Wolfmother - what's the deal

[matt]

OK

This isn't something I'd normally get irritated/motivated enough about to post on IIS.

But can anyone please point out the redeeming virtues of this band, beyond the fact they are Australian?

Now, before you all sound off about me being "too old" to dig 'em, I'm into plenty of other stuff like the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, REM etc etc

The thing with Wolfmother is, they just sound so obviously influenced by Led Zep and bands of their ilk. I find it embarrassing. I physically cringe when I see/hear 'em.

There's a big difference being influenced by past groups versus so obviously copying their "thang".

Am I alone on this, or does anyone else put their heads in their hands when they see these copycat, pseudo covers band-charlatans step up to accept another award?:lol:

[xelasnave]

Matt you are never too old to rock...:eyepop:
I play guitar and practice my scales wiith the radio playing and personally think there is nothing really new. The other thing I notice is that depending on your ëffects" settings often sortta dictates the music.
I recorded a drum, rythem (bass and guitar) turnaround (a repetative chord progression) on a four track and then added a lead which is there to compliment the earlier track combination.. You make it up as you go along really;) .. I played the rythem and drum track (drum machine not me) to a mate with my lead not playing so he could do a lead.. He had not heard my lead but when we compared the two they went very much in the same direction and anyone listening to the two leads at once would have said they are the same..strange but I think this is what happens.. and form what you would call a melody:) . I play along with all stuff from JJJ to the clasical music when doing scales..well scale notes that fit the idea of the song..and even classical you find that it is sortta obvious to play it the way they have or if you dont it is complimentary. Most guitar players learn by doing cover versions of the favorite band ...a huge mistake because this imprints on your style... So if you were a Led Zep fan you would have used their music to start you song list, but when you get to writing your own stuff it will really show.. also most lead guitarist do not go past the pentatonic scale..a five note scale that fits a certain group of chords and you can only do so much and personally I think every combination of notes has been used with only rythem and emphasis offerring distinction.
Another mate wrote a song and without realising it ripped off an old favorite that he would never have heard before... dont be too harse as I suspect they may not realise they are even doing it.
I dont like or dislike them personaly as there is only one band that deserves any respect and thats... ZZtop and they are simply a 12 bars band (blues) but they have it wired... simple stuff but gets you tapping your feet and feeling good. If they dont do that dont let them get to you as I doubt if they realise they are copying.. maybe. I dont bother to learn covers as you can roll up and play them by ear..first time up..its like whistling a tune easier really because you have a wider range and can include effects.. I believe you can learn to do this in one lesson if you practice the one lesson every day of your life...mmm ground hog guitar:lol: :lol: :lol:
alex

[matt]

I guess the point I was making, Alex, is that I find it hard to accept a band which wears its influences so obviously on its sleeve (to the point of being a rip-off) can be so widely lauded.

I'm not a Led Zep fan, per se. However, I've heard enough of their music to know who these little blighters are immitating. And I'm sure it's not an accidental co-incidence they sound so alike, even to the point of going for the Robert Plant style vocal.

I think there should be some degree of originality or innovation if we're all going to go gaga over them.:lol:

Just my opinion, but thanks for your comments

[xelasnave]

Not all of us are going gaga and your opinion is valid in my opinion. There is a certain bit of marketing that sends groups up the ladder but look again next year they may find others have clicked and so they disappear...maybe
I have the same frustration because folk dont notice what you (and I notice). It is difficult to be different in music.
alex

[matt]

But WolfMother aren't even trying to be different, Alex:rofl:

That's my point

[Mick]

If you don't like them don't listen to them Matt. I for one think they rock. :)

[matt]

I don't listen to them, Mick.

And I'm glad you like 'em.

Now tell me why they're good. That's the point of the thread.

Help me understand the appeal. Why are they receiving so many accolades?

If you don't like this thread, go to another:lol:

[xelasnave]

What gets to me is the number of cover bands that do the club circuit:mad2: . I mean they need to make a living but to dress exactly the same:shrug: same songs and identical arrangements, or if you really want to get me going lets talk Elvis impersonators:mad2: :mad2: :mad2: . Saw this guy once excellent musician absolutely wasted. A walking audio recorder and you could not tell if you closed your eyes.. I must miss the point there thats for sure because I cant see why.. hard to say music is not about money but a little variety something anything.
But I get roped into going to these shows so its my fault:) .. but not any more ... mmm unless its a ZZtop cover band:lol: :lol: :lol:
Smash the gutz outta the radio next time they are on that will show them.:) I have been lent a TV (which I did not ask for I dont turn it on because I may have an arguement with it and it will lose;) ) Rock on mate Rock on.:thumbsup:
alex

[matt]

Cover bands/tribute bands are a completely different beast.

They're not pretending to be anything other than what they are...

which is an homage. They serve a purpose of some sort, I guess:shrug:

[fringe_dweller]

the same it virtually always and invariably is mate- the lead singer has a unique/idiosyncratic and rare configuration of muscles /flesh in the larynx/lungs and oral cavity in the vocal larynx and the exact right and also rare personality, and the right combination of talent/experience and musical grounding, oh and good ear - and err plenty of luck - well bucket loads of it in fact :) few other things mebbe

[matt]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

You can't be serious

[xelasnave]

I think its their manager or their doctor
alex

[xelasnave]

OR how about a new name "Dingo Dad"
alex

[matt]

Classic!!!

Now, which 70s rock band are they going to sound exactly the same as?

[fringe_dweller]

i am very serious... ly serious :confuse3: :scared:

[avandonk]

WHO are they?

bert

[fringe_dweller]

it wouldnt be so bad if these now aging rock icons/demigods werent constantly/incrementaly over time lowering the key they perform/sing their 'classics' and increasing the lengths of various instrumental solo's in live performances, so as to avoid hitting wrong bung notes, in there clapped out lungs (there are many expetions of course - but robert plant would be the person i am most talking about there) - when trying to relive their former vocal pryrotechnics.
for me the wolfmother singer reminds me of a strange and unsual combination of Robert Plant and Marc bolan - bizzarre!
as someone who in various bands over the years, was part of the auditioning process, i feel i know a little of what i am talking about :)
[put em out to pasture - bring on the fresh stuff :thumbsup:

[Mick]

I guess I like them because they sound like LZ, sometimes you don't need a reason Matt. I listen to all sorts of music I'm a big fan of Queen I think they are quite unique, not everyone's cup of tea but I respect that. No I like your thread because it's about a Grammy award winning band. :) LOL

[avandonk]

I always had a soft spot for Susie Quattro.

Bert

[RB]

Don't we all Bert?

;)

[matt]

Appreciate and agree, Mick.

However, this thread calls for one.

Thanks for playing along, though.

The thing that baffles me about your reason for liking them is... if it's because they sound like LZ, why not just listen to LZ:shrug::lol::lol:

[fringe_dweller]

yer until she joined 'happy days' tv show as 'Leather Tuscadero' :eyepop: :scared: :sadeyes:

man i'm an old geezer kinda - and i am sick to death of us - cant imagine what the youngsters feel like :rolleyes: cant turn on the tv without seeing some aging has-been - John howard for one ;)

[Mick]

I do listen to LZ Matt.

WM was invited and played Communication Breakdown at the Led Zeppelin induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame in November. :thumbsup:

[matt]

I didn't know that, Mick

But why am I not surprised!!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[mickoking]

Wolfmother, ROCKS. The best rock band to come out of Australia since Powderfinger. A well deserved winner IMHO :thumbsup:

[Starkler]

Reminds me of the 90's practice of "sampling". It always seemed somewhat pathetic to me when a so called "artists' claim to fame and music credibility consisted of ripping off classics just old enough to not be known by their target audience demographic..

As for Wolfmother, I wish that MMM would damn well stop flogging that godawful irritating song every morning and every afternoon !:mad2:

[mickoking]

Wolfmother sound nothing like Led Zeppelin :shrug: But I do think they try to emulate 70's rockers, So what, Its Rock music :D

[GrahamL]

They are very much influenced by LZ ..your right matt.
And in MY very humble and gst adjusted two cents LZ borrowed a bit from this guy as they rose to the top of there game

http://www.mickronson.com/contents.htm

bung link ?

His time with the rats in the mid 60s really had the sound of where metal was born ..bowie,dylan and others were no fools haveing him around
with either a guitar in hand or production .

good luck to wolfmother i reckon they'll sink or swim at there own hands like all the others in this game ;)

[iceman]

I'm not a huge fan of them, but do enjoy their music. I never listened to LZ, so can't comment on the likeness.

But in saying that, maybe that's the point - a lot of their fans are young people who have probably never heard LZ either.

[xelasnave]

Do WM do any ...BARK:D
Well I am ready been practicing since I left I am going to replace those old buggers as soon as I get batteries for my hearing aid.
But would you believe there is a kid up the street someplace with his amp up trying to play that smoke on the water riff... think I got him started:)
I find it funny curious or whatever that so many oldies are still out there, is it the money? do they have very high self esteme or what:shrug: funny really.
My brother in laws band does old stuff, beatles, stephan wolf born to be wild they do well..better I recon cause they put their stamp on it .. and are not bad but who needs that work at our /their age.. the bass guitar player would be near 70 and he looks like santa clause.. but its good they have a hobby.
When the band is on at Drake Pub on a special day (fund raiser for the Westpac helicopta) it starts with just them playing in time there is only a couple of folk left in the audience as everyone brings out their instrument (they just happened to have in the car and sneek up) some beer is consumed but that is probably only by the vocalists.;) ;)
alex

[Daring Dave]

I cant dig Wolfmother either...In fact there are a few worse around.... I myself cringe when I hear JET !

[dugnsuz]

I find this thread offensive - Mods please remove!!!!!!
Doug

[Deeno]

Retro is in!!

There are a few bands kicking around at the moment "reinventing" that classic '70s hard rock sound. Jet is another that springs to mind. Personally, I'm loving it. Whenever I here Wolf Mother on the radio i can't help think of such classics as "Stonehenge" by Spinal Tap.(LOL)

[xelasnave]

Was that the band that was not anything more than a myth???
alex

[Deeno]

Its a 'rockumentary' about one of music history's greatest and loudest heavy metal bands! Featuring classic Tap tunes "Big Bottoms", "Hell Hole" and "Sex Farm".
From the lads who later released movies "Best In Show", "A Mighty Wind" and are about to release "For Your Consideration".
If you see it on DVD, get it out.
Seriously funny

[acropolite]

I have to agree with Kearn & Mick, I've only seen a little of wolfmother on the box and quite liked what I heard. I've heard a lot of bands over the past 40 years and I can't say copycat is what came to mind when I first heard them, but there was a certain familiar style which appealed to my slightly deaf ears.

[dugnsuz]

"My baby fits me like a flesh tuxedo..."
"The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand..."
Big Bottom

Now Wolfmother couldn't match lyrics like that now could they?

Only half joking about this thread being offensive, but it does really fall under that totally Oz pastime of Tall Poppy bashing!

Give the boys a break - they sound like Zep...So!?
They did well at the (mean nothing) Grammys...So!?
Wolfmother appeal to a Gen' who are yet to work backwards and discover there's nothing new under the sun...So!?
I thought the Police reform is worth more comment!!
Old Fart or what?
...So!?
Doug:lol:

[Ric]

Hi Matt, as a LZ tragic and I mean there isnt a day in our house where LZ is not pumped out of the stereo, I can see that WM is definitely influenced by them and probably a bit of Black Sabbath as well.
I don't see it as a problem as they are putting out original music and not covers, LZ themselves cited a lot of the great blues players as there influences. The test of a great band is not how many awards you win but is your music still being played in 20 years time.
Hey Alex, good to see your a ZZ Top man that is another band that gets a lot of play time at my place as well. I actually did a stint as a roadie/security with a ZZ Top tribute band travelling up and down the East coast, they were wild times but a lot of fun as well. You just reminded me of a lot of great memories that I hadn't thought of for a long while.

Cheers

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I saw Suzi Quatro live exactly 2 years ago tonight (not yet midnight here in Qld) - 8pm show Sat 12th February, Twin Towns Services Club at Cooloongatta. (I actually found the ticket stub in my wallet the other day, haven't removed it yet, thus the accuracy of "remembering" the date.)

Anyway part of the show was a demo of how many great "classic" rock songs use the same 3 notes (chords actually - I'm not musically inclined but I think it was C, G, & E chords - anyone??) anyway the same 3 used in repetition to form the backbone of the song. They actually had audience members calling out the names of heaps of songs, they would then play the main rift/sequence of the song using those same 3 chords only and nothing else, in various patterns. It was an amazing demonstration, around a dozen or more rock classics were shown to fit the pattern.

Suzi actually said "God bless them, I love the guys in Status Quo, but if they ever discover a 4th chord they wouldn't know what to do with it"

As to your original post Matt I must admit I don't get Wolfmother either - "everything old is new again" I guess. I wasn't that keen on Led Zep the first time around, so whether the similarity is co-incidental or not this sound alike group does little for me personally. For those who enjoy them - rock on!

Now ..... if we can only bring back Transvision Vamp .. or more specifically Wendy James

;)

[dugnsuz]

" You dirty old man..."
Albert Steptoe (son)
:lol: :D ;) :whistle:

[Ric]

Hey Steve, I got Wendy's autograph aptly written "with lots of luv" :P on their one and only LP.

I wonder what she's doing now

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Hey Ric thats great - but they had 3 albums: Pop Art (the big intro) followed by Velveteen (also great to my mind) lastly "Little Magnets Vs the Bubble of Babble" but as you can tell by the title at this point T.V. had lost the plot slightly, and this was not anywhere the album that the first 2 were.

I saw them live on the Velveteen tour here in Oz (SO many lovely young women dressed up to imitate Wendy in the audience - short tight shorts, tight tops, and of course Wendy herself in the limelight - DAMN it was a good night to be a 20-something red blooded male!

Another tour through Oz went ahead (I think) after the 3rd album, but was cancelled in Brisbane at least due to lack of ticket sales (we got our money back but would rather have had the show.

Your question got me wondering what she is up to as well - found this interview from january 2006:
http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/wendy-james_0106.htm

Cheers!

[matt]

Oh Doug!!!

Say it ain't so! Say you haven't played that sad old card!:lol:

It's got nothing to do with Tall Poppy bashing.

I am always happy for the success of any bands - Australian or not.

However, while we're on the topic, I don't think we should make any more of a fuss or cut anyone anymore slack simply by virtue of the fact of being Aussie.

Anyway... some great comments here, Keep it going!

[ving]

wolfmother rock!

\,,/

:D

[matt]

Rock on... Vingo!:D

[casstony]

"What the hell is this thread about" I thought before clicking on it out of curiousity. The only thing that sprang to mind was to do with raising wolf pups. Pop/rock music lost me somewhere in the 80s - too much reliance on special effects, not enough substance/originality. The odd gem like "where's your head at" by basement jaxx catches my attention. Wierd Al is cool too.

[duncan]

G,day all,

Sounds to me like you guys have had to many late nights under the stars.
Must be dizzy spells or something.
Nah,seriously a bit of remembering the good old days never hurt anyone.
Bring back Pink Floyd.
Oh well,now thats out of the system i'll go back to listening to Kenny G.

Cheers,
Duncan:lol: :lol: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Ric]

Hi Steve, thanks for the link to the article, a very interesting read.
Thanks for the update about the other albums, I always thought there was only the one "Pop Art"

Cheers

[mickoking]

Congratulations are in order for the Dixie Chicks too :thumbsup: Whether you like them or not, they endured a lot of crap and censorship after their denouncement of a certain prominent Texan and have come up smelling like roses.

D minor is the saddest chord of all :P

[dugnsuz]

...'fraid so!:doh:

[casstony]

I wonder if the audience is simply fickle or if the Dixie Chicks have adopted a new audience capable of thinking for themselves?

[jjjnettie]

I've only seen bits and pieces of Wolf Mother on telly. From what I've seen and heard they seem to have packaged up the best of the '70s nicely into something more contemporary for the younger ones.
Good on em. I hope they rake it in before it goes stale.