Wolfmother - what's the deal

matt · #1 12-02-2007, 05:31 PM

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?

xelasnave · #2 12-02-2007, 06:11 PM

Matt you are never too old to rock...

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

alex

matt · #3 12-02-2007, 06:29 PM

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.

Just my opinion, but thanks for your comments

xelasnave · #4 12-02-2007, 06:35 PM

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 · #5 12-02-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xelasnave

It is difficult to be different in music.
alex

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

That's my point

Mick (Michael) · #6 12-02-2007, 06:49 PM

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

matt · #7 12-02-2007, 06:51 PM

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

xelasnave · #8 12-02-2007, 06:57 PM

What gets to me is the number of cover bands that do the club circuit

. I mean they need to make a living but to dress exactly the same

same songs and identical arrangements, or if you really want to get me going lets talk Elvis impersonators

. 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

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.

alex

matt · #9 12-02-2007, 06:59 PM

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

fringe_dweller · #10 12-02-2007, 06:59 PM

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 · #11 12-02-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

You can't be serious

xelasnave · #12 12-02-2007, 07:04 PM

I think its their manager or their doctor
alex

xelasnave · #13 12-02-2007, 07:07 PM

OR how about a new name "Dingo Dad"
alex

matt · #14 12-02-2007, 07:09 PM

Classic!!!

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

fringe_dweller · #15 12-02-2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

You can't be serious

i am very serious... ly serious

avandonk · #16 12-02-2007, 07:22 PM

WHO are they?

bert

fringe_dweller · #17 12-02-2007, 07:22 PM

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

Mick (Michael) · #18 12-02-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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 · #19 12-02-2007, 07:28 PM

I always had a soft spot for Susie Quattro.

Bert

RB (Andrew) · #20 12-02-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avandonk

I always had a soft spot for Susie Quattro.

Bert

Don't we all Bert?