The BDS-opinion thread (Page 2 of 4)

Deezer, you've highlighted this for some reason, but I've not criticised Phil for expressing his opinion, in fact I've said he is welcome to do so. And suggested I can sympathise with some of it. What I've asked for is valid alternatives... There is no story here other than that. Respect to all, lets move on...

I didn't see that thread, so I will chime in and say, no KWS wasn't "selling out"...not any more than Jeff Beck was when he appeared on that show anyway. Has John Mayer been on 'American Idol'? If not, does that make him more authentic than KWS or JB? Or does the fact that he's been dating Jennifer Aniston off and on mean he sold out?

And in 50 or so years from now, will ANY of these even matter? I think not. We'll be arguing about this then about as much as people today still argue about which big band was better. Of course they might BE...I haven't frequented any Benny Goodman, Woody Herman or Glenn Miller forums recently. They may very well be having these same kind of heated discussions...I don't know.

Let's face it folks, blues and blues rock ain't exactly tearing up the top of the Billboard Charts in abundance these days, so instead of arguing whether this one is better than that one and dividing the ranks, if a band is good and you like them, spread the word. If not, then don't. Simple as that. There's way more than enough dissension and division going on between the so called "purist" and "progressive" factions of blues fans the way it is, and there's no reason to add more fuel to the fire. I happen to think BDS is one of the most promising and talented young bands to come along in quite some time. They may not all be virtuosos on their instruments, but those kind of bands rarely produce anything resembling soulfulness. It's all about chemistry. And it appears this band has it within their ranks. Time will tell where their path will take them, and whether they'll take their place among the legends when all is said and done. But based on their apparent potential, they're on the right track.

Thank you Jim for the extremely kind words. It's most appreciated. I too respect your opinion, and I do see your point of view 100 %.

Perhaps I should clarify my words a little bit further. Do I think that BDS are an extremely talented band? Yes. Are they among the top of young blues rock bands at this time? Yes, I do believe so. But are they at a level of a Joe Bonamassa? No. Not yet. Joe is one of the most amazing performers I've had the pleasure of witnessing in my lifetime, and BDS are not at that level yet. They know it as well. I disagreed when Davy Knowles told me earlier this year that they weren't even worthy of sharing the stage with Joe. And I still disagree. But they're still an extremely young band, one whom is continually getting better, and will continue to do so, with touring and experience. That's something which can't be taught from a book, or listening to records, even playing together. That takes time and seasoning. There's no shortcut to that. But that goes as well for any of the extremely talented, promising players and bands, many of whom I have championed here, and elsewhere.

There is also something called overhype, which if it is pressed onto a performer/artist too heavily, can even have the opposite effect. Not only does it in many cases cause a backlash, but the pressures of living up to such hype can make an artist falter when attempting to live up to it. It's a dangerous line between enthusiasm and overhype, and a hard one to walk, that's for sure. But given the level of songwriting, playing and singing at this point, they are certainly ahead of the curve creatively speaking. Can they, or Knowles be compared to Clapton? They can be compared to, yes, but definitely not to that level yet. Clapton was creating a type of playing that hadn't been experienced until he came along, and he brought an original voice, guitar -wise to the table. Even Joe is still struggling with finding an original sound. It's SO difficult these days when you're working against decades of innovation, tradition and progression, to come up with something new and different.

One thing I do give major props to these new young bands about is that they're choosing this music by choice. They could go in any direction, musically speaking, and there are many genres which would be extremely more lucrative, at least outwardly, to be exploring, than a classic rock/blues route. They're facing a long road, with hardly any radio exposure, no video channels playing their music, and although it's quite apparent that there's a massive movement going on now with young musicians pursuing a neo classic style, there's certainly no guarantee that the bubble will burst and massive success will happen. Although I must say the landscape is so much more promising for that to happen, with the success of Guitar Hero, Rock Band etc. paving the way.

I was extremely impressed seeing this band live. It was a headlining situation, and perhaps it's different when it's not. Or it could have been an off night. Or, they just didn't move you Jim. It's entirely possible. One of the great things about music is that it means different things to different people.

Ditto!

I think they are very good, however i think people on this board are getting their hopes up about them.  Great band, and this is nothing to do with their ability, but thinking they are going to gain widespread notierity and success (meaning, to me anyway, play places holding over 2-3000 on a regular basis) is a little ludicrous.  that doesnt happen with bands like that any more.  also, there are a lot of other blues rock bands out there that don't get nearly as much play here, but that is just a matter of opinion. 

so the band is very good, however i wouldn't really feel sorry or bad about their treatment on this message board.  they are clearly the 2nd most popular band among forum members, and the other artists forum has basically become 50% bds threads when other bands are lucky to get one.

You ain't kidding.  But you better stay on topic Mike, going off topic is against the rules.

BDS?  They're very good.  I don't have the ability to disect piece by piece like many of you do.  All I can say is what moves me, and what doesn't.  I'm more into hard rock, melodic rock, metal...when I first heard Joe I was blown away, and he opened the door to a lot of other types of music that I previosly ignored.  Including BDS.

Keith spoke about JB SO much in another forum...that I finally gave in and listened.  Had it been just one mention I probably wouldn't have.

Same with BDS.  I like 'em, dig their music, and wish them well.

BTW someone mentioned that 50% of the Other Artists are BDS?  I only see 2 topics on this page, maybe 5 on page too? Far less than 50%.

Have I told you lately that I love you Keith?? Well, I do! Such a way with words! It's no secret that I'm a HUGE BDS fan. I remember my first listen last year, thanks to the heads up from forum friends, and it moved me!

I was a big SRV fan. After his death I didn't think there would be another artist like him. Then Johnny Lang came along. I was crazy for his early stuff, but religion and love tempered him away from my taste. Then the wonder that is our JB. Such a gift and my soul was renewed. The added bonus has been all the other wonderful music I've heard of here on the forum. BDS is my favorite so far. (I also love Ryan McGarvey and the Hoax)

IMHO, the key to the band is Davy. I do know that Adam is known for being a somber bass player. Even his family has encouraged him to smile and interact. He has the opinion that he needs to be that serious when he plays. That doesn't mean he isn't talented, he's just not a showman yet. Same for Ross on drums..doing his job. Again, they're only 21 years old..much can still happen...back to Davy. We haven't mentioned his songwriting abilities..way beyond his age. I also really dig his voice. It's so appropriate for the music he plays. Top that off with his skills on the guitar and the future looks very bright from where I'm standing. And, I can't say enough about what fine young men they are.

Finally, I know the band and their families read this forum. To them I say, use the constructive criticism to better yourselves and ignore the rest. It comes with the territory. Again, I think all Blues Rockers are on the same team and should work together. Cathy

The moderators will decide.