There are a number of bands that make good music, but I have mostly ignored their output or don't go back for more listens because I have a mental block with the lead singer's voice. Is this pretty universal with my fellow music forum people, or can most of you dive in despite the singer's limitations? Here are a few examples for me: Dylan: his writing is superb, and his singing works for me when he's in the deeper register on Lay Lady Lay or Knocking on Heaven's Door. The rest of his music, not so much. I grew up loving the sweet harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the Beatles, etc so Bob's a bit rough for me. Early Rush: Getty's voice dropped a few octaves after their initial albums, which helped make their music more approachable for me. But, it's hard for me to listen to most of their first 4-5 albums with a few exceptions like Closer to the Heart. I grew to like their work in the late 70s/80s. The Dead: Their vocals are pretty thin for me so the music never clicked despite enjoying some of the hits like Casey Jones and Truckin. Springstein: He made the most of his voice, but it seems like he's yelling more than singing when he's performing live. I followed his career when I was in my 20's but have lost interest in going back to him. Are there similar bands that are a non-starter for you because of the lead vocalist?
I like Scorpions but the singer voice is what prevents me from liking em more. Same with Galaxie 500. Anyway I like em very much
I'm not familiar with Black Midi but I get your aversion to the Pumpkins. Corgan's voice can be annoying but it doesn't pose as big an issue for me as some bands.
i like quite a few vocalists who aren't necessarily the best singers--robert smith/wayne coyne/etc--but they bring real emotion and some depth to their songs/lyrics. there's really not a band that i want to like where the singer/vocalist continually keeps me from liking them--if they have good enough songs/sounds to catch and hold my attention, usually i can adapt to their vocal stylings or lack thereof.
Agreed about Dave Matthews. I still don't get their popularity but their sound was different from most pop bands at that time.
I dont have a problem with any particular singer, i often find that a more 'unusual' voice is what makes the band distinctive. Take Felt. Lawrence patently cannot sing and doesn't try to. But there's no doubt he has character and style, which comes across vividly when I hear him. Having said that, I've got to be in the mood. He would never be hired as a singer for ANOTHER band, but Felt was his own creation.
that doesn't bother me--cause while i don't care for geddy's voice, i also don't really care for the songs either--so i just don't get rush. i know and recognize their skills/talents, they just aren't for me.
