[mysonichaircut]

Originally Posted by Newfoundland

The chord sequences are much "straighter" than before. More typical rock riffs at times, that was also true for Rather Ripped.

I feel the noise is less incorporated in their music now, it´s more like noise at the end of a song or a noise part in the middle of the song. In my opinion they were able to make the noise support the song and vice versa in a better way before. Much more nuanced.

And as discussed before here on the board the start of Antenna is quite a cheap and tired trick (the delay stuff) that I did not expect from someone who has studied weird guitar sounds for decades. Its a tiny detail, but still annoys me.

And also : hasnt Thurston´s lyrics become more stupid and annoying on the last two records? When he sing about "noise meditation" it makes me cringe.

Sometimes i think that they believe more in their importance as a band these last years after the positive feedback from Murray Street onwards. And I feel it has weakened their music, at least the post Jim O` Rourke albums. Most of my favorite music also have a lot of doubt and humbleness to it. And I am NOT trying to call them cocky! Somebody understand what i am trying to say? or agree/disagree?

Hope they use a long time in the studio next time, not the "record it quickly while it´s still fresh" attitude that they have opted for on the last two. Their best albums have both the immediate AND the tiny details in a good balance.

totally agree!