AOH :: SCRM163.TXT
Screaming In Digital 163 (Queensryche Fanzine)
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Volume 163 - 31Oct94 | ***
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_________________________________________________________________
Editor's Note
Hi, everyone! Happy Halloween, for those young enough to beg for candy
- or old enough to give it out. Promised Land should be pretty
universally available by now. I'd especially like to find out whether
it's available as a domestic release or import in countries where
there are few Screaming in Digital readers - Austria, The Bahamas,
Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Egypt, Guam, Mexico, Poland, and Singapore,
especially. If you're in one of those countries and have found it, let
us know!
The media coverage appears to be picking up - and this issue of the
digest is no exception. It's huge - I've been editing it for days,
literally. Of course, creating it as an HTML document does take a bit
more time, but I like the end results.
The survey responses continue to come in - so far, more than 500 of
you have replied. Of course, with more than 1,600 out there, that's
still less than one-third. If you've received the survey and haven't
sent your responses yet, please take the time to do so. If for some
reason you didn't receive it, drop me a line and I'll send you a copy.
And to those who have already answered, a big thank-you.
I did manage to get in touch with EMI this week, but my contacts in
the New York office didn't know when the Rockline radio show featuring
Queensryche is scheduled to air - they haven't heard yet either.
_________________________________________________________________
Contents
Aardschok Interview - Gerhard
Metal Edge Interview - Dave
Australian Release - John
Australian Release - Darren
Singles - John
Next Single - Charles
Chris on Drugs - Eddie
Yet Another Review - Brandon
Bonus Tracks - Tim
Promised Land Length
Clicker - Dan
Clicker - Stephen
Damaged - Terry
Geoff Tate and James Kirk
Awake in the Promised Land - Kevin
Heavy Equals Good? - Loula
Pink Floyd Comparisons
Disconnected - Brad
Deja Vu - Jayson
Rockline Info? - Don
Geoff's Smoking - Diana
Song Index on Empire - Cameron
I Am I Video
London Concert - Charles
Queensryche Jewelry? - Tom
B-side - Stephen
Anybody Listening? B-side - Mike
BBS for Queensryche Fans - Don
Keychains? - Matt
Promised Land and Rage for Order
Promised Land Impressions - Melissa
Promised Land Impressions - Amy
Promised Land Impressions - Dan
Promised Land Impressions - Patrick
Promised Land Impressions - Marko
Impressions of Promised Land - Paul
Promised Land Impressions - Don
Promised Land - Matt
Promised Land - Cameron
Promised Land Impressions - David
Voices in Lady Jane - Missy
Voices in Lady Jane - Andrew
Meaning of Lady Jane
Sister Mary Awake - Andrew
Video Bootlegs - Lane
Poster Available - Markus
Memorabilia Wanted - Don
Sticker Postcards - David
_________________________________________________________________
News & Reviews
Aardschok Interview - Gerhard (gerhard@medeia.jason.nl)
The Dutch metal magazine Aardschok had a 4-page interview with the
guys because of the Promised Land release. There were two interesting
points:
The Japanese release will feature two extra tracks - Real World and an
extended version of Someone Else?, with Scott playing piano, I think.
The CD-ROM will be out in February of 1995, and will contain a
21-minute interactive documentary video, and a game in which each band
member has built his own world, which will be good for over 80 hours
of play. In one of the worlds, you start out with nothing but a
sailboat and a compass.
I'll bet that one's Geoff's world. -sh
Metal Edge Interview - Dave (dwb4025@acs.tamu.edu)
The new Metal Edge magazine has a nice interview with Geoff and Chris
about the new album, it's about 5 pages long.
Australian Release - John (jlb@tpg.tpg.oz.au)
Promised Land hasn't been scheduled for release in Australia yet, I've
been told the earliest it's likely to get an official release here is
early 1995. I think someone at EMI has made a big mistake! I know of
at least one shop in Melbourne taking orders and importing US and UK
pressings of the CD (my US pressing is due this week ;) - they've
already sold out 3 shipments, so next year when they finally do
release it, most fans will already have a copy and it will look like
it's flopped.
Queensryche are pretty much an underground band in Australia - lots of
people like 'em, but lots more haven't heard of 'em. Metallica used to
be like this too, and look at them now, so there's still hope that one
day we'll see Queensryche down here :)
I heard a rumor that Savatage may be supporting Queensryche, anyone
got any info on that? That's a show I'd consider flying to the states
to see!
Australian Release - Darren (sutton@eodsa.mrl.dsto.gov.au)
I spoke to EMI Australia the day before the US release, and they told
me the 28th was the present Australian release date. Why don't people
just call their local rep and ask? The people at the company were very
nice, even when I complained about having to wait 10 days longer than
people in the US and even longer than the Europeans. Anyway, the album
is already available here as an import.
Maybe not everyone knows who their local rep is? -sh
Singles - John (jfp@tardis.svsu.edu)
According to the latest issue of Goldmine, two new CD-singles were to
be released on October 24 - a regular single and a "limited edition"
single. I'm not sure what the track listings are at this time. Also,
the Japanese version of Promised Land has two more tracks than the
American version. These might be on upcoming singles.
Next Single - Charles (crenner@umr.edu)
It looks like the next single from Promised Land is Out Of Mind. I
heard it on the radio tonight on a station that doesn't usually play a
song unless it's released as a single. You'd think I'd know for sure,
since I work at a radio station, but I've found EMI to be less than
perfectly organized when it comes to distribution.
Chris on Drugs - Eddie (edju@chaph.usc.edu)
In an interview in the December 1994 issue of Guitar for the
Practicing Musician, Chris DeGarmo admitted that he smoked pot while
recording Disconnected, saying, "I smoked a lot of pot. All that weird
stuff on Disconnected is first-take, totally stoned stuff. I'm not
going to say, 'Oh my gosh, I shouldn't say that!' and I'm not going to
say, 'Oh yes, you should do that, too.' But for me, at a certain,
given point in the (songwriting) process, that's the head-space I
wanted to be in to be able to let go."
The picture of Geoff in the magazine looked well-cut - shorter than
the Empire years - but definitely not shaved off like we saw him on
Headbangers' Ball. Guess he shaved his head just for MTV, huh?
Yet Another Review - Brandon - (blcampbe@sdcc13.ucsd.edu)
After four long years of waiting, like everyone else I wanted to love
this album. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. This album is a
mixed bag. I think the people who have submitted material claiming
that this album is harder and darker than others are wrong, nothing
will top Mindcrime in that respect. However, I do agree with those who
enjoy the greater complexity of the songs on Promised Land.
The songs on Promised Land show that the band has reached a new level
of musicianship. The sampling and the layers of music and goings on
add a richness to their music never seen in other albums. The title
track is an excellent example of this.
However, like many others, I'm a Mindcrime fan. Everything they ever
do will be held up to that masterpiece that fell from the heavens. It
essentially was a modern day Greek tragedy that, as Aristotle would
say, allowed the audience an emotional catharsis. Combined with its
hard metal edge, this gave it an intensity that was incredible.
Promised Land, and Empire to a lesser extent, lack that hard metal
edge that made listening so intense. I was afraid their songs on
Promised Land would mellow, possibly owing to the success of Silent
Lucidity. Their focus on personal turmoil leaves me with one thought:
the new album is "Queensryche meets mid life crisis."
A friend of mine commented that if they used some of the elements they
used on Promised Land to make Mindcrime today, it would be even
better. I agree, that's why my heart fluttered when someone wrote that
Nikki might make a comeback. Oh, and it wasn't worth a four year wait
for this album. That's torture for a devoted fan, I'm selfish :) Of
course, I'd wait 20 years for Mindcrime II!
Bonus Tracks - Tim (tswadzinski@amoco.com)
I saw in an import CD catalog that the Japanese deluxe set of Promised
Land has two more tracks than the North American release. Does anyone
know what these songs are? I'd like to trade for copies, so please
e-mail me if you're interested.
_________________________________________________________________
Comments & Questions
Promised Land Length - (rycherox@aol.com)
Queensryche has never been a band to waste time with the expression of
their ideas. They've gotten to the point, expressed it to the best of
their ability and moved on. Groups like Dream Theater and Fates
Warning incorporate broad, sweeping passages in their material, that
being an essential part of their makeup. That just isn't Queensryche's
style.
Clicker - Dan (maloney9146@fredonia.edu)
Shag's statement that a click track is used to sync audio and video is
wrong. Audio and video devices are synced together using time code
(SMPTE, MIDI, etc.) A click track is more like a metronome, providing
the artist with a steady beat.
I sit corrected! -sh
Clicker - Stephen (nrm2147@dsacrgw.dsac.dla.mil)
Just for the record the "clicker" mentioned in the last issue is
called a metronome, and yes it is pretty common, I certainly wouldn't
consider it a discredit to any drummer who uses it.
Damaged - Terry (terryj@sfu.ca)
Doesn't Damaged sound an awful lot like a Dream Theater song? I mean,
really similar? In fact, can't you sort of sing parts of Pull Me Under
during Damaged, like you can sing Empty Spaces during that song on
Mindcrime? :)
If Queensryche decided to borrow from a band that borrows so heavily
from them, I guess that's justified.
You can sing parts of any song during any other song. Usually,
it sounds pretty horrible. -sh
Geoff Tate and James Kirk - (rycherox@aol.com)
The thought of comparing Geoff's vocals on Disconnected to a Captain
Kirk impression never occurred to me until I read about it here. I
have this image of William Shatner dressed in the denim jacket Geoff
wore during the Building Empires tour, singing that song and Suite
Sister Mary as well. Any chance of William Shatner starring in a
Mindcrime movie?
Maybe, but Spock would have to handle the singing. -sh
Awake in the Promised Land - Kevin (laferrie@bashfull.usmcs.maine.edu)
Here's a few similarities between Awake and Promised Land:
1. They both begin with time titles - 6:00 and 9:28 AM.
2. They both have 11 tracks.
3. They are both about looking at yourself, and seeing where you are.
Coincidence?
Heavy Equals Good? - Loula (lburton@beta.centenary.edu)
I read the 700 reviews of Promised Land in the last digest and found
myself wondering why the fact that it isn't metal makes it weaker in
some people's opinions. Heavy equals good? I've never liked
Queensryche because it's metal, in fact they're one of my three
musical obsessions and nothing else I listen to is really in the metal
category. It's just good, dammit, and the lack of screaming guitar
doesn't make this album weaker - or even stronger for that matter,
that's not what they're about. And by the way Michael Wilton looks
pretty darn good for someone who's "mellowing out in his old age." ;)
Pink Floyd Comparisons - (rycherox@aol.com)
It's easily apparent that Queensryche and Pink Floyd have much in
common, especially the material on Promised Land. The focus for the
comparison on this release is the title track, with a saxophone part
and crowd noise at the end that bring to mind the work contained in
the Wish You Were Here album by Pink Floyd. Both groups also use
multimedia to convey their ideas in concert and share the gift of
excellent and out-of-the-ordinary musical output. There's no question
who took what from who, but if that disturbs some people then they may
want to consider the idea that music is a beast that feeds upon
itself, taking the work of earlier artists and using it as the
inspiration for the current outcrop of material, which in time will be
used by future artists.
Disconnected - Brad (bshantz@spry.com)
The more I listen to Disconnected, the more I really look forward to
seeing it live. The bass line and beat really would be technically
perfect for quite a light show. Boy, I'd love to do the lights for
that.
Deja Vu - Jayson (pink@engin.umich.edu)
It seems that many people are noticing how certain songs on Promised
Land sound vaguely like others. Has anyone noticed a slight
resemblance between Someone Else? and Lost Reflection by Crimson
Glory? Mainly it's the "someone else not me" line that reminds me of
Crimson Glory's "I'm not pretending, no not me." Also, both songs have
intense emotional vocals overtop a very simple, straightforward
rhythm.
I also think that the Rage for Order comparisons are a little
overdone. The only parts they have in common are the mutiple vocal
overdubs and high production. Style-wise, they couldn't be more
different. Rage has the heavy, driving metallic sound of progmetal,
while Promised Land has more of a musically driven, but softer feel to
it, more like progrock. I know, lousy distinctions, but labels are
difficult at the best of times. Does it really matter what it is
called when it is this good?
Rockline Info? - Don (blitzer@wybbs.mi.org)
If anyone has any further info on the upcoming Rockline appearance, it
would be appreciated.
Geoff's Smoking - Diana (balance23@aol.com)
When I met Geoff, one of the things I asked him about was his smoking
- as he was taking a cigarette from me. He said that he tries to quit
every day, and he knows that it's not good for his voice, but he
hasn't managed to quit yet. Spoken like a true addict.
Song Index on Empire - Cameron (camshaft@werple.apana.org.au)
On the cover of Empire, does anyone know why the track numbers for
Best I Can and Resistance are in circles, while the numbers for the
other tracks are surrounded by diamonds?
I Am I Video - (rycherox@aol.com)
The I Am I video seems to be getting a bum rap. True, it's a little
rough on the senses and isn't the most elaborate of videos, but it's
no worse than some of the stuff being crammed down the public's
throats by eMpTyV. And if video content determined rotation, that
particular music channel would have lots of blank space during the
course of the programming day.
_________________________________________________________________
Tours & Shows
London Concert - Charles (plxcep@vax.ccc.nottingham.ac.uk)
The one-off show at London's Astoria theatre sold-out within hours of
the date being announced. The venue was packed with Queensryche fans
who had been waiting 3 years for their favorite band to return. At
9.30pm the wait was over, the band took to the stage amid thunderous
applause.
Geoff greeted us with a "hello everyone," and we were plunged into the
opening song - Empire. This may sound like a weird opener, but it was
welcomed by all 3000 present. The dying chords of Empire gave way to
the Scott Rockenfield driven Anarchy-X, which naturally segued into
Revolution Calling. The crowd were up to full speed now, and the
band looked like they were enjoying playing live again. Geoff
announced the show was being recorded, but he didn't elaborate. I
guess parts of the show may appear on future single releases.
Damaged was the first new song to be performed, and it sounded
awesome. Its one of my favorites from the new album, and it could
become a concert highlight. Next up was Promised Land, which features
Geoff on saxophone and some superb drum work from Scott. This song
works well live, but unfortunately Disconnected, which followed,
didn't! Hopefully it will improve as the tour progresses. The
inevitable acoustic part of the show followed, with The Killing Words
and Della Brown both being performed in a re-arranged form. Bridge was
the final new song to be aired, and it sounded brilliant. Great guitar
work from Chris, and Geoff's vocals were perfect. Silent Lucidity
finished off the ramble through MTV's unplugged territory, and the
band were immediately bombarded with requests to "turn it up."
They obliged with The Lady Wore Black, much to the crowd's approval.
My Empty Room followed and featured Scott on the bongos. The band
then moved straight into Real World from the Last Action Hero
soundtrack, and closed the show with some more Mindcrime, namely I
Don't Believe in Love and Eyes of a Stranger.
The 90-minute set was shorter than we've come to expect from
Queensryche, but this was an impromptu concert, after all. Geoff
announced the band will return to the UK for a full show in Febuary or
March of next year. I can't wait!
For all you Scott Rockenfield fans out there, he was playing a smaller
kit than usual. I think it was a basic 7 piece with only one bass
drum, which offered a great view of the man at work.
_________________________________________________________________
Info & Resources
Queensryche Jewelry? - Tom (thavey@hpbsfc30.boi.hp.com)
I'd like to get a necklace or earrings of Queensryche's tri-ryche
symbol. Does anyone know where or how I could get such jewelry for my
wife for Christmas?
I believe the merchandise offered by the Fan Club includes some
jewelry items. Contact them quickly, though, to leave time for
delivery. Their address is on the title page of the digest. -sh
B-side - Stephen (nrm2147@dsacrgw.dsac.dla.mil)
At the premiere party for the new album, one of the guys mentioned
that there would be a non-LP B-side on the second single. I can't
remember the title though.
Anybody Listening? B-side - Mike (thorpjm@mail.auburn.edu)
Does anyone have the single for Anybody Listening? I know the band
does a cover of a Simon and Garfunkel song on the B-side. Does anyone
know the name of the tune?
That'd be Scarborough Fair. -sh
BBS for Queensryche Fans - Don (blitzer@wybbs.mi.org)
For Queensryche fans who BBS, I run a Fire and Ice, a bulletin board
system in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The system hosts RycheNet, a BBS net
about Queensryche. The number is (616)887-2732, and the system is
available 24 hours.
Keychains? - Matt (matte@habu.gvg.tek.com)
Does anyone know anything else about the free keychain mentioned in
the last issue? Was it an EMI thing? I bought my CD on the 18th, and
didn't get any keychain!
I didn't get one either. -sh
_________________________________________________________________
Discussion
Promised Land and Rage for Order - (rycherox@aol.com)
Some readers seem offended by the comparisons being drawn between Rage
for Order and Promised Land. I don't think the implication is that
Promised Land is a carbon copy of Rage, just that they are both
surreal, atmospheric works with loads of sampling and various blurbs
contained within them. Promised Land isn't a step back for the band;
it's a step in - into the minds of the artists and the hopes and
dreams both fulfilled and smashed.
Promised Land Impressions - Melissa (ruffo@pasta.enet.dec.com)
Has anyone picked up on the line in Damaged that goes, "Mother Mary in
control, domineering stranglehold?" As soon as I heard it, I thought
of Mary in Mindcrime and her supposedly being strangled with rosary
beads. Do you think that it was a conscious reference to Mindcrime or
it's a coincidence? Quick! Someone ask the band! :)
Also, when I first heard I Am I, the Queensryche song that it
instantly reminded me of was Last Time In Paris, especially at the
beginning. Anyone else have this thought?
Finally, while I think Bridge isn't too bad, I can't help but roll my
eyes when Geoff throws in the "dad" at the end of some lines. A little
too reminiscent of Harry Chapin's Cats In The Cradle, don't you think?
All in all, a good album. Not exactly what I expected, but if it was
possible to wear grooves into it, I'd need a new one by now. :)
Promised Land Impressions - Amy (cottrell@virtu.sar.usf.edu)
Well, I guess I'll add my two cents to the discussion about "Promised
Land". I have to admit that this album is great. It's also very
addictive. I'll put it on with the intention of just listening to one
or two songs, but end up listening to the whole damn thing! And the
band certainly reveals their genius in the details and subtle irony
that grace this album. Like how Disconnected is connected to Promised
Land and Lady Jane (maybe I'm reading too much into that). And listen
to the subtle guitar duel during the verses in My Global Mind.
On a different note, Shag's complaining about how a song involving
children and drugs is too "sinister"? How about the song that involves
raping a nun on an altar after killing a priest? Or the one that
basically amounts to saying support your local police? Let's face it,
Queensryche has a lot of sinister songs. Isn't that why we like 'em?
Promised Land Impressions - Dan (vilkata@iastate.edu)
I, too, got the album the day it was released. It looks like the most
talked-about song for now is going to be Lady Jane. I turned it on to
check for the whispering a couple people mentioned. Just sounds like
"Wait for me to play" or something like that.
It's kind of funny - my favorite tracks from Empire were Silent
Lucidity and Anybody Listening, tracks 8 and 11. Now Promised Land
also has 11 tracks, and my favorites are 8 and 11, and track 11 of
each album is a two-word question. Maybe it means something - nah,
it's just easier to remember how to program the CD player.
Overall, I liked the whole album. I really liked the opening and the
way it cut into I Am I. This really really sounds awesome in surround
sound. If you can hear it in surround sound, do it. If you can make it
to Ames, Iowa, you can come visit and hear it on mine. It almost seems
to me like they were just starting to experiment with surround sound
on Empire, and it sounded okay, but now they're really mastering it.
People discussed the Headbangers' Ball appearance, which I saw. I do
think the goatee looks good on Geoff, but I liked the long hair
better. Something else they mentioned on Headbangers' Ball about the
cover art was the head inside the cover with the nail in it. One of
them - Geoff, I think - said it symbolized a way of getting inside
one's head. I like it.
I will be scanning the totem pole as soon as our lab gets the scanner
back, it's being worked on. It's an Apple ColorOne scanner, which
means I'll be able to do a very good scan with it. I can send it to
Shag for the FTP site.
Promised Land Impressions - Patrick (peinhebe@polaris.unm.edu)
I love the new album. It doesn't remind me too much of Rage for Order,
but certain tracks such as Promised Land remind me quite a lot of
Warning. The anguished screams are quite similar.
I was wondering if anyone had really delved into the theme of this
album yet and was trying to make sense of some of the lyrics. One
question that strikes me first off is why the song titled I Am I? For
you non-religious types, this is traditionally a name of the Christian
God. Of course it is not literally I Am I in most translations of the
Bible, but it is the same concept. Does this have something to do with
the singer meeting God after his death? If so, how do the lyrics
reflect this?
Also of interest are the lyrics of Damaged: "Mother Mary in control,
domineering stranglehold sowing destructive seeds for the scavengers
to feed." What does this mean or symbolize? What is the damage?
This album definitely has some deep concepts that need to be explored.
Promised Land Impressions - Marko (marko.lemieux@der.edf.fr)
As a composer, I rely on my deep feelings to savor a musical product.
I must admit that I am extremely demanding, and concept albums are
often the ones that best fill my need for passionate melodies,
extremely detailed music and atmospheres, and meaningful lyrics.
I've known Queensryche since the very beginning, and they never failed
to satisfy me, along with other bands from different cultural
backgrounds such as Frankie Goes To Hollywood (Welcome to the Pleasure
Dome) and Marillion (Misplaced Childhood). Queensryche never failed
before Promised Land - my eyes stay dry, my emotions start sleeping,
my mouth keeps yawning. This album cannot make it to my heart and
inner feelings.
What's the release date of their next album?
Impressions of Promised Land - Paul (raistlin@expert.cc.purdue.edu)
I picked up Promised Land the morning it came out, but I wanted to
refrain from commenting until it had settled in for a few weeks. I was
disappointed that it was so short, but perhaps that was because the
album was also released on vinyl. I was very impressed with the songs,
especially Damaged, Promised Land, Lady Jane, and One More Time.
Bridge was a bit of a disappointment, because it was so one-sided.
It seemed to say that the relationship between Chris and his father
could not be mended, and that he was unwilling to even try.
Disconnected turned me off at first, but it has begun to grow on me.
My first overall impression is that the album was not nearly as dark
as it was said to be, or heavy as I would have liked it. Perhaps this
is a reflection of how dark I can be, because when I played the album
for some friends that like Queensryche, but are not fans to the extent
that I am a fan. They were surprised how heavy and dark it was, and
they were more surprised when they learned that I am I was the first
single.
Overall, it reminds me a little of Rage and the best parts of Empire,
but little of Mindcrime. The style also reminds me of Pink Floyd in
spots, and of some of the tracks off the last Iron Maiden album,
without all of the triplets. In the faster tracks, Metallica comes to
mind, and in some of the slower tracks, especially Out of Mind, I am
reminded of Savatage. I am also reminded of some of the slower ballads
that Testament has done. The rich layering of music will make it
enjoyable for me for a long time, and the album will find itself just
a notch down from Mindcrime in my library.
Promised Land Impressions - Don (blitzer@wybbs.mi.org)
Promised Land is one of the best Queensryche CD's available. I
personally love Bridge and Promised Land. Bridge has a Silent Lucidity
type of effect, and Promised Land reminds me of Empire.
Promised Land - Matt (mattm@sumac.digex.net)
I guess it's a little late at this point, but I wanted to give it some
more time before posting a review/my opinions of Promised Land. It's
definitely an album that grows on you over time; I find it much better
each time I listen to it. I think it ranks almost up there with
Mindcrime as their best work yet.
As far as the songs go, my favorite has to be Someone Else? I think
it's Geoff's best vocal work yet, and is some of the best vocal work
I've ever heard, from any vocalist. Coming in at a close second for me
is Lady Jane. It's a very powerful ballad with deep, sinister music
and imagery, that paints a fairly vivid picture for me. Also great on
this album are Bridge, One More Time, and My Global Mind. I personally
found Disconnected and Promised Land to be slightly lesser in overall
quality than the rest of the album, but they're also growing on me.
The only song I found almost boring is Out of Mind. It just doesn't
seem to flow like the rest of the album, in my opinion.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what other songs will be released as
singles? It's pretty clear that Lady Jane and Someone Else? could
easily be hits if released, and I also think that My Global Mind could
be popular.
Promised Land - Cameron (camshaft@werple.apana.org.au)
I managed to get my copy of Promised Land in a longbox from the States
- thanks to Noteworthy Music - and have been playing it endlessly!
Tracks that I really like are Damaged, Disconnected and Someone Else?.
I quite like the distortion that Eddie has given his bass, especially
at the beginning of Damaged.
I was disappointed with Geoff's vocals on Empire, especially since he
used very little of the range he displayed on Operation: Mindcrime and
Rage for Order. I am very thankful that Geoff's voice in back in full
glory. Needless to say, Promised Land is a great album, and easily
ranks up there with the best of their previous stuff.
Promised Land Impressions - David (dgood@pomona.claremont.edu)
I was rather unimpressed with Promised Land at first, especially with
the length, but the songs are growing on me, particularly Lady Jane
and Bridge. I Am I is good - I definitely agree with the "Rage meets
Last Time in Paris" assessment. Damaged is my favorite on the album,
except the bridge which, as someone has mentioned, is a dead ringer
for Metallica's Wherever I May Roam.
Bridge kind of annoys me - it's such a bitter song. I understand Chris
harbors some resentment towards his father, but this is so bitter, so
one-sided, it's almost unfair. I know he's just pouring out his
emotions, that's what music is for. I just think he could have done a
better job making his case/expressing himself. The song is great,
musically.
I am hoping Promised Land will grow on me, but so far, I don't care
for at all. Disconnected started out as one of my favorites, but is
falling. I like the artisticness of it, but its listening appeal is
wearing out its welcome. Lady Jane has really grown on me, and is
probably my second favorite behind Damaged. Someone Else? is kind of
like Eyes of a Stranger put to piano. Not that that's bad - not
recognizing who I am happens to me every time I look in the mirror at
6 AM, which is as rarely as possible.
All in all, the album is so diverse that it has many ups and downs.
Some songs I love, some I hate, some I am indifferent to. This is more
widely varying in that sense than any album I think I own. It's
definitely not very accessible, takes some effort, but it's worth it.
I agree with the assessment that they will not probably increase their
fan base significantly and may lose fans. If you haven't bought it
yet, check out the used bins fairly soon to find copies sold by fans
who didn't get what they expected. While a few of the songs are among
my favorites by Queensryche, the album itself is behind Mindcrime and
Empire in the album rankings.
_________________________________________________________________
Interpretation
Voices in Lady Jane - Missy (evans_d@wvlink.mpl.com)
After playing with my graphic equalizer and a pair of headphones for
15 minutes trying to decipher the childrens chants and the faint
whisper into the left channel at the beginning of Lady Jane, here's
what I have to offer: "Rainy Janie - Runs away - Says she'll play
another day" with the whisper "With me today" replacing "another day"
on the last time through the chant. Any other ideas?
The chant creates an image of Janie, a quiet, withdrawn, little girl,
who plays to herself. The taunting of the "other girls" haunts her,
pronouncing her difference from the rest of society. Jane reflects,
realizing that the game now is to understand her experiences. The
voice that speaks to her is conceivably a voice that has been with her
since childhood - her thoughts, her understanding. The scary ride she
embarks on is the internal process she undertakes. The whole song
seems to be about this ride. As she begins to hammer down the
"internal barriers" Chris was talking about, the music heightens - as
does her perceptions. Thus, the "sensory perception peaking at this
time" does not seem to me to be about a drug-induced state, but
rather, a sudden grasp of understanding. It is "Janie" who experiences
this state, and it's almost as if Jane has placed herself back at that
time in her life, to come to terms with what happened to her. Her
widened eyes reflect the shock of what she comes to understand about
the world around her. The song ends with a wave to Janie. Remember
Flatliners? ;)
Voices in Lady Jane - Andrew (st92jwlc@duvm.bitnet)
I too have heard the whispering before Lady Jane, and it sounds to me
like the voice is repeating whatever the children are chanting. I
can't figure out what they are saying there. It sounds like "Lady
Jane, Lady Jane, says she'll play with anything," but I know that's
not it. Any help would be appreciated!
Does anyone besides me hear something at the beginning of Promised
Land that sounds like a voice over a CB or a telephone? I'm just
wondering if I was hearing things. Anyone know what it says?
Meaning of Lady Jane - (rycherox@aol.com)
The discussion of the meaning of Lady Jane has taken a turn with the
implication of child abuse/molestation. While the topic is a sensitive
and pressing issue in society and would fit in with the other topics
on the new disc, I would be very surprised to learn that was the
meaning behind the song. They just don't seem to be the kind of people
who would take that kind of angle. Instead I'll have to go with the
ideas that Jane is either on a drug trip or is one of the countless
people in the world with multiple personalities.
Sister Mary Awake - Andrew (as459@ctcdbs.ctc.cummins.com)
Many people have been comparing the styles of Queensryche and Dream
Theater. If you own both Dream Theater's Awake and Operation:
Mindcrime - You'd better have the latter! - compare what you hear
2:55 into track 7 (The Mirror) on Awake to 2:18 of track 8 on
Mindcrime. I don't know who killed Mary, but I know who brought her
back to life!
_________________________________________________________________
Advertisements
Video Bootlegs - Lane (lkelly@infi.net)
I just picked up 6 videos from 1986-1991. If anyone would like a list
of them, please e-mail me. I'd be willing to part with them for a
reasonable price or trade. By the way, does anyone know where I can go
to get a large nail removed from my head?
Poster Available - Markus (mb@marie.physik.tu-berlin.d400.de)
I have a shaped color promotional photo for Promised Land for sale or
trade. I'd like to trade it for something related to Black Sabbath.
Make me an offer!
Memorabilia Wanted - Don (blitzer@wybbs.mi.org)
I am interested in getting all the Queensryche memorabilia I can,
whether it be bootlegs, videos, special items, posters, or anything
else.
Sticker Postcards - David (dgood@pomona.claremont.edu)
I have a few of the Promised Land sticker postcards. The first two
people to e-mail me telling me
1) the name of the maintenance man on The Simpsons,
2) what Nigel Tufnel wants to eat in the "arrangements backstage," and
3) the copilot of the Millenium Falcon in Return of the Jedi
will get one. I want to give them to people who are basically like me!
_________________________________________________________________
One final note - this past Saturday, October 29th, Screaming in
Digital officially turned three years old. A much-deserved thank-you
goes out to everyone who's been involved with the digest. It goes
without saying, but without you, the digest wouldn't be here today.
'Ryche on!
-Shag
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