Idaho Music - Message Board

a piece of the puzzle

RE: Year After Year | from RossAug 23 2004 - 10:30

I'd have to agree with Alex. I just don't think you can spend too much time working on really sad or dark stuff, because you inevitably get yourself stuck there... It's a question of range. Jeff is too much of an intelligent and creative songwriter to stick to the same recepie for 20 years.

IDAHO is not like AC/DC.(Newsflash)

I'm also a big believer in putting sad/darker lyrics to slightly more uplifting music. Musically speaking, that's what I prefer with later IDAHO albums. Alas has some of the weirdest instrumentation and soothing melodies of any IDAHO album, and yet the lyrics are some of Jeff's most devastating.

RE: Year After Year | from Alex NiedtAug 18 2004 - 07:50

As someone who used to write dark music, I think musical maturation IS a big part of it. I used to think that was a preposterous idea, but...

RE: Year After Year | from FentonAug 18 2004 - 07:21

I've always favored Year After Year for its somber feel, and because the Palms was my first Idaho experience. Interesting observation- both Idaho and RHP seem to have lightened up in musical mood as time moves on- do you think that is age (of the artists) or times (eras)themselves? Down Colorful Hill is exquisitely dark, though rollercoaster and bridge are close seconds. I'm not referring to musical maturation, but simply mood...ther's a definite dark mood on Year after Year...I also think it has a lot to do with John Berry's influence. YAY is the only album we have that he co-wrote with Jeff, except for some of the older stuff on WWYANTM.

RE: Year After Year | from Sam SAug 17 2004 - 20:34

I think it's cool to listen to Idaho albums in sequence from Year After Year (actually, starting at Palms followed by YAY) through 3S and the Bayonet EP. It's the emotional equivalent of going through the seasons.

RE: Year After Year | from Glen PonderJul 09 2004 - 09:04

You don't have to be in a dark place to love dark music. I have a great life and lots of fun but listen almost exclusively to slow/sad music. I guess it taps into my inner misery guts...

RE: Year After Year | from CodreanuJul 08 2004 - 16:51

Hmmm...it's probably better if she does not. My other imaginary women can be quite possesive at times...

RE: Year After Year | from Alex NiedtJul 08 2004 - 14:31

She doesn't exist, so I guess she can have an older sister if you'd like.

RE: Year After Year | from CodreanuJul 08 2004 - 14:12

Who is she, Alex? And does she have an older sister?

RE: Year After Year | from Alex NiedtJul 08 2004 - 13:54

You're exactly right. : )

RE: Year After Year | from anonymous drifterJul 08 2004 - 11:38

at the time i typed this, i was in a very dark mood and listening to year after year.

perhaps if you can't find the mood for this one any longer, Alex, it means you don't have too many dark days, which is a very good thing.

RE: Year After Year | from David T.Jul 08 2004 - 11:10

I enjoy those sounds, but I think if Jeff returned to them it would be a step in the wrong direction.

RE: Year After Year | from David T.Jul 08 2004 - 11:10

I should have probably said backwards rather than the wrong direction.

RE: Year After Year | from deanJul 08 2004 - 00:56

Me too. it's still my fave. i miss the heaviness in later recordings. And the feedback squall...

RE: Year After Year | from ckJul 07 2004 - 11:53

It's my favorite in many ways, though I could make a case for any Idaho recording. There's just something about the mood (heavier guitar?) of the record and Jeff's lyrics that make it consistently interesting. It's a dark record, and that appeals to me.

RE: Year After Year | from Alex NiedtJul 07 2004 - 11:46

I can't seem to find the mood for this album; it's the only Idaho CD I truly never listen to anymore. No offense, Jeff. Not that you care...

a piece of the puzzle | from anonymous drifterJul 05 2004 - 21:00

there is an idaho album for every mood, i find.