Sometimes, some things are just too good to put into a box and analyze on an individual basis – to talk about something in singular terms, when really we should be looking at the whole. Its hard to talk about Led Zep – its the whole impact they had. Its also hard to review single albums when the whole output is worthy of review – worthy of you listening to.
I have,for the past 2 days, listened to nothing else but Colour Haze – in work, whilst walking on the Doha Corniche, whilst…..you get my drift – but I have not listened to individual albums – I have listened to a playlist on shuffle of six albums – All, Tempel, Seven, C02, Periscope and Chopping Machine – 52 songs lasting 5.6 hours………..and its been just Heaven.
This ain’t stoner rock – this is just excellence in music – a seamless parade of funky,soulful, psychedelic rock songs that deserves a wider audience. There are comparisons here with Sigur Ros, the sound of their music defies my ability to paint it an appropriate description – they use each instrument (even voice) to develop layers of sound that wraps itself around you like a blanket on bonfire night. Colour Haze do the same.
Colour Haze take a basic melody take a basic riff and transform it, run with it developing the song, enhancing the song taking it to a higher place. I hear no barriers here, I don’t hear a producer or record label staying cut this wont sell. I hear 3 musicians exploring their craft, exploring the song, exploring music, discovering new ways of expression, discovering new ways to communicate through music. I have chosen not to read the lyrics, I don’t really want to know anything about the band – I don’t need to – all I need is to listen to the music.
Laughing Dog Aug 09
I take it you liked them then? Glad to hear it!
You noticed then – next recommendation please
Hi again, been busy at work the last few days so haven’t had much time for messing around. I hope you’re still exploring Colour Haze, you’ll find that there’s plenty on offer.
I first came across them at a festival in Germany. I picked up a couple of their CDs and was blown away. Then a few months later I was back in Germany for a few days to see Mrs Spacepig (except she wasn’t Mrs Spacepig at that time) and my friends in Frankfurt invited me up to this small industrial site to see a few local bands when I first arrived. They didn’t tell me that one of these small local bands were Colour Haze. You could say I had a rather enjoyable first evening in Germany that time.
OK, my next recommendation is a total change of style. You may have heard them before but try Dead Can Dance. In particular look out for the live one Toward the Within. I don’t want to say too much about them just yet, I would rather wait and see what you think of them.
Also let me know when you get the Siena Root one in. I think you said that your puppies are in England collecting it just now so you should have it soon I believe.
Hi Spacepig – good story bet that was some gig – Colour Haze are top-notch musicians but not in the same mode as say Dream Theater who go overkill a wee bit on their solos etc. these guys are just incredible. Still playing all albums as shuffle but their 2008 album ‘All’ stands out as one of their best, maybe its the most accessible – good good stuff.
Quick question for you – Best gig – do you have one and where who and why? Me; apart from Hawkwind at the Treforest Polytechnic in 1979 (“Shot down in the night”) as it was my 1st gig and I can still taste the dry ice, I think it has to be Queen at St James’ Park 1986 – simply unbelievable. We were right at the front of a huge crowd, Freddie was just perfection in lycra, the songs, the atmosphere pure party time – we even missed support band Status Quo as our bus broke down on way (there is a God) – it was simply pure musical genius. Whenever I watch their shows from Wembly on the same tour I feel the goose pimples sprouting on the back of my neck – great gig, must be my best ever.
Dead Can Dance – interesting bit mellow played a few times already like but will I love – watch this space
Siena Root – puppies not bring back will have to wait for dear Amazon via snail mail
Phew! Best gig? Now that’s a toughie! The thing is – I seem to enjoy gigs in small places rather than huge events. That way you can get closer to the band, its a lot more intimate, and you don’t have the same problems getting in the beers.
So a couple of suggestions: First time I seen Hawkwind was an out of this world experience. That was in ’82 on the Choose Your Masques tour. Incredible stage show, helped along by some of the most amazing herbal enhancements I have ever experienced. Oh and the music wasn’t half good as well with Nik Turner firing on all cylinders.
Faust in a tiny nightclub in Aberdeen really blew off and very nearly blew the place up. Memories of jackhammers going ballistic, power grinders being set loose and a chorus of hunting horns!
Guru Guru doing a supposed two hour set in the wee small hours at Burg Herzberg in Germany, then forgetting to finish until the sun came up.
That Colour Haze one was incredible – I really don’t think I’ve ever seen a band enjoying themselves as much as they did that night. There was only about 200 in the crowd but they played as if there was 20,000.
Jethro Tull way back in the Broadsword & The Beast days. They played a charity gig in Inverness in an ice rink and were one of the very few bands to bring their full stage set up that far. That was another one which the band were obviously enjoying and they never left the stage until the venue staff pulled the plug on them.
Final one for the time being (although I will think of more as soon as I finish). Gong a few years ago, also in Aberdeen. I don’t think I have to provide any reason for Gong being amongst the favourites, if you know them you’ll know what I mean. Incidentally, they will be the next band I see. I’m going over to Edinburgh to meet in with the piglet and we’ll go see them in November. That’s going to be one hell of a night, guaranteed.