Comments on: OMS

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:04:19 +0000

I think Jon Edwards (Panic Room) is getting the message about Flash. BTW, I’ve met Richard Pocock (the guy who built their site), and he’s a nice guy apart from the Flash fetish.

As for business models of the future, I don’t think there’s going to be a one-size-fits all model, and the mass-market and niche audience bands are going to do things very differently. The “give the records away free and make money from touring” is going to work for some bands, but not for others.

By: Steve Jones

Steve Jones — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:11:54 +0000

Tales from Topographic Oceans, now there’s an interesting one. Way back in my hair days, I was inclined towards the ‘it’s a bit of a bloater’ view, but I’ve mellowed a tad over the years. These days I guess I play it as much as any other Yes album, with the exception of Relayer which is still top dog for me 30 years on.

I suspect this is due to a number of things. Generally I’ve grown further away from the 3 minute bursts of my Glam and Punk roots. CDs, mp3s and playlists have removed the psychological barrier of turning over LPs which marked time in my youth. I just sit back and enjoy a few hours music.

On top of this, I’m into a lot more bands who produce longer stuff. I’ve got so much Flower Kings albums, for example, that Topographic Oceans just doesn’t seem the extended work that it used to.

Plus I’ve got all those Dream Theater triple CD live sets. You know, the ones where you need to book a day’s leave if you want to listen to one…

By: Steve Jones

Steve Jones — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:57:55 +0000

â€œI buy direct from bandsâ€™ websites wherever possibleâ€

Yeah, I do that where appropriate â€“ Arena, Fish, Marillion, MA, etc. But most bands arenâ€™t really geared up in the same way, not to mention all those Flash sites and German bands who donâ€™t actually take credit cards when you get to the checkout stage.

Itâ€™s interesting to ponder where exactly this business model might go in the future. It works OK for me with a few favoured bands, but all of them? I just couldnâ€™t cope! Iâ€™ve bought 170 music CDs and DVDs so far this year, and canâ€™t really see a way to keep on top of reading e-mails and surfing multiple websites much beyond what I already do. Music is my hobby, not shopping!

â€œBTW, what do you make of Glass Shadowsâ€

Good album, but I donâ€™t think Mostly Autumn will ever make an album that I think is excellent. Thatâ€™s not a criticism, just personal taste.

â€œI hope we didnâ€™t scare you away from the MA forum.â€

No. I popped up because of the new album, but there doesnâ€™t seem to be much of interest there for me generally.

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:45:15 +0000

Mike – I’d add “Relayer” to that list. Those five represent the essential Yes to my ears.

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:06:02 +0000

As for Amazon, I buy direct from bands’ websites wherever possible; they way the band rather than middlemen get most of the money.

BTW, what do you make of Glass Shadows – I hope we didn’t scare you away from the MA forum.

By: Mike (echoman)

Mike (echoman) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:59:01 +0000

I hear you with Yes. I could never get into “Tales…”, but “Fragile”, “The Yes” album, “Close To The Edge”, and even the underrated “Going For The One” are in the top echelon of classic prog rock.

By: Steve Jones

Steve Jones — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:53:26 +0000

Amazon are my preferred supplier, too, as it’s very rare I ‘m near a record shop these days. Stuff from Amazon turns up reliably next day and drops through the letter box nicely

No, I’m not going to Showcase, although I’ve no doubt it will be an excellent show.

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:21:18 +0000

Since I’m not likely to get near a record shop in the next 10 days, I’ve ordered both from Amazon.

BTW, are you going to DEMU Showcase this Saturday?

By: Steve Jones

Steve Jones — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:19:20 +0000

Opeth’s UK release was Monday. Really excellent album, at least to me. Lots more of the quiet/loud contrasts that I so like – they really seem to be refining their art.

Already pencilled in the Heep release, although I haven’t actually ordered a copy as yet.

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:05:09 +0000

Opeth’s new one is out? I’ll have to get hold of it.

BTW, the new Uriah Heep is due out in a week or so.