Conference napalm::heavy_metal

I'll post my review here (and on ATLNTA)

Wow.  Mike, I'm truely blown away by Joyful Noyz.

Production:  A1
Performance: A1
Vocals:	     A1
Guitar work: A1
Writing:     A1

Why were you hiding this Mike ??  Why is it the first I'd heard of it.
I want more.

jc (Who was BLOWN away)

Not H_M ?!?!?

Bah!

Joyful Noize SHREDZ.  IMHO, y'all are the best band to come out of 
this company (and I've heard LOTS).

jc (Who liked it A LOT!)

    
    
    Whats the chances of myself getting a tape!?
    
    Jim-

    There is no Joyful Moyz note in here (yet), so I'll post a quickie
    review here:
    
    I just got the JN tape today at lunch.  One quick listen thru the 4
    tunes gets this basic review:
    
    I like all of the songs a lot.  If I were playing producer, I might 
    work the form of It's Yours and Love that Goes On a bit (moreso, the
    former...it seems a little long, and too much in the same form).  My
    only negative comments are the mixdown.  The lead guitar solos are very
    low (well, they are on my stereo), and need to be much louder.  Also,
    there was a lot of fluffyness in the lower midrange that needs to be
    taken out.  For myself, I would have processed the vocals more (ala
    Stryper)...they seemed a little 'dry' to my ears.  The genre would
    warrant more fx in a tasty fashion (ala Arif Mardin).
    
    Mikey burns on the guitar!!  It's Yours has a very Reb Beach-ish tone 
    on the guitar...wonder why?  8^)  I really dug the grooves set up in
    Only One and Greater is He...rockin!  My favorite improvisation in
    GIH...roolin!  Mind if I cop some of your licks, mike?
    
    Also, this is a personal comment, but I didn't like the minor 3rd
    interval which ended the solo in Love That Goes On.  Personally, I
    would have done a b3-3-1 resolution or a 4-3-1 thing instead of the
    b3-1...it just rubbed my ears funny, but my ears are more melodically
    tuned, so...
    
    Very impressed...I like it a lot!
    Buck
                

             <<< LANDO::ADMIND:[NOTES$LIBRARY]HEAVY_METAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< HEAVY_METAL >-
================================================================================
Note 832.12                        Joyful Noyz                          12 of 12
LACV01::BUCHANAN "Read my lips - No More New Term!"   3 lines  31-MAR-1992 13:32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sign me up.  Does I need to send $$$, too?
    
    BJ
================================================================================
Note 832.13                        Joyful Noyz                          13 of 13
FRETZ::HEISER "maranatha!"                           10 lines  31-MAR-1992 13:47
                                    -< fyi >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    {this is cross-posted in CCM}
    
    This is starting to get serious, I didn't anticipate this kind of
    interest.  If you would like a tape, and are willing to make a
    donation, please let me know.  Let me know when you mail me your
    address (send your address either way) in your request for a tape.  
    In case you're wondering, the tapes cost me $4 each.  Feel free to 
    act as the Lord leads you.
    
    Mike

    I'm gonna bring the Joyful Noyz tape to /k's on Saturday...so we can
    all check it out.

    I plan to bring the Joyful Noyz tape to /k's party on Saturday,
    so we can all check it out.

    
    Yo Mikey,
    
    Wanna trade a Joyful Noyz tape for a Stiff Kity tape ? 8^) Probably not
    much of a swop but it would give you a laugh anyway!
    
    -Tony (very much like to give it a listen - sounds HOT!).

    Tony,
    
    Make sure you get the VESSELL stuff, too!!  *Serious* shredding goin
    on in Vessell (I was scared!!)
    
    B.

    RE: Vessell
    
    I really love it because it reminds me of very early Yngwie Malmsteen.
    I mean, two or three solos sound like something off of the Steeler
    album, and two songs for sure sound like Steeler songs (that's good!).
    A couple of tunes are very Journey-ish, and a couple are more
    Winger-ish to my ears.
    
    The fast playing could be considered immature...i feel that way about
    my fast playing, but I think it worked really well in the context.

    I can hear a lot of Kings X in his vocal stylings.  
    
    gh

    I almost got sick....
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Jus' kiddin'... I didn't get to hear enough of it Mikey. Although i'd
    like to.

    the JN side of the tape was played, but there was much chattering going
    on, and personally, I don't think anyone was listening too closely.

    
    
    Ya, I put it in, but with all the noise it was hard to get a good
    listen to... You'll just hafta send that one out to me!! ;')
    
    
    WP-

Sure, blame it on the noise...  You were too busy tossing paper and drinkin'
beers to remember anything.

Tim

*NO* one listens to a tape like musicians Mike...
:)

    
    
    Nononno.. You got it all wrong Tim, I was busy introducing Jen to
    everyone.... ;')

Oh yeah, Mr Everyone.  I remember him being there...

    Hey Mikey,
    
    My sister has become a MAJOR JN/Vessell fan!!  She was like "I love
    this band, when can we go see them?"  ...to which I replied "as soon
    as you spring for airfare to Phoenix!"  8^)
    
    She was bummin!!

    Gotta throw my comment in here too.  I'm VERY impressed.  I've only
    heard the 2 cuts from the GUITAR noters tape, but I *will* be nabbing a
    copy of the rest.  
    
    This stuff is very heavy, but very melodic and tasteful too.  Mike, you
    guys should be doing this for a living !
    
    Jerry

    
    
    Put me on the mailing list!!
    
    
    
    
    
    Goddess F.

    
    
    Well, now that I've had some time to really listen to the tape,
    I'll put in a brief review...
    
    
    On first listen to the tape, I *liked* it.. Was impressed, but that
    was that.. Then as I listened more and more to it, I REALLY started
    liking it. I don't know what was the matter with me when I first 
    listened?! (maybe I was in a bad mood?!) 
    
    I really like the guitar sound and all 4 songs from the JN side of the
    tape.. Everything sounded great, catchy songs, good hooks/beat.. The
    only criticism I'd have is sometimes the main rythm may be a bit
    repetitive, but thats just my opinion... 
    
    
    Overall EXCELLENT tape, and can't wait to hear more!! 
    
    And Mike, your right.. The Lord God has surely givin you a gift!!

>The songs are "He's Given Me You",
    
    That song roolz!  Do you do it in JN?
    
    gh

    >One of the local Christian pop/rock/adult-contemporary radio stations
    >(KRDS 105.3 FM, 1190 AM) is playing a few of the Vessell ballads in its
    >regular rotation.  
    
    No surprise...Vessell ROOLZ!
    
    I was gonna say, Mikey, there are some Vessell tunes that are just TOO
    ROOLIN to just leave in the dust.  I hope Joyful Noyz re-works "He's
    Given Me You", "Love is a Friend", "Stand up", and the one that sounds
    like Journey's "Whos crying now" (forget the name).
    
    
    RE: Old Vessell tunes re-worked by JN
    
    Can you tell me, regarding Only One, why
    
    a) the JN version is slightly slower in tempo
    b) in the B section, you dropped out those killah chords, and put in
       that (awful, imho) funky Nuno-rip off section in place of it??
    
    Esp. question B), I think those chords in the Vessell version really
    carry the song, ESP. coming out of the guitar solo, you have this nice
    tonal pitch shift thing going, that just doesn't happen on the JN
    version (cuz of the quasi-tonally ambiguous nuno thing).
    

    RE: "Nuno" thing...
    
    Well, like I said, the keyboards and guitar were playing chords in the
    B section (right before the chorus), and it had a really nice, well
    defined harmony.  When you play the new (funky) line:
    
            b7  8        b7 8
    1   1            1 1          (scale degrees...not sure of key)
    
    
    It just doesn't define the harmony as well as the former chords did. 
    I really personally miss it.  If you like the new enseble funk line
    with the bass, fine, but maybe thro the chords in the background to
    help with the harmonic implication of the whole thing.  If I were
    playing producer, this is the compromise I would make.
                            

    RE: Mikey maturing as a player                                        
    
    In some ways, I agree.  However, I also don't care for the new solo in
    Only One.  You chose a pentatonic approach in JN, as opposed to 
    Harmonic minor and arpeggio approach you used with Vessell.  With the
    Vessell solo, I could do without the sweep picked arpeggio thing, but I
    *really* like like the tapped trills which lead out the solo, nice
    ending!  Although the Vessell solo was a lot faster rhythmically, I
    really liked the harmony you were playing better than the harmonies
    produced from the JN pentatonic version.  I don't think playing fast is
    nec. "immature"...it's fine when done tastefully, which you did imvho.

    Only One sounds good with Dorian Minor, too!
    
    
    Buck, who's shedding all the Vessell/JN tunes so I can jam with Mikey!

Here's part of a note I sent Mike late last night ...
    
    
Well, as I had hoped, the tape was in the mail when I got home today.  I 
know you didn't ask for a cover to cover critique, but you're gonna get one 
anyway.  8^)

The Cover:
Nice touch !!!  Do you have a .ps file of this ?

The Contents:
My whole family is walking around in a daze after listening to this tape 
over and over for I guess about 5 hours (it's still playing ... 8^).  "This 
is a demo" they say ?  This should be on CD, and at your local music store.

JOYFUL NOYZ - DEMO
The over all feel of this band is similar to Eric Gayles, King's X, with a 
touch of Journey thrown in, mainly due to the *excellent* vocals.  
To save myself a lot of repetition, let me state up front that the leads, 
vocals, hooks, breaks, segways, and everything in between were sheer 
genius on *every* cut.

It's Your's - Great effects on "... and it's yours ...".  Brilliant touch.
	Don't ask me why, but I was thinking during the lead, that a 
	wah-wah would sound good here.  

Only One - Since I'd already heard the "Vessell" version, I was a tad 
	biased, but I soon came to appreciate the rougher side of the gem.
	I think I like the lead selection better on the "Vessell" version,
	but that's not taking anything away from this effort in any way.

Greater Is He - By far my favorite cut, but I'm an F# freak anyhow.  Lotsa 
	power here.  I think the intro should be twice as long to establish 
	the groove of the song a little better.  I love the breaks and 
	punches.

Love That Goes On - This song has a strong Journey feel to it.  On all of 
	the songs by both bands, I found myself attempting to sing 
	harmonies (just like I do when I hear Journey) but, who can hang
	with Steve Perry (or your singer, same boat) ?  All of the slower 
	songs have a lot of power, which makes them hits to me.  A lot of 
	bands turn to mush when you slow the tempo down.  Not here ... One
	nit.  That song is screaming for a lead in a major scale.  A major
	riff would just give it a "happier" feel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VESSELL - HEARTS ON FIRE

This band's feel reminds me a lot of Journey, Europe (you gotta hear the 
first album !), early Toto, and later Kansas.  Some of your approaches to 
the leads remind me of some of Kerry Livgren's work.  I'm not a big 
keyboard fan, but the keys really sound nice on this stuff.  
Again, to save myself keyboard cramp, I'll note up front that every cut is 
fantastic, from every angle, and being a musician, I looked from a LOT of 
angles.

Heart's On Fire - Great hook.  

The Only One - I love the lead here !  This cut is very Europe_ish.  Like
	I mentioned before, I think I like this version a little better 
	than the JN version.  The keys, for some reason, make the guitar
	work stand out more.

On The Edge - I hope JN is going to cover this one.  This is a headbangin'
	beast.  The keys, the breaks, the lead, the punches, are all
	laid our perfectly.

Won't Get Left Behind - 
He's Given Me To You - I put these 2 together because they both share a 
	lot.  Again, the Journey influence is present.  The transitions
	are dead on the money, and the lead hook on "He's Given Me To You"
	is picture perfect.  "He's Given Me You" has a Toto sort of feel,
	very relaxing and easy to listen to.

Stand Up - Another good rocker.  I really got into the lyrics here.  The 
	more I listen to these songs (both bands) the more I get into the
	lyrics.  And, I know the lyrics are what you want people to 
	ultimately pay attention to, so you deserve a pat on the back 
	there - it's working.  Those pinched harmonics sounded nice.  But a 
	keyboard solo ?   I guess 1 out of 13 songs is permissible.  8^)

Not Too Late - This song was a bit "predictable" as far as chord 
	progressions, etc, but, if you think about it, that's what makes a 
	lot of songs instant hits.  

Love Is A Friend - Very powerful, as are all of the slower tunes.  No mush,
	just an 18 wheeler driving slow.  8^)  The acoustic was a nice 
	touch, and the lyrics were great as well.  Tasteful lead work 
	wrapped up this in a nice neat bundle.

Master Of All - Great song to close with !  All the lead work in that song
	was spankin' too.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You're onto something here bud.  The vocals, the hooks, the over all 
musicianship, the lyrics, the arrangements, everything.  There's nothing 
that needs to be *fixed*.  Your rhythm playing is notable also.  That's 
what seperates the men from the boys ina lot of cases.

Enough - good job.  Please pass this info back to the guys.  What you're 
doing makes a difference.


Jerry

    
    FYI, there is a jazz band called:  JOYFUL NOISE.   There playing
    somewhere in the Lowell area.  I saw it in the newspaper.
    
    Chris D.

    >   FYI, there is a jazz band called:  JOYFUL NOISE.   There playing
    >   somewhere in the Lowell area.  I saw it in the newspaper.
    
    Did you read yesterday's Beacon paper??
    
    If so, you didn't read very carfully!!  The jazz band is called "light
    notes" or something like that, and they were playing at a coffee house
    in Lowell called Joyful Noise (eg, it's the name of the club!).

    
    Oh.  O.K.
    
    Chris D.

    I'm Bummed!!!
    
    But, whatever you hook up with next, Mikey, I'm psyched to her it.

I can't believe it.  I get the tape, Mike quits the band.  I go to see Buck
play, he quits the band.

Tim

    Not to be nosey...well o.k. to be nosey.
      
       Could you go into more detail?  
    
                         Frizkid
    

    I'm bummin' big time.  I put a killah 150W amp in the truck this
    weekend, and that tape was the first sounds it uttered ...
    
    :^(

    
    Go for it Mike, a degree was the best thing I ever did for myself.

	Thanks Mike!!!!  What a guy!!!!


					-Seth

	Sorry you guys broke up. (or at least that you left)

	I have heard GREAT things...


							-Seth

    
    
    Mike!  I got the tape on Saturday (probably earlier, but with a PO Box,
    you get lazy).  I haven't listened to it yet tho.  
    
    
    Goddess F.
    
    

    -1
    
    NOT!  Anyone with any editing knowledge whatsoever can quickly cut
    thru the crap to the non-substance of your measly posting!
    
    
    SO thair!

    
>    NOT!  Anyone with any editing knowledge whatsoever can quickly cut
>    thru the crap to the non-substance of your measly posting!
 

	So what is your point?  Did I say you couldn't?


							-Seth

    Mikey, didja send one to Devlin?

    Jesse, can I have mine back??

    
    Who's Devlin?

    I thought you meant Dublin?!

    Yeh GH, you can, just come over and get it...
    
    
    

    I have TWO copies of the V/JN demo......heeheeheeheehee
    
     I've been trying to get a chance to listen to them.
    
             Frizkid
    

RE: Friz

Yes, I'd like it back - I'm having withdrawals...
:)

    Mikey, got the tape!  I really like what I've heard so far...  I have
    to admit that I haven't had a chance to listen to it thru-n-thru yet.
    I'm not giving excuses, I just havent' had the time!! 8(  I will post
    review as soon as I can.
    
    'pril

    
    
    I have listened so far to the four Joyful tunes only once though..  8*(
    
    
    But is is very very very good!!
    
    
    Goddess F.

    Goddess,
    
    Check out Vessell...roolin

    Hey, how might I get a copy of this tape?  I heard bits and pieces of
    it over the phone one night last week or this week.... sounded like
    *good stuff*!

    Woob,
    
    I can make you a copy if Mike is too busy.  Ps - you got 200 REPLIEZ
    a few back and missed it!!

    Buckster... that would be *great*!!!
    
    And, no, I didn't miss it...
    
    why do you think I continued .199??? :) :)

    ...that is, if I get permission from Mike and the continuing members of
    Joyful Noyz.

    Good point, Buckaroonie... :) :)
    
    Thanks for looking into it for me.

    
    
    Okay.  I  have managed to listen to Joyful Noyz tape twice now.  8*)
    
    It is awesome!!   Mikey, I like that its taped twice on the same side.
    
    I think the first song may be a little long, but I'm not really
    complaining, it seems like songs you really like aren't long enough!
    
    
    Goddess F.

    I'll have to descend on Buck or Seth next time I see them so I can dupe
    a copy for myself!  
    
    Good tunes from what I've heard so far, Mike!

    DY_IW you have 'Love Is a Friend' stuck in your head today wicked bad!
    

    Someone trying to tell ya something?
    
    8^)

OH NO!!!!  Backward messages!!!

It **must** be satanic, even though I didn't bother to read it!!!

-- 
Kevin "The music is reversible, but time is not.  Turn back.  Turn back."

    Sound like my parents.....
    
           Frizzzzzzzz
    

Lord, give me the strength and the wisdom to not act like a complete
jerk when my kids start listening to metal.

-- 
Kevin "who is a major step ahead of his parents because he already likes it."

    No....That's not my worry.
    
     Knowing my luck I'll get a kid that listens to thrash/rap/alternative
    stuff.  That's if Anthrax is still around.  8)
    
               Friz
           

Knowing my luck I'll get a kid who likes "dance" muzak or new age or,
worse yet, will try to start a Donnie & Marie Osmond revival.

-- 
Kevin "who shudders at the thought."

P.S.  10 weeks and counting 'til the real fun begins.

    Friz---Youll have a kid who will like Soundgarden!
    

    Bob......I'm not going to have kids then. Talk about my worst nightmare
    come true.
    
       I will be a facist dictator if my kids listen to Soundgarden.  8)
    

>       I will be a facist dictator if my kids listen to Soundgarden.  8)
    
    So, you'll be getting them albums by Soundgarden sound-alikes which are
    really poseurs?
    
    gh

    No....No band I listen to sounds like Soundgarden. They suck.
    
          Friz
        

    }} No....No band I listen to sounds like Soundgarden. They suck.
    
    Naught!
    
    

Here's my review.  Sorry it took so long...

-It's Yours-
	I like the beginning, just short 'n choppy enough to grab your
attention.  You're guitar playing is steady and clear throughout the entire
song...I am very impressed with it.  The vocals are superb!  Is that you
singing backups too??  It's got a great groove...I like the ending too where
the singer changes his range or something like that.  I never was very good at
musical terminology...  You sure you're not a pro?  ;)

-Only One-
	Cool, this one's even more choppy!  Man, this really reminds me of
Living Colour (that's good, btw)  Nice 'n funky-ish...  I like the great licks
and the clean sound on your guitar.  That solo in the middle is totally rad! 
You've got great technique.  I like the end where it fades out and back in...
cool concept.  That singer has got some voice!  Reminds me of the dude from
Steelheart (kinda).  

-Greater is He-
 	Talk about choppy beginnings...what is this, thrash???  ;)  Not that
I'd mind of course.  Anyway, so far this one's my favorite...Partly of the
"thrashiness", but mostly cuz of that rippin' solo!!!  You totally shred!!!  And
the rhythm is absolutely perfect, but that's to be expected I suppose.  Again,
the singer's vocal range amazes me.  Of course this one's my favorite.  I'm
basically just surprised at how "heavy" it sounds...

-Love that Goes On-
	What a beautiful song.  The melody and harmony in the beginning is
perfect.  Purdy it is.  The lyrics get me all misty...8)  It's a cool mellow
song for a change.  I'm impressed with every single little itsy-bitsy thing
about it.  What else can I say huh???

'pril
	

    
    
    After reading all these reviews, I'm dying to hear this!
    If you don't have any copies left, is there anyone who
    can make me a copy?  Pretty please?   8*)
    
    
    
    Steve

    
    hey mike, we don't need to hear your vocals to laugh at you :') :')
    

    Vessell totally rulz!!!

    }} It's okay, thanks for taking the time, 'pril.
    
    No prob!
    
    }} If DEC stock would go up, I could record some of my stuff with me
    }} singing so you could all laugh ;-)
    
    Aw, your singing ain't *that* bad is it?
    
    }} Sometimes I wonder if I'm a professional anything...
    
    Puh-leez.  We'll have none of that.
    
    }} What's the matter?  Didn't think Mikey could rock out down'n'nasty
    }} style? ;-)  
    
    I was suprised, I must admit.  
    
    }} I'm really proud of the solo in this one.
    
    As well you should be!  It's one of the best I've *ever* heard.  Look
    out Eddie Van Halen...  ;)

}}     'pril, glad you liked it.  
    
    understatement.  I'm completely enthrawled with it.  So are my friends
    (excluding the Death Metal genre) too.
    
    }} Did you like any of the Vessell stuff?  
    
    I've listened to it once...It's pretty cool, but Joyful's more
    favorable. 8)
    
    'pril
    

    *frown* Buck... are you going to make a copy of your JN/Vessel tape for
    me???  You can give me the tape at Riverside at the end of the month if
    you like.... Or I suppose I could make a copy of Seth's tape.

    But Kristy, when can we meet?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

    At Riverside, my little buckmeister.... at Riverside... :)

    But Kristy, they don't have any dark rides at Riverside!!
    8^(

    GET A HOTEL!!!
    
         Friz
    

    Oh my!!! :)  I still want a copy of this tape!!!

    Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY!  ;)

    I'll get you my pretty...and your little dog, too!

    Hmmmm... don't you mean my little cat, too?  I don't own a dog! :) :)

    I thought you had a cinchilla? (or six or seven).  ;-)

    *chuckle*  I used to have 7 chinchillas, but that was before I moved
    out... had to sell them off to pet stores and people.... someone had
    abandoned a beautiful black cat in the complex I moved into and I
    immediately fell in love with her, so I took her in... Her name is
    Panther too, db... bigger than your Panther, but just as lovable... :)

    I got mine, but haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.  My wife did.
    She said it was O.K.  Our musical taste differ and I know she wasn't
    listening for sound quality and all, so I can't go by what she says.
    
    Chris D.

I want MINE BACK !!

You KNOW WHO YOU ARE Friz !!
:)

    I want to see/hear the Poohyseth review...WHERE IZ IT?!

	I owe so many reviews it is ridiculous.....


	I don't even know where this tape is!?!?!?

	Hey, woobster!  Do you still have my copy????



							-Seth

    >    I don't even know where this tape is!?!?!?
     
    What a loser!
    ;')
    

	Hey it isn't my fault!!  I let Woobie borrow it!

	That was the last I saw of it! ;)


						-Seth

    I got my tape, but I'm not much into writing reviews.

    Who the hell's Woobie?

    Woobie = Kristy

    Woobie = the blanket Michael Keaton's son had in Mr. Mom. 

Woobie has been a permanent (and delightful) fixture on this ole network 
since I was  doin' field test of VNOTES T1.0 !  Anyone else remember
NOTARY files and FLIRTS, SEXETERA, THE_HOUSE ?  Wow - I feel old !
jc

Ummmm... I think they answered the question for me..

	It is Kristy, who pops in here every once in a while.


							-Seth

    >Anyone else remember NOTARY files and FLIRTS, SEXETERA, THE_HOUSE ? 
    >Wow - I feel old !
    
    Stop, you're making me feel old, too!!  8^)  I remember FLIRTS,
    SEXETERA, ... remember the *original* SOAPBOX??  or MUSIC V1
    

    Sorry to breeak it to you guys, but...

    8^)

    Coop: I know WHO *I* **AM** but what do you want?
    
    Seth:You scum...You've been saying you'll do a review for about a year
    now. Shhheeezzzzzzzzz Sha-ha!
    
                Friz
    

huh ?  whats pihos ?

jc (Innocent man...)

Remind me to tell you a funny story about that conference (and one of the
participants) sometime...  Definately an off-line story though.
:)

    What's PIHOS?  Coop...Have you been hiding under a rock?
    
     It's another one of those HATE groups that should be crushed but the
    goverment is too lazy to deal with them.
    
        Friz
    

    I know I still owe you it Friz, I have just been too busy to
    sit down and write one...


						-Seth/PIHOS!!    

    Busy?  You mean lazy, doncha?

	Nah busy!!!


	They keep bringing MORE groups here, but yet cutting head count.


	More to support with less people!!!  ICK!


							-Seth

    
    Mikey,
    
    I still haven't recieved mine like ya promised (guilt tactics here).
    
    -Tony (baiting breath, hands outstretched 8) etc..)

    You should add some options:
    
    E. It would be better if Steve Morse wrote it
    F. Steve Morse would like it better then I do
    G. I taped a Steve Morse CD over it
    
    ;^)

    H. It's blasphemy ... Steve Morse is god ...
    
    8^)

    H
    

    OK, hope that was "pick all that apply".
    
    A. I liked it
    C. It would be better with Steve Morse on guitar
    E. It would be better if Steve Morse wrote it
    
    Don't be insulted though: it shouldn't surprise you to hear me say that
    I think Steve Morse could even make a chainsaw sound better with
    him playing guitar behind it.
    
    Bottom line: Material and playing-wise (the very most important
    considerations as far as I'm concerned) I think this is an excellent
    tape, especially using the standard of "tapes made by other Deccies
    that I've heard".
    
    Even stronger than that - probably one of the best I've heard, and I
    have heard quite a few.
    
    I give it only "fair" marks for production and recording though.  May
    just be my copy, but almost nothing sounds "up front" in the mix.
    
    Into the more subjective categories (i.e. "how I would have done it")
    I think these songs call for a larger production than just a couple
    of heavy guitars and standard keyboards (organ, etc.) now and then.
    
    Oddly enough, one of my reactions was "boy would I like to produce
    these guys" because when I hear these tunes, the ideas seem to come
    easy.   That doesn't happen often when I'm listening to tapes.
    
    Mike is definitely a great guitar player.  A rare mixture of musicality
    and chops.  Sometimes I hear what seems to be a strong influence, but
    in most tunes I hear something pretty new, I think Mike is into
    "stretching" which is something I think a lot of folks doing demos
    don't really do.
    
    OK - that's my review.  Thanks for the tape .
    
    

    
    Thanks Mikey, I knew ya wouldn't let me down.

    
    Well, I got the tape through the post this morning and listened to it a
    couple times and I like it. I'd agree with Buck on the level of the solo's
    - they could have done with being bumped up a bit. I won't review all the
    songs as I'm short on time, but the songwriting was great. The riffs
    and structure striked me initially as being simple but very effective
    whereas on the Vessal stuff I would say that the songs seem a tad
    'overdone' in terms of arrangement.
    
    Drummer and bass player sounded great - what can I say? The singers voice 
    seemed a tad whiney at times but I guess thats more a personal thing
    more than anything. I would have liked to hear a bit more dynamics and
    use of his range, also, his voice sounded kinda dry - I would have
    proccessed it a bit more but not too much.
    
    Now to the good stuff. Mikeys guitar playing, I have to say I was a
    teeny weeny bit disapointed. I was expecting to be totally disheartened
    with my own playing on hearing it and made to give up my axe for good
    but I found the solo's to be kinda monotonous (bad choice of words
    possibly). Again I would have prefered a bit more dynamics, not in the
    speed section, but more so the occasional pinch harmonic or interesting
    whammy work. I found myself listening more to the backing to the solo
    than the solo itself. Having said that, Mike, you have good chops man
    and I did enjoy the Vessel solos. I wish I could pick as fast as you -
    I'll have to be content with being a slow hand 8^)
    
    Overall, out of 10 I'd give it a 7.
    
    -Tony

    
    	Mike, I owe you a review ... I'll put one together after I give
    	the tape another listen.
    
    							GTI

    
    Don't get me wrong Mike - I *did* enjoy it a great deal but I figured a
    few objective comments would be more valuable than just me saying "GREAT 
    GREAT GREAT".
    
    -Tony

    Tone,
    
    What do you think of the Vessel ONLYU ONE solo to the Joyful Noyz
    ONLY ONE solo??

>    Don't get me wrong Mike - I *did* enjoy it a great deal but I figured a
>    few objective comments would be more valuable than just me saying "GREAT 
>    GREAT GREAT".
    
    For myself, as much as I usually try to give constructive criticism to
    things like this, all my "great great great" comments were genuine...
    
    gh

    Anybody who's ever been in a band knows that every band gets their
    share of "Hey man, you guys are awesome" type comments.
    
    Over the years, I've learned to accept them graciously but the only
    time they ever truly mean anything to me is when they come from someone
    who I know is also capable of saying (in a constructive way) "Hey man,
    you guys sucked tonite?  What gives?".
    
    I.E. compliments are only meaningful when they come from credible
    sources.   Few people these days are willing to be credible sources.

    
    Buck - I'll give them another listen andf let you know.
    
    Greg - My comments wern't directed at you or anybody else my friend
    ( was I quoting you ? 8^)). Sorry if they were misunderstood.
    
    Mikey - Thanks for being a cool dude about things.
    
    -Tony (regardless of what I said, I wish I could join Joyful Noyz as
           they seriously blow my current band away).

    re: Tone
    
    I didn't take your comment as though it was directed specifically at
    anyone (myself included), just wanted to clarify my position, since I
    was one of those that said something like what you were talking
    about.  
    
    FWIW, your comment is very true, there are way too many people who will
    tell you what they think you want to hear rather then what they really
    feel about something like that.
    
    gh

    > FWIW, your comment is very true, there are way too many people who will
    > tell you what they think you want to hear rather then what they really
    > feel about something like that.
    
    Amen.
    
    I've been in so many bands that got "Man, you guys are incredible!"
    type comments.
    
    I've been in precious few bands that deserved them.
    
    Every band gets that.
    
    	db

Yeah then the same drunk stands up in the middle of your next set and
starts hollorin' "FreeBird!!".

jc 

    
    or "Judas Priest!" 8-)

    re: .174
    
    Not being your usual talkative self, eh Jeff?
    ;^)
    
    re: .175
    
    I doubt Mikey's bands will encounter too many drunks...
    
    gh

    How's about "wipeout" or "Stairway to Heaven"....Geeesshhh
    
    

    HEY ....PLAY "SMOKE ON THE WATER"!!! Hic....Durf.
    You guys should plqy more covers so drunk idiots like me will reconize 
    your music. Hic...Durf!
    
               Friz
    

IMHO, Smoke On The Water rulez, and is done badly by so many bands,
it gets bad press.  It's one of my fave jam tunes...

jc

    HURL DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fackin' gross! 
         
         Why would you like that moronic,boring,durf song?  8)
    
                   Friz
    

Cuz it's a classic-cool-riff that I can SMOKE on ??
jc

    
    Smoke on the Water AND Space Truckin are two great tunes.  One of the
    bands I was in played both and we had a ball doing it!
    
    Chris D.

    SOTW ranks up there with Stairway to Heaven in the list of songs I hope
    I never ever again hear someone play in a music store.
    
    I actually breath a sigh of relief when the guy finishes "Smoke" on
    moves on to "Eruption".
    
    ;-)

    Re: Space Truckin'
    
    Vengence Rising does an AWESOME cover of that tune!

    
    Wow, I don't think I had ever heard of anyone covering that tune.
    I'll have to see if one of my daughters has that tape.
    
    Chris D. who_says_why_buy_tapes_when_you_have_teenagers!!!  :^)

    >   Wow, I don't think I had ever heard of anyone covering that tune.
    >   I'll have to see if one of my daughters has that tape.
    
    I've done that one (as well as "Highway Star").
    
    The one *I* would like to hear/do is "Burn".
    
    	db

    
    	Yeah, Dave and Co. did a GREAT job on "Highway Star" for the '87
    	or '88 FallJam!!
    
    							GTI

    My old band used to play Space Truckin and Highway Star...great tunes
    to cover.
    
    Bob
    

    NOT! 
    
           frizbrat!
    

    Space Truckin:
    
       G  A   D  C  A       C   D   G  A
    E--------------------------------------
    B--------------------------------------
    G--------------------------------------
    D---------7--5----------5---7----------
    A--5--7---5--3--7-------3---5---5--7---
    E--3--5---------5---------------3--5---

    Very Good....now right out the drum parts.  :*)
    
    

    >Very Good....now right out the drum parts.  :*)
                      ^^^^^
    
    I see you've got WENDYOreplace(tm) up and running now!!
    8^)

    Hey Mike, WTF iz goin on with Joyful??  You mentioned a while back them
    going into the studio to record a 12 song CD or some such thing ...
    did that ever solidify??  If so, how can we get a copy???
    
    
    On the Vessell scene, what are they up too these days??  ANy new demos
    available???

    Awright, I'm a tad confoozded here. What came foist JN or Vessel?

    
    	200 replies!!
    
    							GTI

    I thought that name was cool!  Why do they want/need to change it??
    
    gh

    RE: Mikey / Vessell
    
    Hmmm, which tune out of the "Hearts on Fire" demo was theirs?  Who's
    playing the rest of them (anyone...JN??)?
    
    
    RE: a new name
    
    I liked JN, but will try and think of some sort of alternative.  Will
    send you thoughts as they arrive.
    
    
    RE: Misc JN news
    
    Well, keep us posted if/when their project nears completion, otay?

>    Will send you thoughts as they arrive.                                
    
    But it could take some time...
    
    ];^)
    

    Good things come to those who wait!

    Gastric Attack?

Mystic Powers

    
    Cryptic Mowers
    

    
    Re: Mike
    
    I'm confused.  You speak of JN in the 3rd person, yet you own
    some of their songs.  Are you in the band and just being
    obfuscatory?
    
    What is the relation between JN and Vessel?
    
    -- 
    Kevin

    
    BTW, I think the name Joyful Noyz is fine.
    

    Mikey was in both bands but then they kicked him out for being to
    liberal. 
    
    
    8^)

    The new full-length album is scheduled for release at the end of the month.

    It's interesting/strange how they rearranged some of the tunes.

    Album release party is tonight.  I'm going to pick up a few tapes so
    send mail if you want one (unless you have already).

    Ok, if anyone is interested in the new full-length album "Run" (10
    songs, including re-recorded versions of the 4 songs from the demo
    tape), please send $8 + $1-$2 S&H (depending on how far you are from
    the vortex of the universe) to me.
    
    It's a nice package including photos of the band and lyric sheets.
    
    The band was on KRDS FM 105.3 (local CCM station) the other day for 
    interviews and a showcasing of their new album.  Todd got to do the 
    morning weather, and Paul did the rush-hour traffic reports (and was 
    said to have caused a few accidents as well).
    
    Mike

    Umm,..
    
    
    Still thinking.  :-)
    
    I've only listened to it a couple of times so far, and the mix
    sounds the same as the last tape..?
    
    Tried to play it on the our girls mini vaca this weekend, but no one
    wanted to listen to "christian rock".. I guess they thought it would
    corrupt them or something.  :-)  I dunno.
    
    I'll have a review for you soon Mike.  :-)
    
    CJ
    

>    I guess they thought it would corrupt them or something.  :-)
    
    ...or uncorrupt 'em.
    

    From *their* point of view, I guess Jesus means corruption to them.
    Too bad.  Jesus isn't the one who is corrupt.  Some of our wonderful
    churches, maybe.
    
    Maybe they think it is full of subliminal messages or something. :-)
    
    cj

    Maybe they should listen first and then make a decision.

    
    hey mike, go listen to dream theater.
    
    

    I'm sure that SURROUNDED (see p_name) is a Christian type song
    Mike...
    
    When they say "Let The Light Surround You" I don't think they are
    talking PAR64 light.  :-)

    >I'm sure that SURROUNDED (see p_name) is a Christian type song
    >Mike...
    
    This has already been discussed in CCM.  Although DT was denouced
    in there as "not a Christian" band, but a band with "new age"
    themes, I tend to disagree.  Their first album delt with a lot of
    new age themes, but I think the new album shows more of the 
    spirituality of lyric writer Kevin Moore (a Christian).  Not that
    the whole band is, but...

    
    
    oops...
    disregard note i just deleted.  wrong song.
    

    
    but kevin isnt really religious, just spiritual.
    

>    hey mike, go listen to dream theater.
    
    I will as soon as I see the CD in the used bin.

    Re: religious, spiritual, and light
    
    The metaphysical (i.e., New Age) beliefs they subscribe to can easily 
    send mixed messages.  The only way to avoid this is to know or compare
    what they say to the Word of God.
    
    "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves
     into the apostles of Christ.
     And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
     Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
     the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their
     works."  II Corinthians 11:13-15

    
    but its so awesome everybody loves it!!!  youll never see it in the
    used bin :') (unless youre shaen...)
    

    the lead vocalist and his wife had their first child 2 months ago.  The
    band hasn't done a thing since.