalling his right, like anyone else, to express his views, whatever they may be. |
Sheer Brass Neck 17.08.2009 17:12 |
Sir GH wrote:And as I see it, that's the rub with boards like these. Brian has lived a fabulous life, and has the right to do what he pleases, with who he pleases. That includes having the right to call him and Roger Queen. I'd like to see Brian work with some people like Nuno Bettencourt or Yes, or DT and not call themselves Queen. However, he has the right to do as he pleases. As do the people who criticize his choices, they have the right to do that. As do the people who criticize the people who criticize the choices. And it goes on and on and nothing gets resolved. I will say I find the apologists or sycophants more attacking and less tolerant of opposing viewpoints, and express them in such a way that they forget the rights of those who disagree with them.Zebonka12 wrote: What I find most amusing is that there's people who will spring to his defense when he blows smoke up the bottoms of random singers, when he's talking about something genuinely important he gets shot down for being preachy. Am I the only one who gets annoyed by this??Complainers will always find ways to keep themselves employed. I can only speak for myself... it's not so much that I'm defending his views, but rather recalling his right, like anyone else, to express his views, whatever they may be. |
Sebastian 17.08.2009 20:36 |
Sir GH wrote:Zebonka12 wrote: What I find most amusing is that there's people who will spring to his defense when he blows smoke up the bottoms of random singers, when he's talking about something genuinely important he gets shot down for being preachy. Am I the only one who gets annoyed by this??Complainers will always find ways to keep themselves employed. I can only speak for myself... it's not so much that I'm defending his views, but rather recalling his right, like anyone else, to express his views, whatever they may be. And as such, anybody whose view is that Brian's lost a lot of taste, has the right to express it. |
cacatua 17.08.2009 23:48 |
Has everyone had his/her position validated by at least one other person now? My but this has been entertaining![img=/images/smiley/msn/devil_smile.gif][/img] I do have to ask Sebastian one question though: Just why is one of Brian's foxes named "Sebastian"? Is there another story there? |
Sebastian 18.08.2009 00:39 |
Sebastian has always been a usual name for animals: foxes, cats, parrots, me. |
john bodega 18.08.2009 03:41 |
I think you mean "manimals!" |
cacatua 18.08.2009 09:59 |
Sebastian wrote: Sebastian has always been a usual name for animals: foxes, cats, parrots, me. Well now, there's a vision. Do you perch or curl up on the window sill in the sun? Foxes are nice too, but they don't smell very good, so will let you off on that one. Last question, I promise. Just trying to make it to Bohemian so my job description here is no longer "champion". Being a champion gets to be tedious at times. At least I am one quarter Bohemian, so that may just be my calling. |
The Real Wizard 18.08.2009 11:50 |
Sebastian wrote:Sir GH wrote: I can only speak for myself... it's not so much that I'm defending his views, but rather recalling his right, like anyone else, to express his views, whatever they may be.And as such, anybody whose view is that Brian's lost a lot of taste, has the right to express it. Of course. But what are they essentially accomplishing by focusing on the negative? Wouldn't that time be better spent thinking of or discussing things they do like instead of focusing on things they don't like? |
Yara 18.08.2009 12:18 |
Sir GH wrote:Sebastian wrote:Of course. But what are they essentially accomplishing by focusing on the negative? Wouldn't that time be better spent thinking of or discussing things they do like instead of focusing on things they don't like?Sir GH wrote: I can only speak for myself... it's not so much that I'm defending his views, but rather recalling his right, like anyone else, to express his views, whatever they may be.And as such, anybody whose view is that Brian's lost a lot of taste, has the right to express it. Focusing on things we don't like may turn out to be very helpful: properly done, it's nothing more than criticism. Criticism is not the same as complaint. Intelligent, informed criticism is much needed these days with regard to music, anyway. There are times, and I'm stating that in general, that being negative is the best way of being constructive. You are a musician. You know the importance of criticism, sometimes even harsher than we would like to get. It's not the same as just "complaint". I dwell in other music styles, and I don't dare calling myself a musician, but if I renounced reason and started accepting x's views about music uncritically instead of making my own mind over matters, I'd already have been fired from the orchestra and expelled from the music school. Again, I'm not saying that to annoy you nor I am referring to this particular case (Brian) - I just think that criticizing also plays an important role in making things better. Sorry for stepping in. |
Sebastian 18.08.2009 12:32 |
Sir GH wrote:Sebastian wrote:Of course. But what are they essentially accomplishing by focusing on the negative? Wouldn't that time be better spent thinking of or discussing things they do like instead of focusing on things they don't like?Sir GH wrote: I can only speak for myself... it's not so much that I'm defending his views, but rather recalling his right, like anyone else, to express his views, whatever they may be.And as such, anybody whose view is that Brian's lost a lot of taste, has the right to express it. That's an interesting view. And as a complement: wouldn't the time Brian's spending working with AL better spent thinking of or discussing projects with Rick Wakeman or Steve Vai instead of focusing on artists that are OK but not at his level? Not that it's something new anyway: back in the 80's, Dr May could've worked more with Michael Kamen or Eddie Van Halen but instead produced Bad News... so what if we want to complain about it? It's our prerogative, do you achieve anything by complaining about our complaints? |
The Real Wizard 18.08.2009 13:44 |
Sebastian wrote: wouldn't the time Brian's spending working with AL better spent thinking of or discussing projects with Rick Wakeman or Steve Vai instead of focusing on artists that are OK but not at his level?Who says Brian has to musically challenge himself now or ever again, or even be doing music at all? He spent over 20 years musically challenging himself with one of the most successful rock bands ever. Maybe now he just wants to enjoy himself doing fun musical projects, and challenge himself elsewhere, like with astronomy and stereo photography. Shame on him for getting a PhD instead of working with musicians that you feel he should be working with. Not that it's something new anyway: back in the 80's, Dr May could've worked more with Michael Kamen or Eddie Van Halen but instead produced Bad News...Um... he did work with Michael Kamen and Eddie Van Halen - i.e. Who Wants To Live Forever and Star Fleet. so what if we want to complain about it? It's our prerogative, do you achieve anything by complaining about our complaints? That's like blaming someone for having intolerance for someone else's religious intolerance. You can't blame the messenger for pointing out the original deed. |
The Real Wizard 18.08.2009 13:44 |
Yara wrote: Focusing on things we don't like may turn out to be very helpful: properly done, it's nothing more than criticism. Criticism is not the same as complaint. Intelligent, informed criticism is much needed these days with regard to music, anyway. There are times, and I'm stating that in general, that being negative is the best way of being constructive. You're so very right. But in this case, it isn't informed criticism. People are criticizing someone for simply doing what they want to do. |
Sebastian 18.08.2009 13:53 |
Sir GH wrote:Sebastian wrote: wouldn't the time Brian's spending working with AL better spent thinking of or discussing projects with Rick Wakeman or Steve Vai instead of focusing on artists that are OK but not at his level?Who says Brian has to musically challenge himself now or ever again, or even be doing music at all? He spent over 20 years musically challenging himself with one of the most successful rock bands ever. Maybe now he just wants to enjoy himself doing fun musical projects, and challenge himself elsewhere, like with astronomy and stereo photography. Shame on him for getting a PhD instead of working with musicians that you feel he should be working with.Not that it's something new anyway: back in the 80's, Dr May could've worked more with Michael Kamen or Eddie Van Halen but instead produced Bad News...Um... he did work with Michael Kamen and Eddie Van Halen - i.e. Who Wants To Live Forever and Star Fleet.so what if we want to complain about it? It's our prerogative, do you achieve anything by complaining about our complaints?That's like blaming someone for having intolerance for someone else's religious intolerance. You can't blame the messenger for pointing out the original deed. I'm not saying Brian 'has to...', but I've got the right to express my opinion. And if my opinion is that Brian COULD be working with WAY BETTER musicians than AL (and he's not bad at all btw), then I've got the right to do it. Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. But this is a forum, so I can express what I think. Kamen & Van Halen: Read carefully - I meant 'Dr May could've worked MORE with...', as in 'MORE than WWTFL and SFP'. Of course I can blame the messenger. Watch me: the messenger is to blame; I blame the messenger; blame the messenger. |
The Real Wizard 18.08.2009 14:06 |
Sebastian wrote: I'm not saying Brian 'has to...', but I've got the right to express my opinion. And if my opinion is that Brian COULD be working with WAY BETTER musicians than AL (and he's not bad at all btw), then I've got the right to do it. Agree? Fine. Disagree? Fine. But this is a forum, so I can express what I think.Of course you can say what you'd like. But what are you ultimately trying to accomplish by naming people Brian could be working with? Kamen & Van Halen: Read carefully - I meant 'Dr May could've worked MORE with...', as in 'MORE than WWTFL and SFP'.Right.. my mistake! Of course I can blame the messenger. Watch me: the messenger is to blame; I blame the messenger; blame the messenger.That was productive. |
Sebastian 18.08.2009 14:23 |
What are you ultimately trying to accomplish by asking me about what I'm ultimately trying to accomplish? |
The Real Wizard 18.08.2009 14:47 |
Ok, this is getting ridiculous... |
john bodega 18.08.2009 14:49 |
This is embarrassing, guys. You are both above this debate. Snap out of it. For crying out loud. If I want to say "Brian May has a dodgy taste in music", that's the end of it as far as I am concerned. You agree, you disagree ... small chips really. It doesn't detract from my respect for him as an artist or a human being. He could be well inclined to look at the music in my iTunes and say 'er, that's bland' but you know what? I'd rather he look at my bookshelf - I've got some Patrick Moore there that we could have great conversations about. (No, I'm not kidding). The rampant generalisations on both sides are laughable. To bemoan the fact that people are criticising Brian's music is all well and good but you'd be carrying the assumption that the person doing the complaining has little or no respect for Brian, and in my case that simply isn't true. Sure, you could go after each and every complainer and get to the bottom of exactly why they are complaining ... and maybe you will uncover the odd prick who is doing it just for the sake of complaining ... but what, precisely, would that achieve? Frankly it annoys me too - sometimes Sebastian will post something that is really no more than trolling in that it'll be in a thread that obviously holds no intellectual fascination for him. Using him as an example, he's clearly going into discussions that he already knows will upset him, subjecting himself to their content, and then writing a base criticism of Brian or something ... but he's entitled. He's entitled to comment on Brian's comments, the same way we are allowed to comment on his comments on Brian's comments. Where, exactly, does one draw the line? And why are we still having this conversation? |
Sebastian 18.08.2009 15:26 |
Zebonka12 wrote: Frankly it annoys me too - sometimes Sebastian will post something that is really no more than trolling in that it'll be in a thread that obviously holds no intellectual fascination for him. I disagree: trolling would be things like 'Brian deserves death penalty for liking Lambert' or 'I'm pretty sure White Queen was a gift from Freddie or John because Brian couldn't have written it - he likes an AI contestant!'. This is a simple 'AL isn't bad, but Dr May could be working with much better musicians'. And there are loads of threads that obviously hold no intellectual fascination for me, where I haven't participated at all (and don't plan to): link link link link link link link link This particular thread interests me, and I do have a lot of respect for Dr May, which is exactly why I'm disappointed by his choice of collaborators lately (sans Paul Rodgers). As it was pointed out by another poster elsewhere, the fact BM didn't know about DT until some weeks ago (but was well aware of Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Katy Perry) speaks for itself. It'd be like Queen doing Under Pressure with KC & the Sunshine Band instead of David Bowie, hiring The Village People for Who Wants to Live Forever instead of Michael Kamen and having Kurt Cobain playing the Innuendo solo rather than Steve Howe. |
john bodega 18.08.2009 16:04 |
To be fair I wasn't quite saying (or didn't intend to say) that your output in this thread was trolling. I'm referring to some of the one liners you've offered in threads the past; that's a different kettle of fish. I find it a silly topic to be engaged in at all because I don't remember questioning Brian's right to an opinion ... I simply recall pointing out that it can't be a yardstick for outstanding music when you consider his positive reaction to someone like Katy Perry. And fair enough, maybe he's just being diplomatic because he met her. That's another privilege, and one I wouldn't dream of denying him. I was too short in my initial post in this thread anyway, it seemed that I was shitting on Adam Lambert and I'm really not, he's a great singer - by Idol standards, and he holds his own against most of the crap on the charts. I didn't even know what was on the charts until the few minutes ago - suffice to say I'm pretty disappointed. Too many kids on their parent's computers, I think ... |
cacatua 18.08.2009 17:27 |
Yikes! I thought this thread had run its course and now I see that the dying embers have burst back into flames! Of course everyone is entitled to his/her opinion! I have always championed Adam Lambert here because I think that he has an honest-to-god chance at becoming a great singer/performer! Good god, he was so far out of AI league that, well, it was the Adam Lambert Show, as is the Idol Tour. Yet he was pleasant and respectful and unpretentious. He has been in theater since he was 10 years old, so he didn't exactly just come out of nowhere. I LIKE Brian, and he signs his posts at his soapbox "Bri", not Dr. May. That says something about him. I commend him in his support for the humane treatment of animals,even though I may feel that he is associating with the lunatic fringe by showing any connection with PETA. I engraved firearms for years and I also think that the National Rifle Association here in the USA is the lunatic fringe. Opposite ends of the spectrum, I guess. But Brian seems to be a very humble and likeable man unless someone gets him riled by putting up animal snares or pinching his guitar design without crediting him. If I am wrong then I'm sure that someone will correct me with lots of examples. [img=/images/smiley/msn/tounge_smile.gif][/img] I think it is great that he has other interests. It has already been said, but he doesn't have anything to prove, and if he just wants the music to be more of the "fun" variety for now or ever and spend time on these other interests then I understand that perfectly. I'll champion him too, but I do resent the implication of being an apologist or a sycophant. I think that my hide is tough enough to survive it though. To my knowledge, Sebastian, Brian hasn't been working with Adam. He just heard this recording that Adam had done at the same studio where he was producing an album for Meat Loaf. There are those delightful clips of he and Meat Loaf clowning around too. He said wonderful things about Adam's performance but we won't be able to hear it for some time to see if we agree. If he and Roger were to get together with Adam for a performance, it would be just as good if they weren't doing it as Queen. Everyone can sort that out for themselves if it should ever happen. But to take Brian to task for driving VW Beetles instead of his Ferraris? ROFL!!! Pardon me, but deservedly or not, that makes you sound really petty! |
john bodega 19.08.2009 02:54 |
Yeah, Brian would benefit from doing a bit of reading about PETA. They cause more animal cruelty than I do, and I'm a meat eater. |
cacatua 19.08.2009 11:02 |
Zebonka12 wrote: Yeah, Brian would benefit from doing a bit of reading about PETA. They cause more animal cruelty than I do, and I'm a meat eater. PETA has done some good things like sending covert people in to film what goes on in the factory farming of animals and at slaughter houses, but other things they do invalidate the good stuff. |