Saturday Night Live 2/24/07 with host Rainn Wilson

[Beau_in_Austin]

I'm surprised, almost 12 hours after the CST airing, to see no thread.

GREAT episode, in my not-so-humble opinion, maybe one of the best of all time, and this is coming from someone who has watched since the goosebump inducing first episode with the original cast.

I thought before last night's show that the SNL writers would be fired up to write for Rainn, and apparently they were. And/or he himself brought a full bag of funny weirdness with him.

Fantastic musical guest, The Arcade Fire, too.

Sometimes they really come through, and last night was one of those times.

[cditty]

No offense, but this was the BEST they can do? I watched it because Wilson was on. I laughed during the monologue and during the Weekend update. Other than that, I was wondering why the show was still on the air. I think that after 30+ years, this show has met it's time.

[DaveBogart]

The show had its moments. The music portions can't be included in those moments. What a sucky band.

[Bierboy]

I'm surprised, almost 12 hours after the CST airing, to see no thread.....That's because, outside of The Office bit, it sucked.

[SoCal Scott]

The show had its moments. The music portions can't be included in those moments. That's not a band I enjoy.

Sorry, but I had to change your post. Music is art, and art is subjective. So, if you didn't like Arcade Fire, I can respect that. But to call them "sucky" is a bit much. Their first album, "Funeral", was hailed by critics and fans as one of the best to come out in years. They are one of the brightest stars in music today.

Oh, and I loved their set on SNL. Can't wait for the new album. :up:

[JC Hollywood FL]

The Nuni and Nooni sketch (I don't care enough to look up how they spell their names) was stupid the first time and is still stupid. SNL has let too many stupid sketches continue as regular bits, and that is why the show is no longer good. If a sketch is stupid, drop it. Don't try to find something new to do with it and hope something like a toast chair is going to click. It's stupid.

[Jesda]

Sorry, but I had to change your post. Music is art, and art is subjective.

So is entertainment television.

[SoCal Scott]

So is entertainment television.

Right. And if SNL was not appealing to me, but highly regarded by others (critics and viewers), I wouldn't call it "sucky". I would state that it wasn't my cup of tea.

BTW, don't think SNL is funny in it's present state. I only watched it for TAF and Rainn Wilson.

[cherry ghost]

Right. And if SNL was not appealing to me, but highly regarded by others (critics and viewers), I wouldn't call it "sucky". I would state that it wasn't my cup of tea.

BTW, don't think SNL is funny in it's present state. I only watched it for TAF and Rainn Wilson.


TAF?

[SoCal Scott]

TAF?


:) Sorry. The Arcade Fire

[kar74]

The Nuni and Nooni sketch (I don't care enough to look up how they spell their names) was stupid the first time and is still stupid. SNL has let too many stupid sketches continue as regular bits, and that is why the show is no longer good. If a sketch is stupid, drop it. Don't try to find something new to do with it and hope something like a toast chair is going to click. It's stupid.

That is the one sketch they keep bringing back that I just don't get. Does anyone out there think it's actually funny? :confused:

Overall, I like Rainn and "The Office" monologue. Other than that, it was a so-so episode.

[doom1701]

Sorry, but I had to change your post. Music is art, and art is subjective. So, if you didn't like Arcade Fire, I can respect that. But to call them "sucky" is a bit much. Their first album, "Funeral", was hailed by critics and fans as one of the best to come out in years. They are one of the brightest stars in music today.



I don't pull this "I changed your post" crap, so I just decided to highlight the ironic hypocrisy of your post.

[cherry ghost]

:) Sorry. The Arcade Fire


"Arcade Fire", not "The Arcade Fire". Some fan you are.

[SoCal Scott]

I don't pull this "I changed your post" crap, so I just decided to highlight the ironic hypocrisy of your post.

HUH?? :confused:

[SoCal Scott]

"Arcade Fire", not "The Arcade Fire". Some fan you are.

Didn't know this thread would become so heated. Some people call them The Arcade Fire (http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/arcadefire/funeral?q=arcade).

[Alfer]

It was as painful to watch as S60.

[doom1701]

HUH?? :confused:

The only difference between calling a band "a sucky band" and "one of the brightest stars in music today" is which side of the scale your unqualified statement falls on. If Dave has to qualify his statements with "In My Opinion", you must do the same.

Personally, I think qualifying your opinions about something as subjective as music is just silly--but I'm not the one that called someone out on the carpet about it.

[SoCal Scott]

The only difference between calling a band "a sucky band" and "one of the brightest stars in music today" is which side of the scale your unqualified statement falls on. If Dave has to qualify his statements with "In My Opinion", you must do the same.

Personally, I think qualifying your opinions about something as subjective as music is just silly--but I'm not the one that called someone out on the carpet about it.

My only point was that a whole lot of other people think The Arcade Fire (or Arcade Fire :) ) are a great band. That would raise them above "sucky", into "not my style".

It's not like we're talking about Kevin Fererline here.

[Jesda]

Right. And if SNL was not appealing to me, but highly regarded by others (critics and viewers), I wouldn't call it "sucky". I would state that it wasn't my cup of tea.

So it isnt subjective, but rather objective based on popularity?

[SoCal Scott]

So it isnt subjective, but rather objective based on popularity?

Oh please. Give it up. Would you call the Beatles "sucky". How about John Coltrane?

[LoadStar]

SNL relies much too much these days on absurd comedy... you know, the kind of sketches that make you go "what the HECK?!?" instead of actually genuinely laughing because it's funny. The Nooni sketch, the digital short this week, the sketch with the fuddy-duddy people in the office... none of them are all that funny outside of that initial reaction.

When they don't do that, they telegraph the jokes, even though the jokes are so simple that the most humor impaired individual could tell that they're telling a joke. Such is the case with... well... all of Weekend Update.

[Crrink]

My only point was that a whole lot of other people think The Arcade Fire (or Arcade Fire :) ) are a great band. That would raise them above "sucky", into "not my style".

It's not like we're talking about Kevin Fererline here.
Ah, well, if that's your standard, then, you'll have to admit that N'Sync and just about all other Boy Bands are better than Arcade Fire since more people like them (as evidenced by any quantifiable measure such as album and concert sales.)

Ain't that a B?
;)

[SoCal Scott]

Ah, well, if that's your standard, then, you'll have to admit that N'Sync and just about all other Boy Bands are better than Arcade Fire since more people like them (as evidenced by any quantifiable measure such as album and concert sales.)

Ain't that a B?
;)

Critics and listeners?



Didn't think so.

[Langree]

Oh please. Give it up. Would you call the Beatles "sucky". How about John Coltrane?


Tell ya what, if people are talking about Arcade Fire's influence on music 40 - 50 years from now you can stick them in the same league as Coltrane and The Beatles.

FYI: Critic acclaim doesn't mean jack in movies or music.

Personally I wasn't thrilled with them and if the set they used on SNL is a sample of their best, then I gotta go with Dave here and say it was sucky.

[JETarpon]

My only point was that a whole lot of other people think The Arcade Fire (or Arcade Fire :) ) are a great band. That would raise them above "sucky", into "not my style".


A lot of other people think Arcade Fire are sucky. That would lower them from "a great band" to "a band I like."

[JETarpon]

"I laughed so hard that the other guy's pee came out of my nose."

[Peter000]

Hmmm... I really enjoyed SNL this week. The "office" open monologue was really funny. As was the whole Anna Nicole Smith thing. I've never liked the Nooni bit. I did like the repressed office worker skit, though. (the two mentioned so far here as "huh?" skits)

The news was especially funny this week... I historically have not liked the news segment post Ackroyd/Curtain. There have been some HORRIBLE people at that desk. But last night it clicked for me. Even the projectile vomit bit. Seth Meyer's reactions were really funny.

I've been enjoying it overall this season. Yeah, there are clunker skits, and skits that make you go "wha?", but overall it gets laughs from me.

I don't think there's EVER been a season of SNL, or even a episode with 100% funny skits.

re: Music -- I don't ever watch the musical guests. If the music doesn't grab me in the first 30 seconds, I ff. And I don't pay attention, or give a rip what the critics say, or people in general. If I like it, I'll listen. It's as simple as that.

And my definition if a band/artist sucks is if they can't sing or play in tune. That's entirely different than if the MUSIC sucks. I've heard artists who I would never listen to in a million years, because I hate the music they play, all of the sudden break form and perform something I really like. And because they're a good musician, it's on my iPod. But only that.

[spikedavis]

Arcade Fire is awesome. Plain and simple. I listened to FUNERAL probally a thousand times and I already love Neon Bible.

Music taste is subjective, but to call them "sucky" is just stupid. Sucky implies they have no talent. The band obviously has talent, even if their music is not your cup of tea.

[old7]

Arcade Fire is awesome. Plain and simple. I listened to FUNERAL probally a thousand times and I already love Neon Bible.

Music taste is subjective, but to call them "sucky" is just stupid. Sucky implies they have no talent. The band obviously has talent, even if their music is not your cup of tea.

Their talent must have been wasted on me. They were the worst band that I have seen on SNL. I couldn't get to the remote fast enough. Then just to make sure I wasn't too premature on skipping them I went back and listened to them again Sunday morning. No, I was right the first time, they sucked.

[Jesda]

Oh please. Give it up. Would you call the Beatles "sucky". How about John Coltrane?

The Beatles, yes I would.

Why would you use an objective measurement to grade the quality of something you say is subjective?

My poop stinks too, but I prefer the smell of my own over yours.

[Fool Me Twice]

poop.

[Mikkel_Knight]

Would you call the Beatles "sucky".
I would, and have.

[TAsunder]

The show had its moments. The music portions can't be included in those moments. What a sucky band.

I had the exact opposite opinion. Great musical performance, terrible SNL sketches. On the bright side, it was fun watching rainn ham it up. Pretty good actor, it seems.

Even the digital short was bad.

What were "the moments"? I didn't see more than one. The opening monologue was good, the rest was awful.

[Skittles]

I liked the Office sketch, but wow... Rashida Jones' cameo was almost pointless. She barely got a round of applause. It added a nice air of authenticity to the spoof, but felt wasted. I did like how Jason and Kristen have the characters of Jim and Pam down to a science... that had me laughing.

The only other sketch I really laughed at was the four guys in a bar. IIRC, it was the first sketch after the monologue. Had some really laugh out loud moments for me.

And add me to the "I hate the Nooni sketches" crowd. Those just aren't funny. If you're gonna do a Mya/Fred sketch, stick with The Prince Show.

[DaveBogart]

It could have been nearly any current band playing and I would have said that they were sucky. But these guys....come on, smashing the guitar at the end of the song? What originality! To me the music is ugly sounding, loud and overpowering with unintelligible lyrics. I can't help but think it's that Lemming thing. "Everybody likes it so I do too." But it's possible that there's something justifiable to like about the sound. I just can't hear it.

[TAsunder]

All lyrics on SNL are unintelligible. It's the way they do the sound staging. They make the volume on the vocals lower in almost every performance on SNL. Not sure why. Arcade Fire is generally somewhat intelligible, at least compared to radiohead or similar bands.

About the song with the guitar smash... I wasn't sure if it was impromptu or not, but it was a song with a lot of anger in the lyrics... possibly about an absent father. I noticed that some of the strings were broken during the song, so I was wondering whether he smashed the guitar just because it was broken already, or if he broke the strings as part of a planned statement.

Can't say it's a lemming thing for me, because I had never heard any hype about them when I picked up their first album, having heard a song I liked on XMU.

Of course, your entire statement is somewhat ridiculous since you basically state you think all modern music sucks.

[aindik]

I thought the musical guest might have been a sketch. That's how bad I thought it was.

Then again, I think rock music has sucked since 1991, and has taken a turn for the even worse for the past two years or so. Would everybody please stop crying?

As for the show, it was alright. I laughed at Andy Samburg as Prince Harry, stupid as it was.

Sue me, I thought the Nuni sketch was funny. I don't watch all that regularly, so I'm not all that sick of them yet, I guess. I thought the spinning chair they had Kristen Wiig in was funny.

[DaveBogart]

Of course, your entire statement is somewhat ridiculous since you basically state you think all modern music sucks.That's not what I stated, but whatever.

Well, I guess I did say "current band" so I guess that could be taken as meaning modern music. But there's lots of modern music I like. It just doesn't happen to be rock or rap.

[montag]

Sorry, but I had to change your post. Music is art, and art is subjective. So, if you didn't like Arcade Fire, I can respect that. But to call them "sucky" is a bit much. Their first album, "Funeral", was hailed by critics and fans as one of the best to come out in years. They are one of the brightest stars in music today.

Oh, and I loved their set on SNL. Can't wait for the new album. :up:
Agree 100%. Though I wouldn't really care what Dave's opinion was regarding music. Hell, if he liked it I would know it's crap. So his comment on how "sucky" they are is actually a ringing endorsement in my eyes! :D

Great performance by Arcade Fire. Funeral is a classic and Neon Bible is growing on me.

I can't stand SNL and only TiVo it for the musical guests. Next week, Snow Patrol. :up:

[DaveBogart]

Agree 100%. Though I wouldn't really care what Dave's opinion was regarding music. Hell, if he liked it I would know it's crap. So his comment on how "sucky" they are is actually a ringing endorsement in my eyes! :D

Great performance by Arcade Fire. Funeral is a classic and Neon Bible is growing on me.

I can't stand SNL and only TiVo it for the musical guests. Next week, Snow Patrol. :up:I actually kinda like Snow Patrol.

[aindik]

I actually kinda like Snow Patrol.

That's Taylor Hicks' band, right?



;)

[DaveBogart]

That's Taylor Hicks' band, right?



;)Really? I thought it was Kelly Pickler's.

[sonnik]

I think that after 30+ years, this show has met it's time.

So, at what point in the previous 32 years was it that much better?

It's as good and bad now as it ever was. IMO, it's actually a bit better right now.

People tend to confuse the "Best Of" style shows and the compressed 1-hour rebroadcasts for what actually aired.

If anyone doesn't believe me - go to any site with an episode guide. Find a show with a classic sketch you recall, and check out the description of the rest of the episode. Look at the rest of the season as well. Each season has it's standout sketches, but each has mediocre content as well.

[Eddie501]

All lyrics on SNL are unintelligible. It's the way they do the sound staging. They make the volume on the vocals lower in almost every performance on SNL. Not sure why. Arcade Fire is generally somewhat intelligible, at least compared to radiohead or similar bands.

What is it with that anyway? It seems like a lot of perfomances have been ruined by a poor audio mix this year. A few weeks ago AFI had the lead vocals mixed completely out of their 2nd set. Leaving the lead singer thrashing around looking like a fool.

SNL should either fix this or stop booking musical guests.

[alpacaboy]

I liked the Office sketch, but wow... Rashida Jones' cameo was almost pointless. She barely got a round of applause. It added a nice air of authenticity to the spoof, but felt wasted. I did like how Jason and Kristen have the characters of Jim and Pam down to a science... that had me laughing.
I didn't like Rashidea and Rainn addressing each other as "Dwight" and "Karen" when everyone else was addressed by their real name. I think it actually would have been funnier if he addressed her "Hi Maya" and maybe have her have a confused reaction to that.

[xuxa]

No surprise that people on this board find Arcade Fire "sucky", a majority on this board go nuts every Christmas for Trans Siberian Orchestra.

[TAsunder]

That's not what I stated, but whatever.

Well, I guess I did say "current band" so I guess that could be taken as meaning modern music. But there's lots of modern music I like. It just doesn't happen to be rock or rap.

Give us some examples, because it sounds like backpedalling to me. What artists on SNL have you liked? I haven't liked anyone from this season so far. Are you an ashlee simpson fan?

[DaveBogart]

Give us some examples, because it sounds like backpedalling to me. What artists on SNL have you liked? I haven't liked anyone from this season so far. Are you an ashlee simpson fan?I've seen SNL exactly once this season. For that matter I've seen SNL probably no more than 30 times in its history. I don't know why you say I'm backpedaling. I can certainly like modern music without any of it being rock. I like country, bluegrass, classical, ambient, jazz... And as for Ashlee Simpson, I'm probably more of a Lisa Simpson fan.

[Supfreak26]

I didn't like Rashidea and Rainn addressing each other as "Dwight" and "Karen" when everyone else was addressed by their real name. I think it actually would have been funnier if he addressed her "Hi Maya" and maybe have her have a confused reaction to that.


I actually thought that's what made it funny. Everyone is calling him Rainn and she says "Hey Dwight" and he immediately answers "Hey Karen" as if by instinct. Then he does that "that was wierd" double-take. Great timing there.

Really enjoyed that entire skit. The rest of the show was decent. The skit with the guys in the bar was funny too.

As for Arcade Fire, I've heard OF them but never heard them before and I really enjoyed their performances. They seem to have a pretty unique sound and I'll be downloading their first CD very soon.

I can see how they could be on the opposite end of the spectrum for some, though.

[DaveBogart]

No surprise that people on this board find Arcade Fire "sucky", a majority on this board go nuts every Christmas for Trans Siberian Orchestra.Don't count me with that group. TSO and Manhiem Steamroller both leave someting to be desired in my book.

[montag]

No surprise that people on this board find Arcade Fire "sucky", a majority on this board go nuts every Christmas for Trans Siberian Orchestra.
:up:

I, as a general rule, don't look to this community for musical or clothing advice. The exception are Charlie and Deli and a few others when it comes to music.

:)

[Crrink]

Critics and listeners?



Didn't think so.
A Critic's opinion doesn't factor into a regular person's judgment of the quality of music - and that's what you attacked.
Besides, if a well qualified music critic told you Arcade Fire sucked (and there MUST be a few who think this), would you stop listening? Of course not...or at least I hope not.

[xuxa]

A Critic's opinion doesn't factor into a regular person's judgment of the quality of music - and that's what you attacked.
Besides, if a well qualified music critic told you Arcade Fire sucked (and there MUST be a few who think this), would you stop listening? Of course not...or at least I hope not.

Be hard pressed to find one

Arcade Fire reviews (http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/arcadefire/funeral)


even the low score one is an overall good review.

[bruinfan]

I've been enjoying it overall this season. Yeah, there are clunker skits, and skits that make you go "wha?", but overall it gets laughs from me.

I don't think there's EVER been a season of SNL, or even a episode with 100% funny skits.


So, at what point in the previous 32 years was it that much better?

It's as good and bad now as it ever was. IMO, it's actually a bit better right now.

People tend to confuse the "Best Of" style shows and the compressed 1-hour rebroadcasts for what actually aired.

If anyone doesn't believe me - go to any site with an episode guide. Find a show with a classic sketch you recall, and check out the description of the rest of the episode. Look at the rest of the season as well. Each season has it's standout sketches, but each has mediocre content as well.
at it's best, SNL was 30 minutes too long. the last half hour was always not funny stuff... filler, if you will.

but everytime i've tuned in over the last 3 years(like once a season), it's been unwatchable, and it reminds me why I haven't been watching.

my college years were with Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, David Spade, Tim Meadows, the chick who did Superstar, Dennis Miller on the news, early Will Ferrell, ... those were good years. you overlooked the bad sketches cuz there were so many good ones. PLUS, they were competing (not directly) with In Living Color.

Ever since Tina Fey and Jimmy fallon stopped doing the news, there was no reason to watch.

[trainman]

Even the digital short was bad.

It was my favorite bit, other than the monologue -- that's exactly the kind of absurdist humor I like (as opposed to the Nuni sketches, and no, I can't explain the difference between the two).

Maybe people didn't like it because (The) Arcade Fire made a cameo appearance in it. :D

[edc]

So, at what point in the previous 32 years was it that much better?

It's as good and bad now as it ever was. IMO, it's actually a bit better right now.


Netflix the first season DVDs. Watching it complete is a revelation.

Not every skit in every show is a winner, but (to put it in baseball terms), it has a much higher number of home runs, batting percentage, and slugging percentage. Often, Jim Henson and crew are the "look at your watch" moments.

One suggestion I would have for the current show is to play with their clock a little more. If the skit is one joke and takes three minutes to tell, do that and move on - don't stretch that to ten minutes.

[sonnik]

but everytime i've tuned in over the last 3 years(like once a season), it's been unwatchable, and it reminds me why I haven't been watching.

my college years were with Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, David Spade, Tim Meadows, the chick who did Superstar, Dennis Miller on the news, early Will Ferrell, ... those were good years. you overlooked the bad sketches cuz there were so many good ones. PLUS, they were competing (not directly) with In Living Color.

That's a span of about 15 years. In that time, you suffered one of the greatest incidents of damage to SNL - and that was Farley, Sandler, Spade. Lorne Michaels was concerned about losing these guys to Hollywood, unfortunately they wound up almost running the show. Sure, they were funny. But it's almost apalling if you realize how annoying some of Sandler's characters were (Opera Man, Canteen Boy) - or how one-dimensional David Spade was. David Spade was never funny (IMO) unless he was making his little sarcastic comments during Update. Like I said, they were funny - but not exactly timeless.

The argument to the show's current quality can be applied to any era of the show.

And by the way, you may wish to watch more than one episode a season. One episode is kind of a limited sample.

Netflix the first season DVDs. Watching it complete is a revelation.

Not every skit in every show is a winner, but (to put it in baseball terms), it has a much higher number of home runs, batting percentage, and slugging percentage. Often, Jim Henson and crew are the "look at your watch" moments.

The Albert Brooks films were "put a gun to my head please" moments also. Even in that first season, where the show was finding itself, I see some memorable content - but a lot of disappointments. Season 1 had some really strong hosts. You also had Michael O'Donaghue ("I would like to feed your fingers to the Wolverines") doing a lot of writing. They also had some really crappy episodes, where good writing was sometimes stifled for "hey, we've never had anything like this on T.V." moments.

As classic as it is, if SNL had waited 32 years to air the "Wolverines" sketch - it would have not went over as well. As T.V. has given place to more styles of comedy, it's hard for any one show to appeal to as many people now. Someone who thinks "Family Guy" is funny - may not think "The Daily Show" is funny or vice versa. Thirty years ago, there was really only one place they could go on T.V. for these varied styles of comedy.

Again, you could make the argument that show's current quality can be applied to any era of the show.

[cut_here]

But these guys....come on, smashing the guitar at the end of the song? What originality!
I never thought my first post here would be about the Arcade Fire (yeah, you can use the "the" if you want to, it's listed as both on Funeral) and I must admit that I'm a big fan so I'm a little biased. That said, I thought the guitar smash was a little over the top too but I'm pretty sure from being familiar with the band and their thoughts about fame and the whole "rock" image that it was an ironic guitar smash. I just wish he would have done it with the mandolin after the second song though, that would have been funnier and might have conveyed the irony a little more.

Btw, they ran off the stage during the ending credits to play a rare (for SNL) 20 minute encore for the cast and crew. Taken from the USAToday popcandy blog.


We're told to remain in our seats after the credits roll for a "special event." That event turns out to be a bonus 20-minute performance by Arcade Fire for the cast and audience! Pretty much the entire cast -- Wilson, Poehler, Meyers, Sudeikis, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, guest star Rashida Jones from The Office -- races to the stage and starts to dance and sing.

An employee tells me she can't remember any band doing anything like this after a show except for U2. Audience members lucky enough to be seated on the floor grab their coats and get up. The band closes with an acoustic version of Wake Up, and most people who stuck around until 1:15 a.m. know all the words.

[jradford]

I think this thread just got off to an overly negative vibe. Overall, the show was decent. Not one of the best this year, but definitely not one of the worst.

The opening with the newstracker was great. Once Blitz "made them stop," it was so so, but the last 5 seconds of Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna!Anna! on the crawl had me in stitches.

The guys in the bar were very funny. Lame ending, but most sketches end kind of lame.

Nuni was lame. The peeper was lame, but Rainn was funny.

Weekend Update was solid. The judge was hilarious.'

Arcade Fire....hmm, well, I was looking forward to them but the sound just really doesn't work on that stage. Everything seemed so jumbled. That said, they are a huge success and many friends I know love them. I will be giving them 30-seconds at a time to convince me in a non-SNL theatre.

I forgot, THe Office sketch was perfectly done. Jim and Pam were great.

[TAsunder]

I've seen SNL exactly once this season. For that matter I've seen SNL probably no more than 30 times in its history. I don't know why you say I'm backpedaling. I can certainly like modern music without any of it being rock. I like country, bluegrass, classical, ambient, jazz... And as for Ashlee Simpson, I'm probably more of a Lisa Simpson fan.

I dunno, seems a little insincere to me to watch a show once a year, have an existing bias against an entire genre of music, then come on and say that the particular band which is on a show you watch once a year in a genre you hate "sucks".

You are certainly entitled to think they suck and I was on board with respecting your opinion but you then went on to say, effectively, everyone in that genre sucks. I don't know why you would single out the performance last night in that case. At least when simon cowell hears a country song he doesn't like, he admits that he doesn't like country so he can't judge it very well.


hmmm...

I wonder what simon cowell thinks of Arcade Fire... I bet Randy would like them.

[DUDE_NJX]

Arcade who? ;)

The arrangements were a mess, unintelligible lyrics. I didn't f. forward through their performances, hoping they'd get better, but they didn't. Still trying to get over how freaky the main guy was.

I'm not a stranger to music, being a classical and jazz musician. I agree it's a matter of taste to some, but I really suspect the love for this band is an example of the "me too!" phenomenon.

[jradford]

Arcade who? ;)
I'm not a stranger to music, being a classical and jazz musician. I agree it's a matter of taste to some, but I really suspect the love for this band is an example of the "me too!" phenomenon.
I think it would be quite unfair to the band and their fans to assume this purely from their performance on SNL.

[montag]

I'm not a stranger to music, being a classical and jazz musician. I agree it's a matter of taste to some, but I really suspect the love for this band is an example of the "me too!" phenomenon.
Me too! phenomenon? :confused:

If you're interested in growing your musical taste, get a copy of Funeral, put on some good headphones, remove all distractions, and kick back with your eyes closed. I challenge anyone not to be moved by this masterpiece.

Granted, the majority of posters on TCF have indicated that they are not whole album folks, more interested in singles and best-of's. This is an album that tells a story and must be heard from the 1st track to the end.

Enjoy.

[TAsunder]

Fairly certain it's not a "me too" since most people have not even heard of them, and they are allegedly one of the better live shows out there. But what do I know, I think Whitestripes are the de facto standard when it comes to "me too" fans.

[spikedavis]

Fairly certain it's not a "me too" since most people have not even heard of them, and they are allegedly one of the better live shows out there. But what do I know, I think Whitestripes are the de facto standard when it comes to "me too" fans.

Funny-I think that of Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera fans. I'm not sure why people like them are considered "geniuses".

[DaveBogart]

I dunno, seems a little insincere to me to watch a show once a year, have an existing bias against an entire genre of music, then come on and say that the particular band which is on a show you watch once a year in a genre you hate "sucks".

You are certainly entitled to think they suck and I was on board with respecting your opinion but you then went on to say, effectively, everyone in that genre sucks. I don't know why you would single out the performance last night in that case. At least when simon cowell hears a country song he doesn't like, he admits that he doesn't like country so he can't judge it very well.


hmmm...

I wonder what simon cowell thinks of Arcade Fire... I bet Randy would like them.Cowell's opinion matters; mine doesn't. You may think I effectively said everybody in that genre sucks, but I didn't. I'm no big fan of rock, but there have been rock performances that have held my interest. I judged this band on what I saw: Their performance on SNL. Before Saturday night I never heard of them. So my first impression was they sucked. I'm not impressed by performers I can't understand and I'm not the only one here who said they couldn't be understood. And I wasn't impresed by the guitar smashing. At the moment he did it I thought it was a cheap rip-off.

[DaveBogart]

Me too! phenomenon? :confused:

If you're interested in growing your musical taste, get a copy of Funeral, put on some good headphones, remove all distractions, and kick back with your eyes closed. I challenge anyone not to be moved by this masterpiece.

Granted, the majority of posters on TCF have indicated that they are not whole album folks, more interested in singles and best-of's. This is an album that tells a story and must be heard from the 1st track to the end.

Enjoy.I"m going to try to do just that. I'm unable to find it on usenet, though. But as soon as I do...

[montag]

I don't think the guitar smashing was planned. He broke a string about 3/4 of the way through the song. And as the reached the end of the song, his emotion got hold of him and "in the moment" he started ripping out the other strings. And then probably due to emotion and half hearted making fun of himself he smashed the guitar.

If you didn't know the band or the lead singer, then you would'nt realize that he "really" gets into his music and performance. At times he seems to be in a trance.

[spikedavis]

I don't think the guitar smashing was planned. He broke a string about 3/4 of the way through the song. And as the reached the end of the song, his emotion got hold of him and "in the moment" he started ripping out the other strings. And then probably due to emotion and half hearted making fun of himself he smashed the guitar.

If you didn't know the band or the lead singer, then you would'nt realize that he "really" gets into his music and performance. At times he seems to be in a trance.

Yeah the whole thing wastongue-in-cheek and improvised. I'm sure he realizes he doesn't front The Clash. :D

[mattack]

And add me to the "I hate the Nooni sketches" crowd. Those just aren't funny. If you're gonna do a Mya/Fred sketch, stick with The Prince Show.

This thread shows how opinions differ.

I'd say that The Prince Show is _definitely_ far more boring (fast-forward-worthy) than the Nooni sketches.. but even the Prince Show isn't as bad as that sketch about the female designer (the sister of the guy who was murdered ~10-15 years ago).

But if all three of the sketches were to disappear, that'd be good.

[mattack]

Someone who thinks "Family Guy" is funny - may not think "The Daily Show" is funny or vice versa. Thirty years ago, there was really only one place they could go on T.V. for these varied styles of comedy.

I think that Family Guy & The Daily Show are both hilarious... and South Park's rant against the Family Guy was funny/valid too.. (something like "it's just a bunch of random jokes stitched together.")

[TAsunder]

Cowell's opinion matters; mine doesn't. You may think I effectively said everybody in that genre sucks, but I didn't. I'm no big fan of rock, but there have been rock performances that have held my interest. I judged this band on what I saw: Their performance on SNL. Before Saturday night I never heard of them. So my first impression was they sucked. I'm not impressed by performers I can't understand and I'm not the only one here who said they couldn't be understood. And I wasn't impresed by the guitar smashing. At the moment he did it I thought it was a cheap rip-off.

OK, I'm back to thinking your opinion is rational! But for future reference, don't listen to any band for the first time on SNL because, aside from SOME (not most) rap, lyrics are entirely unintelligible for the most part. I think Paul Simon could be understood, but that's about all from recent memory. Except the lip syncher.

I agree with the poster above about the broken string, but I also wonder whether he didn't intentionally break the string instead.

[jradford]

I'm not a stranger to music, being a classical and jazz musician. I agree it's a matter of taste to some, but I really suspect the love for this band is an example of the "me too!" phenomenon.
I decided to give the SNL performances another shot tonight, and I've got to say I really enjoyed them quite a bit more the 2nd time around. It helped that after watchign them on Saturday night and finding them very underwhelming, I went and listened to some of the songs on Youtube. The vocals really are terrible on SNL, but the feeling in the songs came through a lot more for me.

If you want to call that a "me, too!" reaction, go ahead. I guess I'm guilty of not being in High School anymore, also, where it's "more cool" to find the "cool" band "uncool." :rolleyes:

[busyba]

Oh please. Give it up. Would you call the Beatles "sucky". How about John Coltrane?
Only a shill with 8 out of his 9 posts dedicated to touting The [sic] Arcade Fire would compare them to the Beatles.

[Kablemodem]

I think the Arcade Fire is more like Jesus than the Beatles.

[DaveBogart]

I think the Arcade Fire is more like Jesus than the Beatles.I don't ever recall ever hearing the Beatles claim to be a Christian group so I don't know why you're making that comparison. But Arcade Fire is a Christian group? I didn't get that impression from SNL. Is Neon Bible a song of praise?

[madscientist]

I don't ever recall ever hearing the Beatles claim to be a Christian group so I don't know why you're making that comparison. But Arcade Fire is a Christian group? I didn't get that impression from SNL. Is Neon Bible a song of praise?Heh. I think he's making a joke here (pretty good one; I LOL'd!)

Don't you remember when John Lennon said that the Beatles meant more to some kids than Jesus did, and there was a huge uproar and people burned Beatles CD's etc. etc.?

Oh, for those younger, more innocent times! Waitaminit... well, we still have Natalie Maines!

[DaveBogart]

Heh. I think he's making a joke here (pretty good one; I LOL'd!)

Don't you remember when John Lennon said that the Beatles meant more to some kids than Jesus did, and there was a huge uproar and people burned Beatles CD's etc. etc.?I remember John Lennon claiming the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, but that's not the same as saying they're like Christ. To be like Christ is to be Christian and that wasn't what Lennon was saying. For Kablemodem's joke to work he would have had to say, "I think the Arcade Fire is more popular than Jesus than the Beatles said they were."

[madscientist]

I remember John Lennon claiming the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, but that's not the same as saying they're like Christ. To be like Christ is to be Christian and that wasn't what Lennon was saying. For Kablemodem's joke to work he would have had to say, "I think the Arcade Fire is more popular than Jesus than the Beatles said they were."Oh ... :(

I guess I shouldn't have laughed, then, since obviously he didn't say the joke right. Stupid scientist! Stupid stupid stupid!!





:rolleyes: ;)

[HoldenBanky]

I hate to go off topic in this sucky music thread, but I liked the Pulp Fiction-y four guys around the table and then rob the place and also the aforementioned monlogue, otherwise most of the skit were FFed over quickly.

[Kablemodem]

Dave, are you okay? You seem to be super curmudgeony.

[DaveBogart]

Dave, are you okay? You seem to be super curmudgeony.That should indicate that I'm more than just okay. I'm great!

[busyba]

I think the Arcade Fire is more like Jesus than the Beatles.
I know I'd rather hammer spikes through my palms than listen to Arcade Fire again... does that count?

[Kablemodem]

Yes, it does. I saw Arcade Fire in concert* a couple of years ago and they were pretty good.

*It was a summer festival and AF was one of the acts.

[spikedavis]

Yes, it does. I saw Arcade Fire in concert* a couple of years ago and they were pretty good.

*It was a summer festival and AF was one of the acts.

I'm going to see them later this year. I haven't been to a concert in years and they are the only bad that I would want to see perfrom live.

[JLucPicard]

I'm going to see them later this year. I haven't been to a concert in years and they are the only bad that I would want to see perfrom live.
Freudian slip?

[old7]

Freudian slip?

lol, I was thinking the same thing. :)

[YCantAngieRead]

That should indicate that I'm more than just okay. I'm great!
Dave Bogart: Now with more Curmudeonness! :)