Oh it comes across very impressive. I think maybe its a thing that once you gain a musical ear, you realise its just that - Scalic runs.

Careful, there. This sounds like a rag on Classicism in general. And it's all dependent on one's definition of a "musical ear," as I'm sure people who have devoted their lives to playing Baroque-era stuff like Bach will tell you that these scalar runs are quintessential to great music. Music is always changing and evolving, and although sometimes it takes wholly new directions (for instance, Jazz at its inception), it occasionally references its past ("Neo-Classical" tunes). The problem with Yngwie is not his genre--that's left all to personal taste--it's his haughty attitude combined with his compositional incompetence. The first thing I ever heard by him was Unleash the Fury, I think, and I thought it was acceptably fun and shreddy, so I gave his Concerto Suite a try. That work is quite possibly one of the most boring loads of tripe I've ever heard. He almost never breaks away from the acceptable theory (i.e., i-VI-iv-ii(dim)-vii(dim)-V-i) of the Classical era, and that's not altogether interesting, since it sounds more like a theory exercise than a piece. Someone ought to inform him that these theoretical "limitations" are actually very vague guidelines, constructed from the analysis of music. In other words, the music came first, and the theory just represents the overlap. Beethoven, Mozart, and especially Romantic-era composers never stuck wholly to these frameworks. So my point is that there's nothing wrong with "Neo-Classical" music (I use that term loosely, since I feel "Classical" represents forms no longer seen in popular music), but that Yngwie is the bottom of the barrel musically, in my opinion.

I'm not trying to be rude, but there's no objective answer in this, and I found the whole "musical ear" bit to be a somewhat condescending without any foundation. Music is just sound and noise. Each brain decides what's pleasant to it, what's tasteful, and what's garbage. What you like is just fine, and what I like may be different (at least we can agree that Yngwie is a tasteless whore ), but understand that our criteria for "good" music is totally different, and thus our "musical ears" are attuned to different collections of sounds. Tonal music in general (yep, including all this heavy stuff) can be broken down into a mess of scales (modes and "non-elementary" scales), chords, and the like. There's nothing especially wrong with those that fit a previous theoretical system.

Sorry to bitch.

I think anyone on a forum talking about music (because ideally that's why were all here) understands the unwritten paradigm that everything that's expressed down here is purely subjective and each individual has their own tastes and experiences. I've seen this conversation crop up on nearly every web forum I've ever been on ("But thats YOUR opinion..." "No shit sherlock!", and I don't intend to start getting into arguments with people - especially here.

If you in fact look through my posts you'll see that if any sort of "rag" it was on neoclassical metal (-so far, who's to say someone wont come along and make it great?), and primarily Malmsteen. I think Jason Becker is good, but again and agreed, a lot of it primarily revolves around key principles already put down years before. What you have done there is assume that what I've written is a blanket comment that refers to all classically inspired music (particularly what derives primarily from key auditory properties of the greats). It doesn't - Anyone who tars everything with the same brush will start to sound like a fool before the words have left their brain. However, I feel that I have yet to hear any NeoC Metal that surprises me.

As for the "Condescending Remark", The Oid established with me that he played guitar also and I was simply putting my point across, through experience, that many musicians once they have become competent often find the virtuosity of Neoclassical Shred not so impressive anymore. It wasn't meant in any kind of condescending or assumptive manner to those who play or don't play and I will apologise to any who felt that it came across that way. However I won't apologise for my expressed opinion.

However, in turn, what you've just written there, which could be taken as a lecture, could be also condescending. However its you putting your own point across, and that's respected.

I'm just tired of seeing arguments on the web.

anyway screw it, i wonder if devs got any further on his shred does shred!?

I think anyone on a forum talking about music (because ideally that's why were all here) understands the unwritten paradigm that everything that's expressed down here is purely subjective and each individual has their own tastes and experiences.

Of course. I certainly don't think you stand for the objective, should it exist.

If you in fact look through my posts you'll see that if any sort of "rag" it was on neoclassical metal (-so far, who's to say someone wont come along and make it great?), and primarily Malmsteen. I think Jason Becker is good, but again and agreed, a lot of it primarily revolves around key principles already put down years before. What you have done there is assume that what I've written is a blanket comment that refers to all classically inspired music (particularly what derives primarily from key auditory properties of the greats). It doesn't - Anyone who tars everything with the same brush will start to sound like a fool before the words have left their brain. However, I feel that I have yet to hear any NeoC Metal that surprises me.

Well, I did, in fact, read your posts. I've assumed nothing unnecessarily. If you look closely (and read mine), I said that it "sounds like" a general bashing of Classical music and all associated styles. I understand that the intention was not to blanket them all with the same boring glaze, but the implication seemed to be that if music is comprised of scales, it's bound to be boring, and I disagree with that. So the opinion in which I found fault was not expressed outright, but it was perceived, and thus, I expressed mine. I know that I've committed such damnable acts.

Anyway, for the most part, the genre in question does nothing for me, and I agree with your general sentiment. I grew bored with Dream Theater and Symphony X (neither are really "Neo-Classical," but both demonstrate the issues stated with the genre or its particular acts) when I was a teenager, and have been interested more in artists who demonstrate more characteristics of creative expression and less of excellent technique.

As for the "Condescending Remark", The Oid established with me that he played guitar also and I was simply putting my point across, through experience, that many musicians once they have become competent often find the virtuosity of Neoclassical Shred not so impressive anymore. It wasn't meant in any kind of condescending or assumptive manner to those who play or don't play and I will apologise to any who felt that it came across that way. However I won't apologise for my expressed opinion.

However, in turn, what you've just written there, which could be taken as a lecture, could be also condescending. However its you putting your own point across, and that's respected.

I'm just tired of seeing arguments on the web.

Well, I wasn't really aware that we were arguing (I didn't see any caps lock, at least )--and I don't expect apologies. I have no hard feelings about anything you've said, but the "remark" sparked a bit of irritation, since I felt it was a similar and often ill-directed sentiment to something I hear countless musicians babble on about. I play piano, guitar, and a few more instruments (I'm not really sure why what we play--or even that we're musicians--is relevant), and over the years, I've heard plenty of musicians tell people that their ears aren't "developed" and that once they are, they'll see things the musicians' way. I just think that's ludicrous and that music is more personal and relative than that. I'm not so much peeved at the remark itself as what it represented--so in order to avoid a continuation of this discussion, know that none of this, even from the onset, was intended as a personal attack and no offense ought to come from it (perhaps I should say that I won't apologize for it).

I think that there's likely some misunderstanding, as I don't take issue with any particular opinion you've expressed. I just hate for musicians to declare, by virtue of being musicians, that they have any greater an understanding of music than do other musicians or even auditory spectators. Again, not that you're guilty of these sentiments, but it's an issue that's often overlooked in the musical world--each to his/her own.

Okay, but again you're seemingly prejudging me for an arrogant musician. For someone to write a big paragraph as an irritated response to what I've said to me comes across as arguing, and at the very least, trying to call me out in some way. I really don't feel like spending my time justifying everything and anything I say.

So drop it already

Nope. I wasn't intentionally calling you out or anything of the sort. Trying to make amends with the last bit, if anything.

I was under the impression that the forums were for discussion. Oh well.

So.....

Anyone excited about "Addicted" ?

Seems like things are a bit off topic here.... there are many cool people and cool discussions on these boards. Lets keep it that way and have fun and discuss the awesomeness of Devy Music, like the upcoming "Addicted"

I'm stoked, Dev's stoked.... hope you all are too!

To get back on topic, what has you all most excited about this record ?

Is it that Dev is doin' an album full of catchy tunes ? The possibility that it might be heavier than you all expected ?

Let's hear it...

Referee RVP out

Best,

RVP

I'm excited about hear danceable music played by Townsend... and off course the "drum monster" RVP

Cheers RVP

Calm down there fellas, we're all friends here

I've considered your question carefully Ryan and I've narrowed my reasons for excitement down to precisely everthing!

Heh heh.

Seriously can't frickin' wait to hear this.

Rob needs Bouncy Bombast!

I'm excited to hear how "heavy" and "danceable" will co-mingle!!

I keep trying to imagine how this is going to sound, but the more posts I read, the more mysterious it becomes. I like it that way. You're excited RVP, so we're all excited.

While Addicted seems like it going to be different from anything else ever, I keep thinking of something along the lines of AAA, but I could be waaaay-off. We'll see, good things come to those who wait!

I can't wait for this album to crack the billboard top 100 and then rise up to #1 when ppl realize this is how pop music should be.. then seeing dev be awarded the order of canada for his outstanding contribution to canadian music. That and the double kick of course.

im excited to hear how intense this album will be. when Devin was talking about addicted, he mentioned some of the more melodic songs of his in the past such as life, material, etc. those are my favourite types of songs, so to have a whole album of gems like this, would be great. its good to hear that your back for this record too, Ryan. loved your work on the 2 DTB records. its looking to be a great combination for a killer lp

I don't really have any preconceptions about what it's going to sound like. I'm just looking forward to another Devin Townsend album to be honest, as I've yet to be disappointed by anything he's put out.

I don't really have any preconceptions about what it's going to sound like. I'm just looking forward to another Devin Townsend album to be honest, as I've yet to be disappointed by anything he's put out.

That about sums me up!

Yes indeed, let's hear it! I'm hoping for the part we saw on the video that was up only for a couple of days on youtube on Devin's channel where there was an image of japanese cats and Devin in front with some awesome beats (danceable) and killer riffs with Dev chants in the background, but I think they were demo for Deconstruction. I don't remember the title of the video but it was related to Deconstruction and orchestration. Please put that video back online that was the best one. I know I've been asking this for weeks now but I can't get it off my mind! I need it! I remember I was listening to it repeatedly so much it was awesome, I hope that's what addicted is, or deconstruction.

Yeah this is gonna be a very awesome summer I can feel it.