JoJoShabadoo
Member
Hmm, to listen or not to listen...
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Queens of the Stone Age, Villains, produced by Mark Ronson
- Thread starter Ash735
- Start date
FrenchMovieTheme
Member
It'll be a bit divisive for sure. Rule of thumb is give the album 5 spins before deciding!
Yeah the quality isn't very good for the one I have. Might shelve it and wait for it to release before listening again.
JoJoShabadoo
Member
Ok, currently on the second listen and I'm really, really digging it. And this is coming from someone who didn't like the first track they released (although admittedly it's grown on me).
Mark Ronson's influence can be heard, but not felt, if that makes sense. I very much get the sense that Josh wanted something that puts people in a groove at their live shows, and Ronson was attached to the project to help him achieve that sound without taking over the project.
It's definitely unlike any other QOTSA album, but in a good way. It's fresh, while still maintaining what has made them a good band since the beginning. If I had to compare it to a previous album it would definitely be Era Vulgaris and to a lesser extent, Lullabies. I like how they have horn/string outros on some of the songs like their older albums (I think Like Clockwork only did this on one song).
Fortress might be my favorite track. Or Un-Reborn again. The opening track is also great. Honestly the whole album is very cohesive and consistent, it absolutely sounds like a complete work. I think the synthesizers add to the distinct sound of the album, especially on Un-Reborn Again.
Mark Ronson's influence can be heard, but not felt, if that makes sense. I very much get the sense that Josh wanted something that puts people in a groove at their live shows, and Ronson was attached to the project to help him achieve that sound without taking over the project.
It's definitely unlike any other QOTSA album, but in a good way. It's fresh, while still maintaining what has made them a good band since the beginning. If I had to compare it to a previous album it would definitely be Era Vulgaris and to a lesser extent, Lullabies. I like how they have horn/string outros on some of the songs like their older albums (I think Like Clockwork only did this on one song).
Fortress might be my favorite track. Or Un-Reborn again. The opening track is also great. Honestly the whole album is very cohesive and consistent, it absolutely sounds like a complete work. I think the synthesizers add to the distinct sound of the album, especially on Un-Reborn Again.
that riff god damn, this is great.
JoJoShabadoo
Member
It's the most "Them Crooked Vultures" song off the album.
The quality is much, much better than the leak, for sure.
The quality is much, much better than the leak, for sure.
Robot Pants
Member
I can't wait for the final quality version of Villains of Circumstance. Killer song
That chorus!
Jazzkokehead
Member
Hmm. Not sure I'm feeling this. Some very in interesting music with some really weak production - guitars lack punch and sound thin and buzzy where they should sound more like buzzsaws. I don't love most of the vocal melodies or lyrics either. I do like how prominent the keys/synths are though - really gives the music a unique texture. I guess I didn't think much of ...Like Clockwork the first time I heard it either, so my initial reactions have certainly been wrong before. I'm willing to give the album a few more listens to prove itself, but I'll probably wait for the official release.
Un-Reborn Again is absolutely tits though.
Un-Reborn Again is absolutely tits though.
31GhostsIV
Banned
It's such a shame that most of the album has Jon Theodore sounding like he's been replaced by an Ableton drum rack.
I've spun it a couple more times, and I really want to love it but it's just not happening. Fortress and Villains stand out, but that's because they're the only tracks with any emotional resonance that shines through. I also like the occasional use of Gary Numan-esque synth sounds.
Maybe I need to hear the songs in a live context for the switch to flip.
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
Hrmm, this one need more time to digest than the first release, the cords are sounding good btw. the way you used to do grabbed me from the start.
blue_phazon
Member
First song off the album is so so so good. I especially love how it starts and blends into the drums
Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew
Banned
Both tracks are lacking any impact or punch, which is a shame since they're good tracks. Very TCV-esque without the raw power of Dave Grohl or John Paul Jones.
What the fuck is up with this tin can sounding drums? They're so muffled behind the guitar noise, it may as well not be there.
That's the problem of hiring a pop producer who focused on vocals instead of instruments. Josh already has iconic vocals, sadly his band sound like temps.
Edit: oh yeah, album leaked. Does it all sound as empty and flat as the two released tracks? What a shame... I'm sure they'll sound amazing live!
What the fuck is up with this tin can sounding drums? They're so muffled behind the guitar noise, it may as well not be there.
That's the problem of hiring a pop producer who focused on vocals instead of instruments. Josh already has iconic vocals, sadly his band sound like temps.
Edit: oh yeah, album leaked. Does it all sound as empty and flat as the two released tracks? What a shame... I'm sure they'll sound amazing live!
Sarcastic Poster
Member
Was just about to say I listened to the second track and the drums sound awful. Will be shite if they're all like that.
ToyMachine228
Member
It's funny that so many people are upset with the rhythm section on the album because the songs are written in a way to make the songs dance-worthy. Which means drums, bass and riffs that have swing to them. So no, the drums aren't very technically impressive but the beats fit the songs perfectly and give them swagger.
As for the actual mix of the drums, Jon Theodore has said in interviews that he and Mark Ronson made a conscious choice to make them "sound like garbage cans." He said so many bands fixate on getting a clear pure drum sound and they wanted to do something different.
As a huge QotSA fan, I'm loving the album. It's different but still very Qotsa. You could say the same thing of Like Clockwork. It was different but still QotSA. They're goal with this album was to make people dance and I think they've succeeded.
FrenchMovieTheme
Member
The album is fantastic. I think most people will really enjoy it. Josh is one of the few artists who has kept a consistent quality his entire career. One of the great artists of our generation
LoserMakesGood
Member
I'm the opposite. I actually prefer this live version of the evil has landed, but then again Queens is one of those bands that manage to have their live tracks blow out thier stuido tracks.
Robot Pants
Member
I've been listening to this album non-stop since it leaked. I absolutely love it.
It actually might be their best. And I LOVE ...Like Clockwork
Can't wait for the official quality version, it's gonna make it that much better
It actually might be their best. And I LOVE ...Like Clockwork
Can't wait for the official quality version, it's gonna make it that much better
I genuinely can't believe I'm getting a new QOTSA album and a new Mogwai album within the space of a week. My two favourite bands.
If only John Frusciante would do something new already.The Driver
Member
The wait for Friday is driving me nuts. I hate that this had to leak so far ahead of its release and we got all these positive impressions out there, and I wanna listen but it has audio watermarks and Josh is so cute and fuck why aren't they coming to my city for the tour and lalalalalaliveetillyadie.
Man, I just got updated that my order of Orc by Oh Sees is delayed 2-4 weeks. :/ That album is amazing.
And QOTSA cancelled their Outside Lands performance due to injury, and they aren't anywhere else on the west coast ughghusdhguidghadsg
So many prominent groups releasing albums in this next month I can't wait. Off the top of my head there's Orc by Oh Sees, LCD Soundsystem, Ariel Pink, Mogwai. I know there's one other I'm forgetting.
And QOTSA cancelled their Outside Lands performance due to injury, and they aren't anywhere else on the west coast ughghusdhguidghadsg
Thanks for the reminder on Mogwai.
So many prominent groups releasing albums in this next month I can't wait. Off the top of my head there's Orc by Oh Sees, LCD Soundsystem, Ariel Pink, Mogwai. I know there's one other I'm forgetting.
FrenchMovieTheme
Member
Queens are playing calfest 17 in october
Brand new trailer - The Focus Group
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
That's a bold statement. Well know in what, 2 days. Or, have the album at least.
After 3 days of sinking into this record, it has me.
It definitely takes a few spins to get into it. For me, Queens records are so radically different, mainly from Era onwards, I expected it.
Theres a great acoutic set here on youtube -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JDipPqlvLY
It definitely takes a few spins to get into it. For me, Queens records are so radically different, mainly from Era onwards, I expected it.
Theres a great acoutic set here on youtube -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JDipPqlvLY
FrenchMovieTheme
Member
that is an awesome acoustic set. i love queens acoustic!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMdsa9ZHRa8
The "Where's Nick?" part killllled me.
Me too. Probably the only part that got me besides when lullabies started listing of all of its songs.
holy......shit
Just even previewing those two songs in the OP I was hooked way more than the last album already.
Damn, so glad they are back baby!
Man-is-Obsolete
Member
I really like he two singles released so far. Initially I was really only into The Way You Used to Do, but Evil Has Landed after repeat listens is so good.
Can't wait for the rest.
Can't wait for the rest.
CoffeeExpress
Member
it's up on Spotify
nhlducks35
Member
Man this fucking album tho
Dangansona
Member
My thoughts exactly.