Tone Deaf

I once had the criticism the genera of the heavy scene and the growling vocals were just a cover for uncreative artists with no ability to actually write thought-provoking, coordinated lyrics.

Upon further exposure, I learned the vocals used as another instrument gives the work a dynamic. Using the range of deep and scream with the ability to enunciate is a trick. Almost every band is impossible to understand on a first run. You basically have to sit down with the lyrics in front of you while you listen and then it becomes clear…well, cloudy instead of dark at least. The light of understanding may be the distinction that defines a true fan. Often the message doesn't turn out to be the expected hate, misery or anger…but more frustration, disappointment and pain. The distinction seems blurred, but in reality isn't it? Many in this scene ride the fence on both sides.

I still listen to my typical indie and folk rock, but the lyrics seem sugarcoated now. Writing for sales? Possibly. But I guess you can make that argument for almost any musical genre. A passing thought that some of these artists actually like the music they write. Certain bands make me reel at the possibility. Honestly certain sounds seem ludicrous. The overly sappiness of James Blunt, the heavy twang of Clint Black, the thoughtless lyrics of Justin Timberlake, the overall horror of The Darkness and the despised willingness to completely sellout a fan base like Avenged Seven Fold (A7X). Each has a distinct and strong following, none of which I understand. I guess I get why certain people listen to it; just not my bag, I guess. Packaging is key.

So James Blunt and Clint Black can write, but are their voices really any good? Blunt still sounds like a whining bistro musician. And even though I am from BFE, I never understood the draw, or drawl, toward the hick country sounds.

Justin Timberlake has a look for the ladies, specifically twelve year olds, but what else? I guess at that age, the girlies aren't thinking about quality. He really needn't pollute my airwaves. Maybe turn into a Ryan Seacrest clone and go be another new style game show host. I still say Bob Barker is the best.

Anyone who has seen or heard The Darkness has to realize I don't need to go through a burn session to understand my issue with it. Forget the lead guitarist prancing around in a leather G-String with studded suspenders. The sound itself, which is the true judge here right, is so painfully awful I actually wretch at the thought of ever hearing it again. Yet somehow there is a place for it. Possibly the old-school heavy metal scene's closet pop lovers? Judas Priest case in point.

A7X. Man this group pissed me off the most. I was so excited for their "City of Evil" album after the promising first "Sounding the Seventh Trumpet" and the refinements made on their second, "Waking the Fallen". I was under the impression the third was going to evolve into a quality groundbreaking hybrid album. Somehow coordinating the grinding gears of metal and symphonetic melodies. Instead, complete MTV sellout crap that plagued much of the 80's. I understand the struggle of the "Sophomore Blues". Think about it. It seems logical. An artist spends his whole life working on lyrics or a distinct cord. Finally formulating all the past thoughts on a debut album. A moment of success presents itself and they get signed. Pressure mounts for a second release. Going from the first day the individual members started working on their art and style, often taking years and years, to success and the expectations to be able to fabricate the same emotions in a constraining time frame. The success throws them on tour. To expect them to churn out a higher quality under this new reality is a haughty request. Seems almost destined for failure. Often holding true. It makes sense that the newcomer music award winners often become a one-album wonder that you never hear of again.

But A7X completed a strong second album. Changing their sound just slightly but staying true to their fan base. Then the third album came out and was spun completely different. Lyrics were never an overly strong suit of this Cali-based underground Black Metal group, but they did have a distinct package, comparable with the White Stripes distinct packaging in the indie scene. A7X's attempt to move to complete melody seemed unnatural and abandoning not only to the fans, but to the band's chemistry as well. Maybe I am just pissed I spent $18.99 at FYI on the day of release just to face this stark disappointment. I guess my opinion doesn't weigh heavy in the national listeners' taste. You won't see any of my favorites invited to the MTV music awards.