Free Salamander Exhibit

**The Czar** · 01-08-2017

As of right now... I still find free salamander exhibit boring... To me

**Scrotum Scissor** · 01-08-2017

Lots of ways to see it.

Given this stuff isn't for everyone (or indeed even many) in the first place, there's still the additional aspect that some (like Czar here) may atually enjoy SGM but yet find FSE boring or perhaps be disappointed at the changes occured. As regards SGM, I always liked them - but I was more impressed than finding myself "taken" by the musical contents; the exquisitely crafted concept aura of their whole package (idea, composition, arrangement, performance, lyrics, even artwork), the professional execution and deliverance, the in-yr-face and over-the-top (sorry) level of ambition apparent - and still tongue in cheek.

FSE display far less of it; they're seemingly constructed deliberately as a "live entity" - to be presented in the raw and from a stage to whoever may be standing below. And there's at least some truth to Czar's assessment that the melodic contents are buried way deep into layers if at all existing. Perhaps they're aiming for a somewhat different audience - who knows? My guess is that they'll score even lower with "prog folks" this time around; not that this is necessarily bad for them or those who fancy. Rather other way around, so to speak.

Ah, but who cares. After all we're gonna perish soon, each and every one of us. Although I suppose our collective deathbed words will be "[...] but just what is prog?".

**The Czar** · 01-08-2017

I think why i am not impressed with it, is because to me, it doesn't really give me anything new or give me the catchy songwriting i desire.
I'm more of a less-is-more person these days

**trondis23** · 01-09-2017

It sounds like The Evil himself sings in that band. The singer looks really mean too, with a questionable dental hygiene. Scary!

But I like the music a lot.

**boilk** · 01-09-2017

Originally Posted by Scrotum Scissor

Lots of ways to see it.

Given this stuff isn't for everyone (or indeed even many) in the first place, there's still the additional aspect that some (like Czar here) may atually enjoy SGM but yet find FSE boring or perhaps be disappointed at the changes occured. As regards SGM, I always liked them - but I was more impressed than finding myself "taken" by the musical contents; the exquisitely crafted concept aura of their whole package (idea, composition, arrangement, performance, lyrics, even artwork), the professional execution and deliverance, the in-yr-face and over-the-top (sorry) level of ambition apparent - and still tongue in cheek.

FSE display far less of it; they're seemingly constructed deliberately as a "live entity" - to be presented in the raw and from a stage to whoever may be standing below. And there's at least some truth to Czar's assessment that the melodic contents are buried way deep into layers if at all existing. Perhaps they're aiming for a somewhat different audience - who knows? My guess is that they'll score even lower with "prog folks" this time around; not that this is necessarily bad for them or those who fancy. Rather other way around, so to speak.

Ah, but who cares. After all we're gonna perish soon, each and every one of us. Although I suppose our collective deathbed words will be "[...] but just what is prog?".

Haha. Prog...just is.

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but to me this is far more consistent, than their previous releases. Every song seems solid and listenable, whereas on past releases, as much as I loved some of the songs, there were always a couple of tracks that seemed a bit of a chore to get through. And perhaps this was one of the key reasons why many loved their them live so much - with their extremely captivating presence and presentation - but had difficulty listening to the recorded output.

I'm very glad that they follow their own muse, and make challenging music, that everyone is free to take, or leave.

neil

**The Czar** · 01-09-2017

I was listening to the track Dan sings (fast vocal lines that follow the bass) and it made me wonder why they ever let him sing. That is a throwaway track to me... It kind of helps me not want it even more.

**selfextraction** · 01-09-2017

Originally Posted by The Czar

I was listening to the track Dan sings (fast vocal lines that follow the bass) and it made me wonder why they ever let him sing. That is a throwaway track to me... It kind of helps me not want it even more.

Ouch. I love Dan's quirky songs on each album!

**Baribrotzer** · 01-09-2017

Originally Posted by The Czar

I was listening to the track Dan sings (fast vocal lines that follow the bass) and it made me wonder why they ever let him sing. That is a throwaway track to me... It kind of helps me not want it even more.

Which track is that?

**The Czar** · 01-09-2017

It's in the middle somewhere around the 25 minutes or 30 minute mark...Dan singing songs I have always hated

**boilk** · 01-09-2017

Time Master? I love that song!! It's practically Zappa-esque!

neil

**NogbadTheBad** · 01-09-2017

Listened to the album again today, its outstanding, I don't find it any more straight ahead than SGM, there's plenty of quirkiness there. I like all the vocals, they fit the music. Scrot - If you've seen the video of their stage show they're definitely sticking to the SGM pattern of having theatrical elements and playing 'in character'. I'm one very happy bunny, hopefully they'll tour it and come east.

**The Czar** · 01-09-2017

Originally Posted by boilk

Time Master? I love that song!! It's practically Zappa-esque!

neil

That's probably why. I have tried to get into Frank Zappa five separate occasions, the last one I got 12 albums from the library and listened to every one of them and realized I can't get into Frank Zappa. It's the vocals and the lyrics they all sound like they're written by 12 year old who just figured out about penis and farting jokes

**NogbadTheBad** · 01-09-2017

You should try the purely instrumental albums, I pretty much avoid all his albums with vocals. Try Hot Rats, Grand Wazoo & Waka/Jawaka. They're all great.

**boilk** · 01-10-2017

It's funny, I'm not really a big Zappa fun, but I love the quirkiness of the Rathburn songs from SGM and now FSM.

neil

**Baribrotzer** · 01-10-2017

Originally Posted by NogbadTheBad

You should try the purely instrumental albums, I pretty much avoid all his albums with vocals. Try Hot Rats, Grand Wazoo & Waka/Jawaka. They're all great.

Indeed. Also Uncle Meat, Burnt Weeny Sandwich, and Weasels Ripped my Flesh, from a little earlier. Roxy and Elsewhere and One Size Fits All, from a bit later, contain some fantastic writing and not quite so many bad jokes. And Wazoo, from around the same period, is a double live CD, with shaky recording quality and some odd panning, but amazing material.

**Scrotum Scissor** · 01-10-2017

Originally Posted by The Czar

I can't get into Frank Zappa. It's the vocals and the lyrics they all sound like they're written by 12 year old who just figured out about penis and farting jokes

As opposed to the deeply contemplative ones by Mötley?

**100423** · 01-10-2017

The guitar tones on Time Master at times are very '80s Crimsonesque. I think the song sounds a bit like '80s Crimson and Primus went on an absinthe bender in New Orleans listening to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and birthed this creature. I think Dan's vocals are perfect for this song.

**boilk** · 01-10-2017

Originally Posted by 100423

The guitar tones on Time Master at times are very '80s Crimsonesque. I think the song sounds a bit like '80s Crimson and Primus went on an absinthe bender in New Orleans listening to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and birthed this creature. I think Dan's vocals are perfect for this song.

Perfect post.

neil

**boilk** · 01-10-2017

It's funny, I have a friend who only likes the vocal heavy Zappa albums. That's what draws her in. She has little time for the complex instrumental stuff.

neil

**zombywoof** · 01-10-2017

Originally Posted by boilk

It's funny, I have a friend who only likes the vocal heavy Zappa albums. That's what draws her in. She has little time for the complex instrumental stuff.

neil

I like both. I'm whatcha call an actual Frank Zappa fan.

Time Master rules and so does FSE.

**chalkpie** · 01-10-2017

Originally Posted by zombywoof

I like both. I'm whatcha call an actual Frank Zappa fan.

I Guess you could label me as one of those too. I actually like his guitar solos too AND his synclavier stuff. Even his orchestral music! WTF is wrong with us Ian?