Shinzorrs

[Sybil]

hmmm...this must be something generational. I didn't find them boring in the least. Of course, I love the music, and where I come from, that's usually considered the primary entertainment. Most of my favorite performers over my life have been the singer/songwriter types - not exactly a lot of stage pyrotechnics - so maybe I'm just used to that.

As far as someone having issues with being on stage - ever seen Dylan? or Neil Young? Neither is the gregarious type, some would even call them boring, but both can be absolutely riveting nonetheless. Of course, being a genius helps too.

Sybil

[monet2u]

Nah, not really generational Sybil...I don't really care for their music and coupled with the fact they just sort of stand there...they bore more. There are a couple of songs that were a little more poppin last nite and I did enjoy those.

I do prefer an artist that seems to feel their own music to the point it moves them though. For instance the way Josh Homme makes with the sexy hips when he's playing the geetar.

[NerfHerder]

Demanding a band to get into their songs night after night on a huge tour is asking too much. When an artist does a particular action all the time, like Josh Homme's hip-shaking (or Elvis' for that matter), it seems like more of a robotic action devoid of feeling rather than an artistic expression.

[monet2u]

Demanding a band to get into their songs night after night on a huge tour is asking too much. When an artist does a particular action all the time, like Josh Homme's hip-shaking (or Elvis' for that matter), it seems like more of a robotic action devoid of feeling rather than an artistic expression.

if an artist can't get into their own music (night after night) they shouldn't be preforming live anymore. Sorry...bottom line...they're called ENTERTAINERS! So am I wrong to expect to be entertained?...I think NOT.

And let's face it some people are just plain boring to watch...and for me I have to love their music or I'm just plain bored.

[James]

It's arguing the unarguable, really. Everyone has different likes, tastes, etc. and what makes a good band to one person doesn't hold water with another. What is "real" really becomes a matter of subjectivity based on one's own perception of enjoyment. So really, you'll just get yourselves all riled up for nothing.

That said...for me, visuals are secondary to the music. When Bauhaus came back in 1998, they had a stunning visual performance, but it would have been pretty mediocre if their sound wasn't as awesome as it was. I wouldn't give two shits if Daniel Ash was dressed as the Mad Hatter during "Bela Lugosi's Dead" if he couldn't play his guitar...

And for me, it's the albums that last. Live shows can be recorded, and can be talked about, but unless you're there, it's just not comparable. Making a great album can last...who knows?

[Sybil]

Sorry...bottom line...they're called ENTERTAINERS!

Well, some prefer to be thought of as "artists", and maybe that's the bottom line difference. Nobody would accuse VanGogh of being entertaining, but he sure did paint some purty pictures!

And yes, I agree that the music has to do it for me, or it's not worth getting up off the couch and leaving the house.

Sybil

[monet2u]

It's arguing the unarguable, really. Everyone has different likes, tastes, etc. and what makes a good band to one person doesn't hold water with another. What is "real" really becomes a matter of subjectivity based on one's own perception of enjoyment. So really, you'll just get yourselves all riled up for nothing.

agreed.

the music has to grab me too and the shins just don't do it for me in general, which is made worse seeing them live and being bored by their performance.

I still believe an artist's job is to entertain the people that pay good money to come hear/see them. A poor performance can turn someone off just as much as a bad record.

[Irock]

Sorry...bottom line...they're called ENTERTAINERS!

Well, some prefer to be thought of as "artists", and maybe that's the bottom line difference.

I thought "recording artist" was just a bullshit title they came up with to give a name to bands that don't play instruments and singers whose voices have to be produced beyond recognition to be palattable?

I go to a concert to get something I can't get from the album, and that doesn't mean pyrotechnics and hip-shaking, although that can be part of it. I go in hopes of an engery that raises the experience above that of listening to that on the album, and I expect the artist to do something to cultivate that energy. To Jackie's point, if they're not interested in doing that they shouldn't be touring. But regardless of what the artist does, the crowd has to be "there," (wherever there is) not just to hep the folks on stage get there, but to help me get there. Haven't we all been to shows where people were acting like they couldn't care less whether anyone was playing or not? Didn't it really detract? Maybe it's just me...

I think a good show is impossible without collaboration between the performer and the audience.

Or maybe I'm just remembering the asshole jocks @ EdgeFest who were bitching about how "Place bo" (thier pronunciation) weren't jumping around or anything on stage (really that's not it, I just rembered them and wanted to bitch).

[Sybil]

Haven't we all been to shows where people were acting like they couldn't care less whether anyone was playing or not? Didn't it really detract? Maybe it's just me...

I think a good show is impossible without collaboration between the performer and the audience.

God, yes!

Which brings something I've noticed seems to be increasing - the people who come to socialize rather than to enjoy the music. The insistent buzz of conversation that just never stops! I noticed it markedly at the Shins show, in spite of the fact that there were many, many people who were really into the show! Same thing at Midlake. It really detracts from the experience for me. I'm always amazed at people who pay these inflated ticket prices for the privilege of getting drunk and chattering. I can do that for free at home - get a sixpack and a CD!

I think there is a fairly famous episode of Jeff Tweedy admonishing the crowd at one of his shows to shut up and pay attention, and he made some point about the connection between performer and audience. Apparently, it's now an ongoing joke between him and his fans.

And this I'm sure is generational. For example, a few years ago I was at a Jackson Browne show, and there was a couple behind me carrying on a rousing conversation. Several people around us quite pointedly, but politely, asked them to shut up. And they did! Try that at the next hip next-big-thing indie band show.

And this is why I avoid shows at places that are essentially bars rather than concert venues unless I have no choice. No tears from me over that awful Gypsy Tea Room place.

Now ends old-lady rant.

Sybil

[Sybil]

Haven't we all been to shows where people were acting like they couldn't care less whether anyone was playing or not? Didn't it really detract? Maybe it's just me...

I think a good show is impossible without collaboration between the performer and the audience.

God, yes!

Which brings something I've noticed seems to be increasing - the people who come to socialize rather than to enjoy the music. The insistent buzz of conversation that just never stops! I noticed it markedly at the Shins show, in spite of the fact that there were many, many people who were really into the show! Same thing at Midlake. It really detracts from the experience for me. I'm always amazed at people who pay these inflated ticket prices for the privilege of getting drunk and chattering. I can do that for free at home - get a sixpack and a CD!

I think there is a fairly famous episode of Jeff Tweedy admonishing the crowd at one of his shows to shut up and pay attention, and he made some point about the connection between performer and audience. Apparently, it's now an ongoing joke between him and his fans.

And this I'm sure is generational. For example, a few years ago I was at a Jackson Browne show, and there was a couple behind me carrying on a rousing conversation. Several people around us quite pointedly, but politely, asked them to shut up. And they did! Try that at the next hip next-big-thing indie band show.

And this is why I avoid shows at places that are essentially bars rather than concert venues unless I have no choice. No tears from me over that awful Gypsy Tea Room place.

Now ends old-lady rant.

Sybil

p.s. Place Bo? Jeeeeez! I hope you've learned your lesson young lady!