Tobi

[rdyfrde]

I knew from the moment I wrote the song 'Lost In Space' that people will start complaining that it's too soft or too Bon Jovi or whatever and just whine about it because it wasn't what they ordered. If people want to order exactly what they should order a pizza: I take a bit more salami, less ham, some extra cheese and more peppers. But I'm not a

Comments

[dragonheart97]

It was the same way for Europe when they came back in 2004. They modernized their sound because they weren't the same people that they were for their last album in 1992 -- and that album back then was an album they were more or less forced to make by their record company and not the one they wanted. The two albums they've done since reuniting are heavy and dark but still melodic, and to this day there are still arguments on the boards that they should go back to the old sound. With their most recent album the fans were even pretty vicious to the point where the band had to defend themselves on their own website over it.

Unfortunately you can't please everyone, but that's when it's even more admirable to stick to your beliefs and do what pleases you the most.

[rdyfrde]

I can imagine. Though I haven't had a chance to check out any of Europe's current releases. I'll admit that their early stuff was quite cheesy but I liked it growing up. From time to time I'll gig out The Final Countdown or Out of This World when I'm celebrating an member of Europe's birthday but I don't listen to them as much as I did in late 80's to early 90's.

Which CD should I start with of their current sound?

[dragonheart97]

You know, they're so different now I'd recommend checking out both. The first thing you should know is that they're back to their original lineup, with John Norum on guitar rather than Kee Marcello, which is a big influence on their current sound.

"Start From The Dark" was the comeback album, and was very stripped down and basic, and had a couple of songs that were updated versions of their old sound and is a good transition between the old and the new.

"Secret Society" is a lot more detailed and complex lyrically and is equal parts OOTW-era Europe and Led Zeppelin-classic rock vibe. Joey's vocals are a bit more broad on this album and there's a bit more of his higher range so I lean more toward it, but I almost feel you can't have one without the other for some reason.

[rdyfrde]

Very cool, I'll have to check them out :)

Speaking of Joey, what are his solo albums like? Do they sound like Europe or are they more of a soft rock/pop vein?

[fuzzinit]

Yep - I agree. Musicians should remain true to themselves first and foremost. As a musician, I certainly only focus on making music that is in line with my artistic vision... my attitude is screw them if they don't like it... mainly because I know there are people who DO like what I do. And that's good enough for me. In my view, the only way to make music is to be genuine.

[rdyfrde]

What kind of music do you write? Prog? Rock? Just curious :)

[fuzzinit]

It's some form of rock... basically a combination of all my influences. Too hard to describe. You can check out my website on my profile if you like:) But all the audio samples are just lame demos that are completely unfinished. I still haven't even found a good vocalist yet.