by Heavy Alibi » 1/7/2009, 11:15 pm
Well I'm glad we're all finally discussing this without limitations... I think it's good to get it all out, especially right before their next album is released...
I agree with the comments that OLP is past their prime, I think that's pretty obvious, and I don't think Raine's voice could handle much more "prime" anyway. I just finished showing my friend a comparison of "Starseed" (1994 recording) and the live version of "Starseed" from New Year 2009, and he laughed... he said "it doesn't even sound like (Raine's) trying!" I think he is trying... but just can't reach the notes.
Anyway I still look forward to their new album very much, because it will be my first album release experience as a hardcore OLP fan. Monkey Brains (aside from the intermission at about 2:30) is the one song so far that hasn't made me think this will be a complete Gravity/HIPT remake. 5 songs we've heard... 5 more to hear. I, for one, am still anticipating the album.
No, the lyrics are not as deep as they were before 2002, but Raine himself has said in interviews that he doesn't think "poetry works as music". That's his view, it's unfortunate, but it's his lyrics so his decision. I'm fine with the generic lyrics as long as the music is good. I'd love to hear more of the great catchy melodies from the earlier works.
—Doesn't anybody ever know—
