As amazing as this debut is, it pales in comparison to everything that follows. I love watching people fall in love with this band. Eagerly awaiting the rest of this series.
I can agree with this to a point. There is a great less-is-more charm to Act I, that I don't think has ever been done on any of the other records. I'm not saying that the records that came after aren't better, they all are in some ways. But I still find Act I to be really good and 1 that I can easily go back to some 17 years larer still.
Agreed completely with this sentiment. Act 2 and 3 are my personal favorite, considering the age I was when they came out, but Act 1 has a charm and unique-ness all it's own. Hearing the first two songs on this record changed me and my perception of music entirely.@@AllMediaReviewsPodcast
I highly recommend the recently released live recording of this album. It really shows the maturity of the band and, as a long time fan it felt like listening to the album for the first time all over again.
TDH are a phenomenal band who transverse musical styles through their work. For me, acts 4 and 5 are absolute masterpieces. Then with their latest offering they take you on a different journey altogether So glad you have discovered them....
The Dear Hunter is phenomenal. And Act I is really the only logical starting point for getting to know them and where they came from. But I'm always having trouble recommending people to listen to it first. It's definitely the roughest production-wise and makes some sound choices that can really scare off newer listeners. So ironically, in my opinion, Act I is the least accessible TDH album. The fact that you already seem to love this so much is a great indicator that this band is gonna blow your mind. I hope you grant yourself the opportunity of a deep dive because there's SO much to find here. Every next TDH album is gonna step up in quality and polish. From vocal performance and musicianship to production and clever songwriting and arranging, it'll only get better. You may notice they do step off of the post-hardcore influence a bit after a while, so expect them to sound less "Mars Volta"-ish over time, for lack of a better term(Act II still has a ton of that though, arguably more than Act I). You may wanna consider getting to know the story for an even deeper impact, but I confess that it's not an easy task and it can be time-consuming to find explanations for everything and figure it out. Quick final note - what you heard at the end of The River North is actually a sort of musical "Next time on...". It's not an audience clapping at the end of a performance, but clapping as the orchestra takes the stage, and you can hear them tuning right after. This transitions nicely into the opening of Act II. Excited to see you discover the rest of this amazing band!
When you do dive into Act II, keep in mind the end of Act I with the orchestral warm-up followed with the crescendo. It is supposed to flow right into the next record.
1878 always gives me nostalgia that time in my life I was in high school discovering psychedelics with friends and my girlfriend omg it's such a road song. The late 2000's were the best 😅 fell in another hole!!!!!!!!
Great watch! Have you ever heard of a band called Major Parkinson? Really into them right now, and they're not well known. I think you might enjoy them! In particular, my favourite from them is the latest album, Valesa. Keep up the good work!
I very much enjoyed listening to this entire album. I understand this is an overarching concept story over many albums, and I have always been one who appreciates music even more if the lyrics/stories resonate with me. As such, this 63-year old is having a little difficulty hearing, absorbing, and comprehending the lyrics and story. Are there a libretto and/or lyrics for each of the Acts somewhere, as well as the concept story for each Act that I can use to follow along?
I agree with everyone else that the Acts continue to get better. I’d also add that outside of the Acts their newest album Antimai is pretty good and The Color Spectrum has some amazing songs especially from the black, red, blue, orange & green EP’s. Can’t wait to hopefully see Act 2!
Jim, I'm from Michigan, USA. I've thought this many times, with many of your videos. We have different backgrounds, but somehow we have nearly identical musical tastes! 😊
Take me to that damn river 😂 and bring me to the lake.... Isn't that just neural networks or the mycelial structures that connect the roots to the leaves? It's the rivers or streams of stars that collect in areas like lakes but need to branch out with rivers in order to create that.... Society Riddled with regret uncommonly comfortable but still I believe that in time I think I'll see just what's been weighing down on me... Damn Casey is a genius
It is quite difficult, for me at any rate, to offer "if you likes". However, one act I would recommend is Dirt Poor Robins, a husband and wife band from Canada.
It really is a rather difficult proposition, with how eclectic the band is. The best I can usually do is to say, "Well... have you listened to more TDH, yet?" because that's usually the safest bet. Otherwise I usually point to bands they've toured or worked with - Manchester Orchestra, The Family Crest, etc., or groups like Thank You Scientist or Bent Knee, who at least share the same sense of *fun* I get out of a great deal of TDH's music.
Oh, Jim, you don't know VOLA? You must discover them....they did a big show with Leprous opening for Devin Townsend at the Royal Albert Hall around a year ago I think. There are no pro-videos from that show unfortunately - but my point is simply to demonstrate the league they are in musically. Please listen to them when you finish The Dear Hunter's discography! =)
Good evening Jim, As always, I try again. One side is not enough to draw a definite conclusion. So maybe I change my mind. First song. Strange drum rhythm that seems off with the music and it isn’t but it’s confusing. Not really my kind of music. Second song. No, not really. I feel no connection with this song. Third song. This is much better. Nice, minimalist and quiet. Even the louder end is still pleasing. Fourth song. Nice. So I stick to my first conclusion. I don’t really like this music with some songs as an exception.
I’m a big fan of this band and I agree with everything you said. Act one is genuinely my least favorite album they’ve put out (including non Act albums) it’s not “bad” to me but Act 2 is a large step up from this and then it’s just up from there.
Congratulations on your discovery, Jim. Welcome to the love fest. I agree that their future works are even better. Also, based on your love of this style of music, I recommend 2 other American bands, Discipline, from Detroit, and Dredg, from San Francisco. Outstandingly brilliant bands.
As amazing as this debut is, it pales in comparison to everything that follows. I love watching people fall in love with this band. Eagerly awaiting the rest of this series.
I can agree with this to a point. There is a great less-is-more charm to Act I, that I don't think has ever been done on any of the other records. I'm not saying that the records that came after aren't better, they all are in some ways.
But I still find Act I to be really good and 1 that I can easily go back to some 17 years larer still.
I agree. To me their 2nd and 3rd album are best, but their best songs are really one their 4th and 5th album
And I'm saying this cause, overall album songs on 2 and 3 are amazing. Album 4 and 5 are too, but have GREAT, catchy songs.
Agreed completely with this sentiment. Act 2 and 3 are my personal favorite, considering the age I was when they came out, but Act 1 has a charm and unique-ness all it's own. Hearing the first two songs on this record changed me and my perception of music entirely.@@AllMediaReviewsPodcast
it only gets better, truly
I highly recommend the recently released live recording of this album. It really shows the maturity of the band and, as a long time fan it felt like listening to the album for the first time all over again.
TDH are a phenomenal band who transverse musical styles through their work. For me, acts 4 and 5 are absolute masterpieces. Then with their latest offering they take you on a different journey altogether
So glad you have discovered them....
So amazing. It only gets better from here!
The Dear Hunter is phenomenal. And Act I is really the only logical starting point for getting to know them and where they came from. But I'm always having trouble recommending people to listen to it first. It's definitely the roughest production-wise and makes some sound choices that can really scare off newer listeners. So ironically, in my opinion, Act I is the least accessible TDH album. The fact that you already seem to love this so much is a great indicator that this band is gonna blow your mind. I hope you grant yourself the opportunity of a deep dive because there's SO much to find here.
Every next TDH album is gonna step up in quality and polish. From vocal performance and musicianship to production and clever songwriting and arranging, it'll only get better. You may notice they do step off of the post-hardcore influence a bit after a while, so expect them to sound less "Mars Volta"-ish over time, for lack of a better term(Act II still has a ton of that though, arguably more than Act I). You may wanna consider getting to know the story for an even deeper impact, but I confess that it's not an easy task and it can be time-consuming to find explanations for everything and figure it out.
Quick final note - what you heard at the end of The River North is actually a sort of musical "Next time on...". It's not an audience clapping at the end of a performance, but clapping as the orchestra takes the stage, and you can hear them tuning right after. This transitions nicely into the opening of Act II.
Excited to see you discover the rest of this amazing band!
The Pimp and the Priest, as well as His Hands Matched His Tongue are my favorites off of Act 1.
When you do dive into Act II, keep in mind the end of Act I with the orchestral warm-up followed with the crescendo. It is supposed to flow right into the next record.
this is a treat thankyou
1878 always gives me nostalgia that time in my life I was in high school discovering psychedelics with friends and my girlfriend omg it's such a road song. The late 2000's were the best 😅 fell in another hole!!!!!!!!
Have you ever heard of the band As Tall As Lions? The singer Dan Nigron does vocals on 1878, if not you should check them out.
Yeah this is super fun watching people get into this band. Hoping you do all the Act Albums for sure. Act 2 is my favourite followed by Act 5.
I am so excited to see the Act II reaction. You're just getting started, and the music gets better the further the story progresses.
Great watch!
Have you ever heard of a band called Major Parkinson? Really into them right now, and they're not well known. I think you might enjoy them! In particular, my favourite from them is the latest album, Valesa.
Keep up the good work!
Looking foward to watching you discover the rest of their discography!
Have another like/comment
I very much enjoyed listening to this entire album.
I understand this is an overarching concept story over many albums, and I have always been one who appreciates music even more if the lyrics/stories resonate with me. As such, this 63-year old is having a little difficulty hearing, absorbing, and comprehending the lyrics and story.
Are there a libretto and/or lyrics for each of the Acts somewhere, as well as the concept story for each Act that I can use to follow along?
Diving into the lyrics is a huge treat. The story gets very emotional at points.
Subscribing to hopefully watch you review the rest of acts albums my dude. Fun watching someone hear them for the first time!
I agree with everyone else that the Acts continue to get better. I’d also add that outside of the Acts their newest album Antimai is pretty good and The Color Spectrum has some amazing songs especially from the black, red, blue, orange & green EP’s. Can’t wait to hopefully see Act 2!
Jim, I'm from Michigan, USA. I've thought this many times, with many of your videos. We have different backgrounds, but somehow we have nearly identical musical tastes! 😊
Take me to that damn river 😂 and bring me to the lake.... Isn't that just neural networks or the mycelial structures that connect the roots to the leaves? It's the rivers or streams of stars that collect in areas like lakes but need to branch out with rivers in order to create that.... Society
Riddled with regret uncommonly comfortable but still I believe that in time I think I'll see just what's been weighing down on me...
Damn Casey is a genius
Plain start - then, wow!! :)
It is quite difficult, for me at any rate, to offer "if you likes". However, one act I would recommend is Dirt Poor Robins, a husband and wife band from Canada.
It really is a rather difficult proposition, with how eclectic the band is. The best I can usually do is to say, "Well... have you listened to more TDH, yet?" because that's usually the safest bet. Otherwise I usually point to bands they've toured or worked with - Manchester Orchestra, The Family Crest, etc., or groups like Thank You Scientist or Bent Knee, who at least share the same sense of *fun* I get out of a great deal of TDH's music.
The vocalist sounds a lot like Tom Chaplin from Keane.
Another fantastic band.
Oh, Jim, you don't know VOLA? You must discover them....they did a big show with Leprous opening for Devin Townsend at the Royal Albert Hall around a year ago I think. There are no pro-videos from that show unfortunately - but my point is simply to demonstrate the league they are in musically. Please listen to them when you finish The Dear Hunter's discography! =)
I can't wait till you get to the color spectrum hahaha
I love the color spectrum. Crow and Cackle and Filth and Squalor have to be two of my favorites from TCS.
Good evening Jim,
As always, I try again. One side is not enough to draw a definite conclusion. So maybe I change my mind.
First song. Strange drum rhythm that seems off with the music and it isn’t but it’s confusing. Not really my kind of music.
Second song. No, not really. I feel no connection with this song.
Third song. This is much better. Nice, minimalist and quiet. Even the louder end is still pleasing.
Fourth song. Nice.
So I stick to my first conclusion. I don’t really like this music with some songs as an exception.
I’m a big fan of this band and I agree with everything you said. Act one is genuinely my least favorite album they’ve put out (including non Act albums) it’s not “bad” to me but
Act 2 is a large step up from this and then it’s just up from there.
Congratulations on your discovery, Jim. Welcome to the love fest. I agree that their future works are even better. Also, based on your love of this style of music, I recommend 2 other American bands, Discipline, from Detroit, and Dredg, from San Francisco. Outstandingly brilliant bands.