| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| robotblood |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 04:50:09
With the Pixies in high gear, and the Catholics on ice, it seems like a decent time for an FB solo daydream....
Does anyone else think it would be interesting to hear a Frank Black album where he plays ALL of the instruments? While he wouldn't be able to employ his straight to tape method of recording (unless he used one of those one-man-band contraptions), I would find it fascinating to hear his songs without the interpretation through other musicians, especially with guitar solos and drumming. Dave Grohl did it with the Foo Fighters debut and I know of similar efforts from Bob Mould and Mac McCaughan of Superchunk. In the long run, an artist like Frank is probably better spreading his message with the help of collaborators, but a short departure of this kind couldn't hurt.
Has Frank ever played drums on a track? Howabout bass or solo guitar? |
| 22 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| usedtobenavajo |
Posted - 06/01/2004 : 19:09:41
Didnt he do completely solo on the BBC version of "Is she weird?"? Its just guitar and drum machine, right?
So Im headed for the stereo store, to buy a white noise maker, and turn it up to ten. |
| whoreatthedoor |
Posted - 06/01/2004 : 03:39:30
quote:
Originally posted by ramona
[brThat said, I am HOPING AGAINST HOPE that the Catholics will continue
I suposed this was the only chance.
 "Join the Cult of the whore at the door / And You'll find no answers, but real fun" |
| IceCream |
Posted - 05/31/2004 : 19:32:34
Yeah, I'd Love to hear Frank do an album like this. |
| rockmusic84 |
Posted - 05/25/2004 : 18:22:36
quote:
Originally posted by robotblood
rockmusic.. how could i forget about mccartney's first post-beatles solo record! i'm always annoyed when i read backhanded compliments to this record, paul's style of songwriting, and his solo career in general. much like our man frank, once he went solo, paul could never avoid getting shit for not living up to expectations set by his groundbreaking first band. note: "ebony and ivory", "spies like us", and the more recent dumper "freedom" were pretty bad songs.
Yeah, "McCartney" is one of my fav albums. He's an awesome musician. I love the lead guitar on "Maybe I'm Amazed". I also enjoy "Junk", and the album's closing track, the instrumental "Kreen-Akrore".
A lot of people don't know, but he played a lot of instruments other than bass on later Beatles material. On the "white album" Paul played drums on "Back in the U.S.S.R." He's played various instruments on many other tracks as well, but I can't think of them at the moment.
One of the most interesting stories, however, was the recording of a 1969 Beatles single, "The Ballad of John and Yoko". Paul played drums and percussion and bass (maybe the slide guitar) and vocals, and John played guitar, piano, and lead vocal. They did it all themselves in one afternoon, and it became a hit.
As for your comments about Paul's "dumpers", a friend and I were discussing Paul's career and song qualities in general when listening to his most recent album. The thing seems to be, is that Paul has no one to give him guidance. He figures, "hey, I'm one of the best and most successful musicians in the world (and he is), I can do what I please".
At least when he was working with producers (like George Martin), they could guide him, give him advice. And when Linda (his last wife) was alive, even though not a particularly great musician, she probably had enough sense to say, "honey, this isn't working", and she could also help him out. Plus, he's no longer in a "band" situation. He doesn't have "Wings" or his famous late 80's-early 90's band to contend with. But with that being said, his "dumpers" are still a lot better than some other artists "good" material.
Join The Cult of U-MASS - IT'S EDUCATIONAL!!! |
| robotblood |
Posted - 05/23/2004 : 22:48:18
yeah, there are definitely enough reason for frank NOT to do something like this. still, i figure since he's going to be recording music for about the next 30 years with about 40 albums, he could devote at least one to the "playing every instrument" gimmick.
rockmusic.. how could i forget about mccartney's first post-beatles solo record! i'm always annoyed when i read backhanded compliments to this record, paul's style of songwriting, and his solo career in general. much like our man frank, once he went solo, paul could never avoid getting shit for not living up to expectations set by his groundbreaking first band. note: "ebony and ivory", "spies like us", and the more recent dumper "freedom" were pretty bad songs. |
| rockmusic84 |
Posted - 05/22/2004 : 16:49:36
Just a footnote:
When I mentioned the "solo-electric" idea, I didn't just say that because Frank already did it on "The Dream is Over". I said it because it IS an awesome idea. And it's something that he hasn't done with new material, or in a studio. Just wanted to let everyone know that so they wouldn't say anything like, "well he already did that, etc...".
Frog in the Sand, no need to apologize. Kim may have played a lot of the instruments herself on the album in addition to having those other musicians.
Join The Cult of U-MASS - IT'S EDUCATIONAL!!! |
| Cheeseman1000 |
Posted - 05/22/2004 : 08:51:31
I agree with rockmusic84, I think the solo electric guitar thing might be cool. Billy Bragg used to do that, and its pretty cool.
Plus, I'm still betting on the Catholics continuing after all this has blown over, Em. I'd be pretty gutted if they didn't.
 "Everywhere I go I want to travel by X-Wing" |
| realmeanmotorscutor |
Posted - 05/22/2004 : 08:47:13
I agree, I thought it was an informative topic. But don't say "hoping against hope." There's plenty of hope damnit . . . isn't there?
 |
| ramona |
Posted - 05/22/2004 : 08:36:31
*Picky picky* but can people put question marks on topics like this? (such as "Frank Black going solo for real?") - otherwise it looks like a news annoucement and I am a little dense, and get easily confused.
That said, I am HOPING AGAINST HOPE that the Catholics will continue. I listened to BLD the other day and was getting all nostalgic for their AWESOME live shows.
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there's fire if you want it, let me know. I'm sick and tired of letting go... |
| realmeanmotorscutor |
Posted - 05/22/2004 : 08:23:03
I'm going to doubt Frank's ability to play solo guitar well enough. He just could not match Rich - couldn't even come close.
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| Frog in the Sand |
Posted - 05/22/2004 : 00:37:36
quote:
Originally posted by rockmusic84
quote:
Originally posted by Frog in the Sand
quote:
Does anyone else think it would be interesting to hear a Frank Black album where he plays ALL of the instruments?
Why not after all? Kim Deal did this on 'The Amps', which is her best album IMO...
No, she didn't. Breeders's drummer Jim MacPherson was on it, as well as a guitarist and bassist from bands in Dayton, Ohio. It IS one of her best, though.
Er, it seems you're right. Sorry.
However I remember reading recently a post saying that she had played most of the instruments on most of the songs??...
 "Welcome back to the 10th grade!" |
| bobcountry |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 20:35:35
Honestly, I think he played half the bass lines for Trompe Le Monde. Those don't sound like Kim so much. It's got Frank's more careless, busy feel than Kim's barely-there but dependable slant on the bass line. Especially Alec Eiffel, Planet of Sound and Palace of the Brine. Just my thoughts.
I thought Frank played a little bass on TOTY and I'm almost 100% sure he played the bass on the song he recorded for the Powerpuff Girls soundtrack.
Can't imagine him on drums, at this stage anyway. |
| rockmusic84 |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 20:27:32
quote:
Originally posted by Frog in the Sand
quote:
Does anyone else think it would be interesting to hear a Frank Black album where he plays ALL of the instruments?
Why not after all? Kim Deal did this on 'The Amps', which is her best album IMO...
No, she didn't. Breeders's drummer Jim MacPherson was on it, as well as a guitarist and bassist from bands in Dayton, Ohio. It IS one of her best, though.
Hearing Frank do an album by himself would be intersting, if not cool. Paul McCartney has made a few of his albums by himself ("McCartney" (1970), some of "Flaming Pie" (1997), and most of his new album, "Driving Rain"(2001)).
But I think the whole "live to stereo or mono" technique is what has made Frank's most recent works so endearing. The feel of the songs is better, the performances are once-in-a-lifetime, etc...
I think if he did an album where he played everything himself, he'd get frustrated pretty quick. It would take an extreme amount of time, money, and patience. Not saying that he doesn't have any of those, but it's probably not a concept he'd pursue in the near future.
What I think would be a good idea for a Frank Black album, is just him and an acoustic guitar, and his voice. Kinda like the Johnny Cash American recordings. We all know he has great delivery of his songs in solo performance. I think an album like that would do well.
His voice with electric guitar would be even better! Lou Reed does it on his 1982 album, "The Blue Mask", on a track called "The Heroine" (which is an excellent song). He did it live, in one take. I'm sure Frank could do an album like this, and he can still do it live to stereo or mono. Especially stereo. It would be very personal sounding, like he was in the room with you. His guitar in the left channel, his vocal in the right.
Just my thoughts.
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| Malax |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 10:21:56
I'd definately like to hear a 'proper' studio album. I know reviews mean shit but so many reviews for DW BLD & SMYT said would helpw with a little loving care and attention bit more of a sheen blah blah.
I May've Joined The Cult Of Frank If I Knew What The Balls Was Going On.
*Adapted By Carolynanna* |
| Itchload |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 09:26:58
Frank claims he used to be a drummer, so who knows... |
| Frog in the Sand |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 09:16:29
quote:
Does anyone else think it would be interesting to hear a Frank Black album where he plays ALL of the instruments?
Why not after all? Kim Deal did this on 'The Amps', which is her best album IMO...
"Welcome back to the 10th grade!" |
| VoVat |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 08:06:37
quote:
He would still a need a band when playing live...
Not necessarily. I'm pretty sure he's played shows that were just him and a guitar. He could also use a drum machine and/or backing tape, like They Might Be Giants used to do.
Cattle in Korea / They can really moo. |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 06:25:34
It would be very rewarding, wouldn't it? Just listen to the acoustic versiond of 'Pong' or 'Abstract Plain' to understand how engrossing Frank is solo.
"Me and the chickens running in the street" |
| misleadtheworld |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 06:25:32
The thing I love about live Frnck is that he can pull off a solo show, and do it as well as he can with whatever band. I think his solo shows are my favourite because, I don't know, I guess they're a little more personal.
Have I gone off topic again? I did that in another thread the other day....
 I wanna go to the moon. I wanna do this duet with Morrissey..... |
| mun chien andalusia |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 06:02:45
Not really. He could try something like this:
 join the cult of errol\and you can have a beer\without having to quit smoking
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| Adnan_le_Terrible |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 05:45:53
He would still a need a band when playing live...
I keep feeling like people are just looking at screens and web sites all the time, but do they ever do anything? Or go out and say anything to anyone? I'm not so sure anymore. |
| gary13th |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 05:13:30
if i recall (i'm at work and cant double check), Frank was the solo guitarist on the B-side tracks to "Dog Gone" ("Do Nothing", "I'm Going Down" and "The Big Hurt") as it was after Lyle left and before Rich joined.
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They are about, dressed to deceive, architect David Vincent |
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