tamara
Porcupine
( . )( . )
Posts: 202
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Post by tamara on Jan 26, 2009 14:12:34 GMT -5
To stay on the topic of the thread, I have seen the "new" Melon four times this year. I also have spent a lot of time listening to bootlegs of old Melon. I don't notice the band as a whole just "jamming" during songs like they used to. That to me has nowhere near as much to do with the singer as the band as a whole. I'm not complaning, just an observation, this seemed like the right place to bring this up. No disrespect to Rogers, the band, Travis, Shannon, or anyone, but after listening to the live recording with Shannon compared to the 2 live shows I've seen featuring Travis, I "see" the difference, and I agree. I would think that it was more because Shannon felt more ownership of the songs and therefore felt more free to improvise with them, than Travis might. However, Travis should be able to feel that ownership with the FMF's material and be able to also improvise or lead the band to expand the songs while doing the live material. So yes, I also agree that the reason for this is the singer, and I don't mean that in a negative way, but just an observation that while Travis gives a breathtaking performance on stage of both old and new material, it is very clear that his stage presence is very different than Shannon's was. All the same, I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to see them perform, and meet them, in Oklahoma. The live shows blew me away, and a few times, brought tears of joy to my eyes. edit - I think I put my finger on the difference after thinking about it some more. Shannon used his singing to communicate to us, Travis sings AT us. Enjoyable, but not the same thing. Interesting take on it Dawn B!! I feel like I want to see them again to see if I see it like that! I didn't really notice. But maybe it's hard to make them you're own when they're not. Especially when you run the risk of pissing off your band, fans, etc. if you don't do it "right". I sorta feel like Travis is in a "damned if I do, damned if I don't" position musically. As cool as it is to have BM back, and as excited as all the fans are, everyone has an opinion and you have to be pretty solid to step into this. If he (they) change up the old stuff it's sacrilege, if they don't it's karaoke. If the new stuff isn't as good (not sure who's the judge of that) they'll get shit too. I think I feel a big connection with the new stuff because it's still here, still "alive". You can hope for more and know you'll probably get it. That feels good. To know it's not the end. I know a lot of things are up in the air right now, but I still don't think it's the end.
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pardi
The Pusher
Posts: 179
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Post by pardi on Jan 26, 2009 14:25:44 GMT -5
wonderfully put...
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Dawn B.
Porcupine
Bee Leave it.
Posts: 318
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Post by Dawn B. on Jan 26, 2009 14:31:43 GMT -5
well said Tamara, I was talking about that "damned if you do, etc" twist on things as I was eating lunch with my husband. Also, I don't know a lot about Travis' musical background, so it could be that he's also much more comfortable in a studio setting, as opposed to being on stage.
I have thought to myself, on more than one occasion while watching any live musical performance, how for some people just knowing what to do and how to act on stage seemed to be second nature, while some (and probably me if I were in that position) would pretty much just stand and deliver, without much improvisation or audience rapport.
Don't laugh, but that point was really brought home to me over the holidays, playing Rock Band with my brother. While singing Round and Round by Ratt (one of our fav's as youngbloods in the 80s), my brother certainly was good at hamming it up, while I was concentrating on making the notes as purely as I could. We were both decent (for amateurs, lol!) but it was obvious to see who would have been more exciting to see perform, were we actually worthy of being on a stage where people paid to see us (it wasn't me).
We can't ask or expect Travis to be something he's not, and we are certainly fortunate to have him give us his very best at being a part of Blind Melon, and taking that role of lead singer as seriously as he does, and we are definitely fortunate to have a new CD to enjoy. He has lent a very distinct flavor to their music that is refreshing and new. If I were in the position to give him advice, which is a laughable idea, it would be to look around and connect more. Don't be afraid of us, we're all glad you're here.
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Post by cloudy on Jan 26, 2009 18:13:20 GMT -5
Loved the old the best - but there can never be the old again - so now I will love the new...it's just that simple...
cloudy
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2009 18:20:43 GMT -5
Someone who can sing the old songs but bring something powerful to new ones. Like Mark Lanegan...... As much as I respect everything Mark has done, I don't believe he could hit the older songs... He's in a totally different range than Shannon, or Travis...
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Hoonaholic
Porcupine
Pockets full of crappiness piece together my day
Fantastic Price Tag Slash It Right In Half And Take Both Pieces Home
Posts: 560
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Post by Hoonaholic on Jan 26, 2009 21:32:56 GMT -5
Anyone who compares Shannon FUCKING Hoon to Travis is going to be dissapointed everytime, Shannon Hoon is a Fucking Rock Legand! No one is going to be like Shannon Hoon, I like Travis because hes Travis in his own uquine way...and hes something specail, sure hes not Shannon Hoon, but hes Travis and I love Travis, not as much as Shannon, but I got love for him...
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~LoveJoy~
Porcupine
the way it looked before felt better from the window..now that its fadin away...i feel it everyday..
Posts: 620
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Post by ~LoveJoy~ on Jan 26, 2009 21:50:11 GMT -5
yeah, its like if he doesnt sound like shannon alot of people are like its not blind melon , but if he does sound similar to shannon hes just a copycat....i wouldnt blame the guy if he felt kinda out of sorts with the whole thing, but he is an amazing talent, he fits very well with blind melon and he is one fifth of the band which is old and new blind melon...and about connecting with the fans..ive said it before, but i was dissapointed when he didnt stay after the show in starkville and hang out and i know were so lucky to be able to interact with the band and i probably shouldnt bring it up again, but somethins just kinda off there, i dont know what it is....for a frontman, my impression is that hes kinda been in the background...wish hed come on here and chat a little with us....considering some of the negativity, i dont blame him for not though. its like he just needs to step up and own it...not be cocky or anything, just act like he knows he belongs
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Hoonaholic
Porcupine
Pockets full of crappiness piece together my day
Fantastic Price Tag Slash It Right In Half And Take Both Pieces Home
Posts: 560
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Post by Hoonaholic on Jan 26, 2009 21:57:08 GMT -5
yeah, its like if he doesnt sound like shannon alot of people are like its not blind melon , but if he does sound similar to shannon hes just a copycat....i wouldnt blame the guy if he felt kinda out of sorts with the whole thing, but he is an amazing talent, he fits very well with blind melon and he is one fifth of the band which is old and new blind melon...and about connecting with the fans..ive said it before, but i was dissapointed when he didnt stay after the show in starkville and hang out and i know were so lucky to be able to interact with the band and i probably shouldnt bring it up again, but somethins just kinda off there, i dont know what it is....for a frontman, my impression is that hes kinda been in the background...wish hed come on here and chat a little with us....considering some of the negativity, i dont blame him for not though. its like he just needs to step up and own it...not be cocky or anything, just act like he knows he belongs The reason why he didn't come out after shows was because the band told him not to, he was instructed to save is voice, he was having trouble with his voice, he was losing it. So insted of him talkin to fans after shows in LOUD bars where you would have to pratically yell to talk to someone, he just went to bed and saved his voice for the next show, and he said that REALLY DID help his voice alot. i dont blame him for that. I met him BEFORE a show and where we could talk where it was quite and didnt have to yell, he was the nicest person I have ever met. I know alot of other singers do the same thing, and if thats what it takes for him to sound good and healthly play shows, im fine with it.
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Post by heyjoanna on Jan 27, 2009 1:31:08 GMT -5
i think travis is a perfect fit for blind melon. Although i wouldve loved to see what chris couldve done with this band..! when is EIE second album coming out??!
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Post by luthersamelonhead on Jan 27, 2009 13:50:16 GMT -5
Well, I come here almost everyday and read but never post. Some of you will understand what I'm trying to say others won't. To those who only love Shannon and the old great! Keep that alive. It is truly special. It's like picking up that old birthday or Valentines day card from your significant other that has past on and it has been sitting in the drawer for a couple of years. You open it up and the words still have passion, meaning, and can make you fall in love all over again, just like the day they were written! But from us that love the old and new, everytime you bash Travis or FMF, its like telling us that our new significant other is no good, a waste of time, energy, money, commitment. Its like saying we aren't allowed to put the past behind us, remarry so to speak. We definately haven't forgotten the old significant other and all that was shared with us. However, to me, some of the same qualities and characterisics in the new revive that love for the old, and i fall in love again everytime I hear the new doing the old. Many people say, "If anything ever happens to me, i want you to move on, find somebody new." I think that is a wonderful model for selflessness. I didn't know Shannon (I did clink beers with him in Jackson Miss. and say cheers...one of the highlights of my BM experiences.), but i can't help but think that he would be proud that many have moved on, remarried, haven't forgotten, but are finding joy in his band again. I've seen the new 7 times since '07. Every time was magical, every time personal, and every time made me appreciate and long for the old love while still being completely grateful for a little bit of the void that the new has filled. Travis has my vote and is more than worthy of playing with my other friends IMO.
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Brad Dub
Porcupine
Sometimes, nothing?s better than something
Posts: 684
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Post by Brad Dub on Jan 27, 2009 14:22:29 GMT -5
I love the old Blind Melon. I love the new Blind Melon. I just love Blind Melon. The End.
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~LoveJoy~
Porcupine
the way it looked before felt better from the window..now that its fadin away...i feel it everyday..
Posts: 620
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Post by ~LoveJoy~ on Jan 27, 2009 18:17:33 GMT -5
yeah, at the starkville show, brad said he was tryin to save his voice and i surely dont blame him either, just wish i couldve been at some of the first shows and actually gotten to meet him too. im not bein negative or anything i really like travis, i guess i just wish we had more of a chance to get to know him and see his personality....hopefully everything will work out and theyll be back around soon....maybe that documentary will come out soon too so we can see some behind the scenes travis...peace love and all kinds of melon!!
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Post by cloudy on Jan 27, 2009 18:18:58 GMT -5
I love the old Blind Melon. I love the new Blind Melon. I just love Blind Melon. The End. That's what I was tryin' to say - but not as well.... cloudy
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Post by arsepoetica on Jan 27, 2009 19:54:41 GMT -5
i think anyone--including Travis Warren--would rather see Shannon fronting this band, but be honest--if you replace Travis's voice with Shannon's, would you notice the difference? Instrumentally speaking, I think the band did a fabulous job of sounding like the same group. as for the lyrics, they are different, and with some exceptions, they do not move me the way shannon's did.
the major change in the words, to me at least, is that shannon was always talking about himself and travis is always on about someone else--in short, the lyrics have changed from "I" to "you." What I would really like to see are fully-produced versions of the demos Shannon left behind--Flea Market Pete, Mother, Tickled Pink, etc. Just because Shannon is gone shouldn't mean the work he left behind will never be released. I'd also like to see Jena Krause make an appearance again.
i suggest to people who cannot reconcile the new with the old that they look at it as one more example of how diverse the band can be. sit back and enjoy the ride.
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Post by bradsmithiscool on Jan 28, 2009 22:48:17 GMT -5
I love the old Blind Melon. I love the new Blind Melon. I just love Blind Melon. The End. Perfectly said.
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