Instrumental

[Florgan]

I've found that most music, especially of the metal variation, is a dichotomy: incredible instrumentation, not-so-much on the vocals.
Vocals are so crucial to a collective sound, providing closure when suitable. The problem I find is that many vocalists are either (a) redundant or (b) unabshedly untalented. And try as I may to hear past the shreiks of overconfident singers, in most cases the aural infection runs just too deep.

So, this thread is meant to recommend impeccable instrumental composers of any stripe.
Don't limit discussion to one genre. All styles of music, when performed well, can be enjoyed by all kinds of ears.

[Drunken Viking]

This would be better in the recommendations thread.

[Florgan]

That's not the kind recommendation I was looking for...
Thanks all the same, bro.

[Shadows Within]

no hes saying that this thread needs to be in the recomendation thread.

[Txus]

Here you go man:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=466851

[Mazeppa]

Impeccable instrumental composer? Beethoven.

[penofdoom]

Dvorak.

[MBS]

Eric Johnson. :cool:

His instrumental stuff, that is.

[sr800bkBassist]

Explosions in the Sky:
http://www.myspace.com/explosionsinthesky0
http://www.myspace.com/explosionsintheskies

AMAZING instrumental compositions. they use guitars like nobody i've ever seen, and show virtuosity without playing a single solo. just beautifully composed arrangements on 2 to 4 guitars, a bass, and drums.

[rhcp pman]

Joe Satriani
Liquid Tension Experiment
Steve Vai

Also, I believe Camel has some albums with no vocals

[Cocaine]

Oh Jake, I TOLD you to post it in the recommendation thread.

[dr._feelgood]

Can't forget Zappa he's got some really good instrumentals.

[Kage]

This would be better in the recommendations thread.
He's trying to incite discussion on it, not just get a list of bands.

[Drunken Viking]

The point of this thread is to recommend bands, which is exactly what the recommendation thread is for.

[Diabulus in musica]

Mago de Oz's instrumentals are quite brilliant...here are some of the songs

La leyenda de la llorona
La insula de barataria
A costa da morte

[Cocaine]

While he is essentially looking for recommendations, read what he said and tell me you cant spark a discussion from it.

I agree a lot of vocalists have the power to ruin bands, for me I'd say Atheist. The vocals on the only album of theirs I've heard annoys the piss out of me, making it almost unlistenable.

IMO, of course.

/awaiting flame

[Concubine]

We Followed Tigers

[rhcp pman]

While he is essentially looking for recommendations, read what he said and tell me you cant spark a discussion from it.

I agree a lot of vocalists have the power to ruin bands, for me I'd say Atheist. The vocals on the only album of theirs I've heard annoys the piss out of me, making it almost unlistenable.

IMO, of course.

/awaiting flame
Atheist's vocalist isn't very good, but I think he suits the music. Of course, I can think of vocalists whom I would prefer in his spot, but nevertheless...

[ghettoeddo]

STRAVINSKY! STRAVINSKY! STRAVINSKY!
eggo will back me up. the man is a genius.

him or holst. holst's "the planets" is some of the most moving music i've heard.

if you're looking for non-classical...best i can do is liquid tension >< ozric tentacles maybe?

[Cocaine]

Yeah, I dont think he's looking for classical.

[stinkypoptart]

whoever made the smashing pumpkins piano song mellon collie and the infinite sadness did a good job.

[ghettoeddo]

Yeah, I dont think he's looking for classical.

that's a bummer. classical music is really something. so much more intricate than anything else. but that's my bias as a violinist for 10+ years.

maybe also planet X? some nice jazz/fusion stuff

[Cocaine]

No, I'm basing it on

1) I know the threadstarter in real life, he already has an extensive knowledge of classical
2) He posted it in the Rock and Metal section.

[ghettoeddo]

cool fair enough

[Florgan]

Thanks all, there are a couple of suggestions that are new to me up there.

I'm looking for recommendation and discussion. I think it's a topic that should be explored. I mean, when you think about it, it's only recently that solo vocalists have been idolized for their instrument. And vocal virtuosos seem to be few and far between, especially in more recent years.

I'd love to guided in the direction of some expectional classical. I've just picked up the "Best Of..." Chopin, Mendellsohn, and Dvorak (three of my favourites).

Which also refers us back to the preceeding paragraph: has music degenerated since the voice was made a focal point?

There's so much more to be said on this topic -- so don't be soft-spoken or hesitant! This a very opinionated website, I have high expectations.

Anyways, some of the instrumental tunes I've been digging for the past weeks are played by James Hill. This guy is a Canadian 'ukulele genius, and has recorded original and interpreted music. Please, please do give him a listen.

[Cocaine]

Also, you could always just find music with good vocalists.

Symphony X's "V" is consistantly impressing me, as is ANYTHING by Into Eternity, who have four vocalists, so you're bound to like at least one of them.

[ghettoeddo]

symphony X is good.

if you're looking for exceptional classical...again. igor stravinsky. igor stravinsky. igor stravinsky.
his firebird suite especially WILL not disappoint.
and holst's "the planets." those are 2 of the highest caliber orchestral works i've ever seen, heard or played.

[Juicy_Forlorn]

Ozric Tentacles
Liquid Tension Experiment
Gordion Knot

Those are my favorite instrumental bands.

[Flynn]

Ozric Tentacles
Liquid Tension Experiment
Gordion Knot

Those are my favorite instrumental bands.


Gordian Knot is great, I like what I've heard. I'm into Pelican and Red Sparowes when dealing with Instrumental Bands.

[ghettoeddo]

i third gordian knot.
and liquid tension again. biaxident on LTE2 is amazing.

[Leukeh]

Favourite instrumental artist would have to be John 5... he's amazing. I also like Vai, Shawn Lane & Malmsteen

[ghettoeddo]

haha "saw." 'tis a great movie.
im eagerly expecting saw 3 :smoke:

[Leukeh]

Due for release on the 27th October :cool:

[Amit]

John McLaughlin
Shawn Lane
Allan Holdsworth

=)

[ghettoeddo]

Due for release on the 27th October :cool:

saw 3?!?!? already?

John McLaughlin
Shawn Lane
Allan Holdsworth

=)
wooord. listening to allan holdsworth and frank gambale-not ethiopia right now.

[Leukeh]

saw 3?!?!? already?

Already!
http://www.saw3.com/

[ghettoeddo]

oohh my god *splooge*
fantastic fantastic :]
i have saw 2 on DVD

[Florgan]

I'm bored with vocalists. Period.
Even the unique ones stale pretty quickly. It's because, with exceptions, even the best singers don't really experiment to find new sounds for their instrument. Can't really blame them either, vocal chords are pretty delicate.

I'm going to scope that Stravinksy piece. It's true, he always delivers.
Bartok and Rachmaninoff bring the noise in their own way, too.
Liquid Tension I really enjoy, but they can confuse progressive with raccous.

[ghettoeddo]

rachmaninoff has some of the most amazing piano concertos ever written.
it's so nice to take a break from the constant blistering wall of distortion, drums and squealing guitar solos once in awhile to immerse yourself in some classical music...

the firebird suite was in fantasia 2000 if you've ever seen that. the epic finale makes me teary every time.

[Flynn]

I'm bored with vocalists. Period.
Even the unique ones stale pretty quickly. It's because, with exceptions, even the best singers don't really experiment to find new sounds for their instrument. Can't really blame them either, vocal chords are pretty delicate.

I'm going to scope that Stravinksy piece. It's true, he always delivers.
Bartok and Rachmaninoff bring the noise in their own way, too.
Liquid Tension I really enjoy, but they can confuse progressive with raccous.



I can't immagine listening to Death or Opeth or even Rush or Led Zeppelin without vocals. That music would suck.

[Florgan]

That's why I've been diggin deep into antiquity with my music, the older **** just comforting.
Especially these days, when every band tries to be more technical than the last. Simplicity rarely disappoints. And this is true in modern music as well: for example, the theme in Liquid Tension's 'Biaxident' is probably one of their best -- and I learned it in one try by memory.

So if any of you can make suggestions with that in mind...

[Flynn]

Try listening to Pelican or Red Sparowes. Superb music, with no vocals. I personally recommend Australasia by Pelican. Great album.

[Florgan]

Obviously. Those vocals contribute to the music.
But in my initial post I stipulated that fitting vocals are rare these days. It's becoming increasingly more common that voice is mandate -- simply because, in some cases, to hide the lackluster instrumentation.
In this way we've almost polarized musical history, from purely orchestral or solo peices to bands without a frontman being an oddity.

Besides, it's nice to hear some nice shred on whatever instrument without some dude whining in my ear.

[spoon_of_grimbo]

i cant really name any great composers off the top of my head, but some great metal instrumentals are...

"stigmata" by arch enemy
"dialogue with the stars" by in flames
"transylvania" by iron maiden
the fourth or fifth track on "slaughter of the soul" by at the gates (can't remember what it's called atm)
"accept the fact" by warmen
"woodpecker from mars" by faith no more

theres a few gud'uns to start with

[Florgan]

Thanks, bro. This thread is really improving my library.


For some odd sounding jazz check out Birdsongs of the Messozoic; they're good, but watch your doses.
And in the same vien, you always have good ol' Pat Metheney. Some favourites are "Bright Sized Life" and "Last Train Home".

[sr800bkBassist]

Thanks, bro. This thread is really improving my library.


For some odd sounding jazz check out Birdsongs of the Messozoic; they're good, but watch your doses.
And in the same vien, you always have good ol' Pat Metheney. Some favourites are "Bright Sized Life" and "Last Train Home".
did you check out Explosions in the Sky? if you liked them, also try Mogwai. and Sigur Ros. Sigur Ros technically have "vocals", but on their "( )" album, he uses his voice as more of a background instrument without speaking any real language (they usually speak Icelandic).

[espbassist]

John Petrucci's solo album, suspended animation, anything by Steve Vai or The Satch. Isis aswell, i havent heard alot of them, but on their newest album, i barely hear any vocals, very high quality music.

[[Shadowfox]]

I reccommend any Pelican albums.

[Bfhurricane]

Bach was the best composer of all time.
Metallica are extremely talented composers (try listening to Orion, its worth your 3 minutes to download).
Yngwie Malmsteen composed every instruments part on his album "Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra in E flat minor Op.1" And of course he shreds like a mother-f'uker. Pure genius, his album "Rising Force" tops anything I have ever heard instrumentally (rock/metal).

[Amit]

Bach was the best composer of all time.
Metallica are extremely talented composers (try listening to Orion, its worth your 3 minutes to download).
Yngwie Malmsteen composed every instruments part on his album "Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra in E flat minor Op.1" And of course he shreds like a mother-f'uker. Pure genius, his album "Rising Force" tops anything I have ever heard instrumentally (rock/metal).

:-\

If you ever took the time to analyze Yngwie's music, you would find that it is hilariously simplistic with about as much sophistication as a very drunk fat man on New Year's Eve.

[Shadows Within]

"accept the fact" by warmen

that and "return to Salieri"

[Dr. Jake Destructo]

:-\

If you ever took the time to analyze Yngwie's music, you would find that it is hilariously simplistic with about as much sophistication as a very drunk fat man on New Year's Eve.

The only difference between the two is that that very drunk fat man is only fat and drunk on New Year's Eve.

[Bfhurricane]

The only difference between the two is that that very drunk fat man is only fat and drunk on New Year's Eve.
:lol: haha true.

Actually, instead of finding Yngwie's music simplistic, I find it innovative. Yes, yes, he IS the main man of criticism when it comes to mindless shredding and such. But Im sure that if you think his music is simplistic that youve never heard his album Rising Force (6/8 songs instrumentals). Listen to it all the way through, then tell me its simplistic.

[rhcp pman]

I'm bored with vocalists. Period.
Even the unique ones stale pretty quickly. It's because, with exceptions, even the best singers don't really experiment to find new sounds for their instrument. Can't really blame them either, vocal chords are pretty delicate.

I'm going to scope that Stravinksy piece. It's true, he always delivers.
Bartok and Rachmaninoff bring the noise in their own way, too.
Liquid Tension I really enjoy, but they can confuse progressive with raccous.
Have you heard any Mike Patton projects? He's incredibly versatile - within the space of an album you hear exuberant rap, sleazy jazz vocals, operatic notes, good vanilla Patton rock vocals, white trash talking and shrieking. I never get bored with Patton :).

[sr800bkBassist]

:lol: haha true.

Actually, instead of finding Yngwie's music simplistic, I find it innovative. Yes, yes, he IS the main man of criticism when it comes to mindless shredding and such. But Im sure that if you think his music is simplistic that youve never heard his album Rising Force (6/8 songs instrumentals). Listen to it all the way through, then tell me its simplistic.
maybe not simplistic in technicality, but simplistic in the creativity category. he didn't innovate anything. he just plays very very good.

here's an example. an opera singer can train for years and have an amazing voice. they're skill is evident, and it is important. BUT they did not innovate anything. they just got very very good.
Bob Dylan, on the other hand, had no vocal training whatsoever but he used his voice and poetic skills to influence not only a whole generation, but plenty of generations afterwards, and completely innovated the way music is played and written. and he SUCKED at singing.

so skill does not by any means equal innovation.

[Cocaine]

Yeah, but influence does not by any means equal innovation.

[ghettoeddo]

:-\

If you ever took the time to analyze Yngwie's music, you would find that it is hilariously simplistic with about as much sophistication as a very drunk fat man on New Year's Eve.


for once, i agree with you haha.
he can shred no doubt, but it hurts my ears after awhile. same old lightning-fast scale patterns up and down in diff. keys and positions.

bach was also NOT the greatest composer ever. great as he was, i think some modern composers outdo him....namely stravinsky/tchaikovsky/holst.

[sr800bkBassist]

Yeah, but influence does not by any means equal innovation.
yes, but Bob Dylan was innovative in the sense that before him, few ever dared to sing with no training whatsoever, and those who did weren't able to pull it off. but Bob Dylan was among the first to just sing for the sake of singing, and succeed. also, Dylan wrote lyrics like nobody before him, and pushed boundries on politics, civil rights, social issues, and culture altogether.
can the same be said about Yngwie?

[Cocaine]

I wasn't defending Yngwie because Yngwie sucks, he can't write memerable or good music (though I do like Black Star, guilty as charged). I was merely saying that while innovation can be influencial, they dont always go hand in hand. I personally can't listen to much Bob Dylan, his voice is too ridiculous for me at times. I havent really given him a shot in a year or two though.

In regards to Instrumental music, I got a Planet X album today and while I admit that they're damned talented, I find my mind wandering at times. I've been listening to some Majesty as of late, a great instrumental thrash band from Toronto.

[ghettoeddo]

when you said majesty, i thought you meant the pre-dream theater band oye...

same thing happens to me w/ planet X. lotsa talent, but i cant focus and enjoy it much

[Cocaine]

That's the thing with instrumental bands, you have to work that much harder to keep the listeners attention.

[ghettoeddo]

becuase of my long classical upbringing, im more into instrumentals than most people. i like long extended solo/improvisational jams, and im a sucker for technical mastery.

maybe i haven't given planet X a fair chance. i just got the impression there was no real melodic line going on much and seemed a little schizophrenic for me

[Amit]

:lol: haha true.

Actually, instead of finding Yngwie's music simplistic, I find it innovative. Yes, yes, he IS the main man of criticism when it comes to mindless shredding and such. But Im sure that if you think his music is simplistic that youve never heard his album Rising Force (6/8 songs instrumentals). Listen to it all the way through, then tell me its simplistic.

No, it's still simplistic.

Writing something in 6/8 or even 19/16 doesn't automatically make the most atrociously simplistic music sophisticated.

Time signatures can't save kindergarden counterpoint.

[ghettoeddo]

eggo i think he meant 6 out of 8 songs are instrumentals.

even so, just because an album is predominantly instrumental does not mean he is innovative haha.

[Amit]

Haha, woops.

:-D

[pye phyo ko]

maksim