Mudvayne Refine Their Craft To Create Radio Friendly Songs
Band Photo: Mudvayne (?)
'Lost and Found' sees Mudvayne moving away from songs that focus strictly inward, with tracks such as 'Choices' and 'TV Radio' offering social commentary. "In the past, we used to just write parts and cram them all together and call it a song," vocalist Chad Gray tells the Los Angeles Times. "With this album, we wanted to refine our craft. People want to scream sellout, but we feel that radio came to us, and that's not a bad thing."
Read the full article at Southg Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Source: Rockdirt
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29 Comments on "Mudvayne Refine Their Craft"
3. writes:
Hmmm. Granted, social commentary has long been a staple of metal music...but the step Mudvayne took on Lost and Found was decidedly backwards. I did buy the record and overall Mudvayne is one of the better mainstream metal bands out there today. However, the record seemed a little formulaic to me. The band had a big hit with "World So Cold" on the last record and they just went back to the well for this record...again,and again, and again. The songs don't have much variation. I will agree that "Choices" is one of the more creative tracks on the record...minus the "eenie meenie miney moe." But the commentary that the band does put forth seems at best contrived and a little forced. Musically this is not as diverse a record as the last...but like I said, I still bought it and I'm not planning on scrapping it anytime soon. This band could have gone several directions after their sophomore album's success...and they have chosen to go in a direction that is not as challenging to their listeners. And that is just an unfortunate side product of the radio coming to you.
4. writes:
hey jt, what mtv bullsh@# did you rip that off of. diverse or not, the album is bad a$$ because they work their a$$ off for it. and as far as radio coming to them, who cares. what's wrong with that. look, good music is good music, and if the fact that some band crosses to mainstream effects your view of them, that your a FU**ING sheep. and sheep are only good for one thing, DYING.
5. writes:
Bigstick...my comments are my own...I know they sound a little more intelligent than most of the bickering that gets posted on this site...but I did not copy them from anywhere. I am sorry that you have such an aggressive reaction to my opinion...because it is only that...my opinion. I in no way dismiss bands that get a chance at the mainstream. In fact I believe I said that Mudavayne is one of the "better" ones out there. I am a fan of Mudavayne and continue to support them...I just thought the new record was not as good as the last. I am sorry that you don't agree with my opinion. Band after band gets their shot at the mainstream and I commend Mudvayne for continuing to be who they have always been. Their live shows are still amazing, in fact they are better live today than they were five years ago. I still listen to the new record...I just saw it a as a regression for them. I've said this before on this website and I feel I have to say it again...hatred is a weakness. Why do people have such a violent, negative reaction to differing viewpoints? This is a forum for us to discuss our opinions and your agressive tone does nothing to further the discourse that is supposed to be taking place here.
Former Contributor
7. writes:
Jt
The reason people here have violent, negative reactions to differing viewpoints is largely due to the website's focus.
Metal.
As a general rule metal is about aggression and the emotions and behaviors that naturally match the genre.
It stands to reason that the fans of said music would also relate to and adopt such characteristics....and likely exagerate those mannerisms to the fullest so as to feel at one with both the community and the artisits.....It's a pack animal unity thing.
"Grrr, I'm "f***ing hostile"...heh heh heh, cool!"
The -typical- fans of classical music, hip-hop, punk country do it as well.
You might get this kind of thing on a thread on politics too though. Cooler heads rarely prevail here.
However, I agree with you. Mudvaynes two previous albums for Epic were quite remarkable, this newest one.....not so much. Not that it isn't good, it's just in no way the tremendous monster that "LD 50" was, or the dynamic force that was "The End of all Thing to Come".
"Lost and Found" was very...to the point, and it suffered in every way but commercially as a result....Which is why the record came out like it did....Sell or be dropped from the label was what loomed over the band when pre-production was underway.
It's hard to blame them, hopefully the band will remember the fans that got them to this point come time for the next record, and perhaps deliver something that mixes the best aspects of all the records.
8. writes:
Thanks for the post. I understand and generally expect the reactions that I sometimes get after I post. I disagree with your idea that a focus on metal breeds violent and negative feelings. I believe that it can have that impact but doesn't have to necessarily. Take a band like Hatebreed for example. A very aggressive, pounding band. Yet if you strip away the music there are not many negative feelings there...in fact the lyrics are very uplifting and inspiring...I won't say that there isn't some violent content that they put forth, but I think they are a good example of positive aggression. Same with Killswitch Engage. On the other hand...there are bands that preach straight up violence and aggression...and I have no problem with that. I just think you simplify the metal community by stating that they tend to be violent and negative. I have very rarely felt inclined to post anything in the same vein. Emotions are a gift that we all have and I respect people's anger, just question whether they are genuine or just trying to be vulgar. When someone suggests I should die...I find that very different from someone commenting on how shi**y my taste in music may be. I guess I shouldn't overreact about a post either. All that being said, you run a great website here, and I am glad that we all have this forum. All in all I wouldn't have it any other way.
Former Contributor
9. writes:
As far as others being genuine or vulgar in response to your posts here, the short answer is both. When some people lack the ability or desire to expound upon their view point they just string some simple insults and childish threats together put in a dumb name and hit the enter key.
Concerning the rest of my post, I was not indicating that metal breeds interpersonal hatred....just that those who seek music built around rage can also tend to be a little reactive....sometimes to the point of absurdity.
And as much as I would love to, I can't take credit for this site. I'm just a regular around here whose been listening to metal for better than 15 years now. Deathbringer, Negatyveone, and a few others are the primary site handlers.
10. writes:
Mudvayne is and always will be one of the greatest heavy metal bands ever. In my opinion anyways. Lost And Found Is an amazing album. Happy? and Determined are the two best songs on that album. The new video for Forget To Remember is pretty cool because you get to see Mudvayne as they are when they're just hanging out in the studio. As for their old stuff, Dig is the biggest reason I want to learn how to play bass guitar. That ding sound you hear at the beginning of the song is bass and I think it's crazy. As for World So Cold, it's one of their more emotional songs. They talk about what is going on in the world and I love that. System Of A Down do that too and I love that because it gives the fans a bigger understanding in life. To everyone reading this, I suggest you go out and get the new Mudvayne album it's awesome.
Former Contributor
11. writes:
I play bass as well. It's a very fun instrument, the "ding" is more or less a slap bass technique....Listen to older Red Hot Chili Peppers and some Rage Against the Machine reocrds for lots of that kind of sound. It's a style most commonly found in the funk and (oddly) progressive rock scenes.
Mudvaynes bassist makes bass a forefront instrument. It's a very differnt sound for most metal fans because Ryan Martinie is weaving between the drums and the guitars constantly, sometimes beefing up the main riff, sometimes matching the drummer....always noodling, very tricky stuff vs just holding down the low end....
Korns bassist does something thats similar but less impressive. Opeth and Tool have been known for it as well but becuase theres so much going on in their songs it's more difficult to notice.
On a mostly unrelated note.
I never said I didn't like "Lost and Found" it just has less of a wow-factor than their last 2 records for me.
12. writes:
I am going to have to reiterate my point from earlier...I bought the new album...I like the new album...just not as challenging to the audience. They have pushed boundaries as a band before and I'd like to hear them do it once again. I saw Opeth mentioned up there...if anyone hasn't given the new record (Ghost Reveries) a listen yet...check it out. They are almost like a heavier King Crimson. Every album seems to stretch theie musical abilities just a little bit more...and Tool...I don't need to comment on how much they expand what metal...and for that matter...music can be. REMEMBERMETAL? I just picked up a bass a few months ago...thought if I enjoyed music so much I should give it shot myself. Where do i start...I don't really want to pay for lessons but I don't know anyone here that could give me some free pointers. Anything out there to help me get a start...or do I just start exploring it on my own?
Member
16. writes:
Ok, my turn to step in with some insight.
At the forefront of this album, Mudvayne announced that they were going for a mix and match like sound. LD 50 was harder, more thrashy and with more "nuts" in the songs. The second album, I was dissapointed in a good deal, and being a obvious mudvayne fan, I was taken aback by how soft I thought the album was. Mudvayne was my first real "metal" band, and I still love them to this day, and am infact wearing a mudvayne shirt. The second album was good, granted but I didnt feel the pulsating energy that was evident in LD 50.
Now with Lost and Found (which I like a little more then the last album) I find a nice mix of both worlds and songs. Granted there are only 8 good track on the album. Determined, which has more raw power, but still a very "radio" feel. Pushing Through, which I found to be like Trapped in The Wake...A more emotional and relatable song, yet still softer. Happy? the obvious effort for mudvayne for find new fans, and I found it was still more Mudvayne like, then Slipknots Duality was "slipknot like".
IMN, which IMHO is the best song on the album, and possibly one of my favorite songs of all time. The throaty vocals are awesome, although the music couldve been heavier. Fall Into Sleep seems like another band made the song, I just dunno about it, I listen to it and such, but im Eh. Rain Sun Gone is a classic throwback Mudvayne song, (see The Beginning of All Things To End).
The only other good songs are Forget to Remember and Just, FTR seems a little more radio friendly, but no more then Not Falling I think, which was their hit single off of the last album. And Just carries a strong vibe, just lacks the heaviness (see Nothing To Gein).
Theres my 2 cents on my favorite band, say what you will. I Love Mudvayne, but they are going downhill.
Member
17. writes:
I'm glad to see some actual converstions came out of this forum. It's nice to see thoughts on a band/album put into intelligable ledger as opposed to the usual internet slander. And as for bass tips, I'm not too sure, I have played guitar for the past 11 years and found that starting with learning tunes from one or several of your favorite bands/artists keeps you motivated and , if you pick some variation in what you learn, it makes learning all types of music much easier than if you were to stick with just one genre. Hope that helps.
Member
18. writes:
you know, you people spend too much time trying to prove eachother wrong. get over yourselves. everyone has their own viewpoints on music. mainly, metal. quit b****ing.............let people say what they have to say without interfering just because you want to sound smarter, or act like you know more. who cares? maybe you do, maybe you don't. don't put other people down, just because you want to make an attempt at proving yourself. music is music, damn it. listen and love. don't b**** about/to everyone with a different opinion.
Member
19. writes:
dravenmaxx, i agree. sticking to one genre gets people nowhere. there's very little diversity when sticking to one genre of music. how can people expect to become great players, when they only know one type of music? expiriment. know music. that's what makes players great. i, myself am a musician.
Member
Member
21. writes:
Good call Negatyve_one! If there's anything music in general does give us it's freedom of thought. These discussions give us the chance to put those thoughts into words and maybe make more sense to ourselves, and sometimes to others. Lovin' the metalundergound! Take care all, and if there's anyone from the Edmonton area who is looking for a guitarist, or would like to start a project let me know at elisade@rock.com. Influences include Arch Enemy to Cradle of Filth to Tool to Iced Earth to Black Label Society. Sorry to use this as an advertisement, but this discussion seems to have the most emotion and animosity that I've seen in a while, I'd like to use that in some writing. Enjoy the darkness all!
Member
22. writes:
Good call Negatyve_one! If there's anything music in general does give us it's freedom of thought. These discussions give us the chance to put those thoughts into words and maybe make more sense to ourselves, and sometimes to others. Lovin' the metalundergound! Take care all, and if there's anyone from the Edmonton area who is looking for a guitarist, or would like to start a project let me know at elisade@rock.com. Influences include Arch Enemy to Cradle of Filth to Tool to Iced Earth to Black Label Society. Sorry to use this as an advertisement, but this discussion seems to have the most emotion and animosity that I've seen in a while, I'd like to use that in some writing. Enjoy the darkness all!
Member
Former Contributor
24. writes:
Sorry, I hadn't noticed your post sooner JT.
I would break down and shell out a few bucks for a Korg electronic tuner then get some ultra basic bass information online....
For example which string is which, how to play with fingers/picks and then the most significant step learn to read bass tabs...which is very very easy....from there learn some easy songs.
Bass wise I mght suggest late era Metallica (it sucks but it's easy) Nirvana, Weezer early SOAD and AC/DC.....If you can stomach it, try and tackle Blink 182, it's easy stuff and I taught a friend how to play those songs 3 years ago and now he's pretty damn good....If you find this stuff easy try RATM, they are the band that helped me go from know-nothing to decent...Plus it impresses alot of people when you can play "Bombtrack" "Bulls on Parade" "Killing In the Name of"
This stuff is mostly simple (some of it terrible) and familiar and you'll know your playing it right pretty quickly.
You will get blisters, but that's half the fun!
More importantly, the notes and frets will become familiar and you'll stop having to look at the neck of the bass and your fingers and you will play much more deftly On bass being on point is everything....
two more things.
Learn finger placement (most importantly on whichever hand holds down the strings) and stick with it. You will have good days, bad days and boring days but you will see a big difference in ability in just a couple weeks if you stick with it and don't try to tackle too much at once (Don't f*** with most Tool songs those can be a nightmare early on especially that Lateralus stuff...)
Lastly, the trite part: Have fun with it!
26. writes:
Member
27. writes:
Thanks for the advice RM? That's funny you mention Tool. They are pretty much my favorite band...and when I went to go look at tabs I printed off some of the Lateralus stuff...and I think your advice is dead on...I don't really understand what the hell all that stuff meant. I will try your approach...I'll just turn down my amp before I play the Blink 182 stuff...you know...I don't want people getting the wrong idea or anything. So here I go. Thanks man.
Former Contributor
28. writes:
Good luck JT and MudvayneFan!
In my experience bass is the most immediately rewarding instrument. Guitar not so much (it takes awhile for most) and my drum skill is for sh**, drums take a special kind of person...Often hyper, silly people with ADD who don't mind losing their hearing by the time their 17.
Speaking of hearing....your ear will get really good at picking the bass out of songs if you havent started doing that already, that is THE skill to have when learning how to play a song.
More often than not bass is a little harder to find than vocals, guitars or drums in your average rock song, but like anything, with enough practice it becomes automatic.
Im going to sound like a commercial here now but way back when, I bought a "How to play Bass" book that came with an audio cd and it really helped....So much so, that bv the time I was half way through the book or so I had learned some advanced techniques trying to play songs that were harder than what was in the book because of tabs I was printing from the internet........That and I have two guitar playing friends and one multi-instrumentalist friend.
A friend who plays any instrument, even piano/keyboards or drums is the best teacher out there...(beware, good drummers are more rare than diamonds!!!! and ---everyone--- wants to be a guitarist)
If they can read music and or tabs that is the best thing of all because your friends speak your language best.
"Tips"
Relax and stay that way, this is harder than it sounds because the second you start to play you want perfection and for awhile you won't even come close. Try not to get mad when it takes a while to sounds right.
Be patient with yourself. Some people pick up playing an instrument really quickly, some not so much....I think I am somewhere in the middle. You probably will be too....
If you play video games at all I think it helps a little....Not alot, but a little....If you have long skinny fingers then you're really in luck.
Hand/eye and sound coordination are everything. Learn how your instrument has an impact on the other instruments in the songs your learning.
You will bleed. Expect many blisters, and blisters on top of blisters.
Your finger tips will become the most ugly part of your body in weeks flat! It's incredible, funny and disturbing at the same time when you can hold and open flame under them and and feel nothing, or poke with a sewing needle and not draw blood....This take many months so please don't hurt yourself.
Next time I'll talk some basics, I havent thought about those in a bit so I'll post in a day or two.
Thanks for reading I'm happy to help.
Good luck!
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Member
1. Negatyve_One writes:
in that prespective he is very right i agree