I'm actually addressing the entire band's tendency to kinda fall off as they journey through the story known as song. They are much better with things like Crush and that live version of Angel kicks ass. I don't think stefan necessarily plays behind the beat but holds the note until the last possible second the george clinton approach to groove. have fun kids!
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steffan lessard
- Thread starter eric atkinson
- Start date
A lot of live Rapunzel around that time was slowed down, so I don't think that's Carter's fault. I don't like it either, but I've heard several live versions that aren't much faster than that. Seems like they've started speeding it up a little in the last year or two. That song works better the faster it is.
Dino
So far as I know, the studio Crush was done on the Dolphin Pro-1 4-string. Not sure about the pickups -- the pre-91 Dolphins had custom Barts, and then they went to MECs (I've got a '91 with MECs). I seem to recall Stefan had some tweaks done to his basses though, so I think he's either got Barts or Duncans on that thing. He doesn't use it anymore live, unfortunately.
Dino
Actually, Stefan had his "Listener supported/BTCS" ea Dolphin retrofitted with custom made Basslines pups. The pre is also made by Basslines and you can find them on their website. I firget which ones they are: AJJ-1 maybe? Oh well. I like his "new" Modulus tone, it took awhile but I think I like it as much as some of the older stuff. Interestingly enough, I wonder if his equip change helped in the new sonic direction of the band or if he adjusted to it afterwards. The new stuff has merit, NO BAND ever stays the same, that would be boring and dull. DMB is relaxing a little bit and I, for one, love it! They groove like no other band no matter the song or style! Also, as far as all of this slowing and speeding up in concert is concerned: It happens, and I've heard it numerous times. Whose fault is it? Who cares? They're human, they will make mistakes, I actually enjoy hearing them struggle a little, it makes me feel good about my faults also! HA! Regardless, you can't deny it or excuse it- so embrace it. Tension is part of music, if you want perfection or think it can be obtained...Listen to some elevator muzak and then thank God for real bands like DMB
well letting the rhythm breathe is one thing. but that version of ants marching on live at folsom is pretty ridiculous. and I love rapunzel I just feel it fall off quite a bit on listener supported. I'm up for flexible rhythmic senses but I think it's nonsense to fall that far behind
I agree, I agree... I guess I am not being specific, just commmenting on the general attitude I noted earlier in the thread. You are right though, but apparently DMB is not too bothered by it- they did choose to release it- as is...
Indeed, and I think that's what we were talking about -- it was <b>their</b> decision to play those songs at those tempos, so it wasn't a "screw-up" per se. My opinion is that those particular songs (especially Rapunzel) aren't well-served by slowing them down 20%. The band, obviously, can do what they want, but that song really loses some of its groove when played at the speed heard on Listener Supported.
you see thats saying that the band got together and said "ok lets bring Rapunzel down by 15 beats" or whatever but the song right before it is at it's regular tempo so I can only assume that because of the empty spaces at the top the time gets stretched, just like it does in ants marching. it also happens in stay during the legato parts. It's just a syndrome of the band I think. All great bands have their drawbacks.
This is definitely possible, but the only reason I think differently is because as I said, I've heard several live versions of Rapuzel from around that time and most of them are at similar speed. Because of this, I don't think it's an in-show timing issue as much as it is their collective decision to play the song at a slower tempo. The PNP intro is also done in slower time, so I don't think the empty connecting space is responsible for the slower beat... but who knows, really?
The thing about Rapunzel is that the different parts of the song can be played at different tempos. The staccato verse part can be slowed way down, like on Listener Supported, but then the other parts of the song are at their "normal" tempos. I'm sure this is intentional. DMB slowed down a lot of songs around 99 and 2000, that's something many DMB fans have called attention to. Some like it, some don't.
As far as Stefan's Modulus vs. Warwick tones. I've been listening to the album Crash through headphones for the last couple days, and I'm really digging his Warwick Thumb Bass tones. Two Step, Too Much, #41, Drive In Drive Out. . . basically his multi-string bass songs were all played on the Thumb around that time. Also, I'm pretty sure he used the Thumb on Stay on BTCS. Overall I like the aggressiveness of the Modulus sound, but I'm really getting into that Thumb sound lately.
As far as Stefan's Modulus vs. Warwick tones. I've been listening to the album Crash through headphones for the last couple days, and I'm really digging his Warwick Thumb Bass tones. Two Step, Too Much, #41, Drive In Drive Out. . . basically his multi-string bass songs were all played on the Thumb around that time. Also, I'm pretty sure he used the Thumb on Stay on BTCS. Overall I like the aggressiveness of the Modulus sound, but I'm really getting into that Thumb sound lately.
well thats cool then I guess I was fooled then I just thought they had Time issues. BUT that still doesn't explain Stay and Ants marching on the new one
Not sure about Stay, but I've noticed Ants on Folsom Field. That was a very long show, in the middle of July, in Colorado (higher elevation, thinner air). I think they were just plain running out of steam.
