I think Images boost my personal hype towards artists, but in the end the music is what makes me love an artist over a long period of time, and the other artists who I got interested in because of the image and not because of the music usually keep that interest for a much shorther time.
I think image is important for music. I mean, I prefer artists that touch on multiple types of art, and I don't think that's necessarily less genuine. For instance, Fever Ray, whose album you dubbed the best of 2009, has a very awesome, very strong visual element with her psuedo-Pagan kind of imagery coupled with smoke, lamps, and lasers. When an artist makes art, I'm drawn to those who explore more than just one medium.
I always try to listen to music before I see any videos or pictures of the artist/band. Thats the best way- who cares what Aphex Twin looks like ya know? Or look at Stevie Ray Vaughn another one of my favorites, he's no mens model you know? If I want to look at hot people, or well dressed people, or whatever theres plenty of websites or magazines et cetera for that.
As for Lana, I actually like her album and the video of video games, I don't like that she is so girlish girl, she reminds me of 13 year old girls. But I won't stop listening to the album because of that. Image has an effect fo sure but it's not such a big impact that makes us forget about the music
I think image definitely has a role. I'm sure Ghost wouldn't have so much hoopla surrounding them if it weren't for the fact that they're anonymous and their get-up.
Even before technology, art and displays of artistry were connected to an aesthetic. While listening to music, the mind always creates some sort of visualization to accompany what it's hearing.
Visual art is appreciated for sheer visual beauty. Music, when coupled with compelling imagery, is something to be embraced. It's only when artists or companies depend too much or even solely on image to sell and promote music that we should question the importance of image as it relates to music.
image absolutely affects how people interpret the music. I think its important to be able to take a piece of music objectively based on nothing but the sound, but the album cover etc. is in some ways just as important. the whole package should be taken into consideration when listening. if there is a gorgeous girl singing a bad song, you should be able to identify it as a bad song. On the other hand, sometimes the visual can be what makes the music so special.
I don't care about image. I like the band My Chemical Romance, and almost everyone in that band has hair dyed a weird color, or a weird hair style. I don't care. Heck, my favorite rapper looks like a guy you'd see working at a desk job, or a sushi restaurant as a chef.
I don't think the Lana Del Rey hate is necessarily about the image itself, but that this character --from the name to the looks to possibly voice doctoring-- was manufactured by mainstream producers and/or her dad's money. Then they unleashed this as if it were an underground artist (unclear whether intentional or not). So the more coherent butthurt is over how mainstream dared to try buying their way into the indie scene, not how she looks.
STOP DOWNLOADING! Bands deserve to get paid. It doesn't make them "sellouts"..If your boss doesn't pay you for your job at Mc d's you are getting ripped off like downloaders rip off bands.Cool bands cant recoup costs from their labels and are getting dropped.We will be stuck with GaGa and Beiber cuz 12 yr olds pay for music more than "indie" kids do. It is also compromising the state of the internet.It's a human problem not a music problem.Give something back to music and the net.
I watched the Tyler the Creator video and see how it might have changed peoples' view of the song, since the video enhances the narrative of the lyrics. I'm more into entirely musical aspects, so I don't THINK that'd effect me - and I rarely see publicity photos or music videos unless I'm intentionally researching a band I already like, so eh
What I know about an artist - or their "myth" in some cases - does affect me though. Which is usually good, since it helps us understand their music.
Everything Lana has done has been amazing, you're so ignorant. Off to the Race, Born to Die and Video Games to name a few. Also WU LYF were being played on radio (bbc introducing) before they had even made a music video, so their image really has affected peoples opinions, or influenced people over the actual music.p
I make an effort to not look at images of bands/music videos before I know whether or not I like the band. Once I know I like them, I'll check out videos and such, but before I listen I avoid all that.
@FantasiaP: dude, in the underground music is more important, that's why 12 year old hipsters are always bragging about how cool LMFAO is...they think they're cool because they think the people making the music are cool. I mean, you're not going to listen to Bon Iver because he's a guy with a beard that lives in a forest, right?
Honestly I thought you were a faggot and never bothered to watch your reviews. Then one day I decided why not. The reviews are articulate so I subscribed. True story bro.
I also think that with certain genres, looks are more important. With pop or dance music, anyone can make a record. It's less about talent and more about how they present their music.
I think it depends.Some people have awesome style but their music annoys me. Other artists that I listen to are not necessarily that attractive but I still listen to their music because their work is amazing. But overall, yes I agree with you. Sometimes I try to make myself like an artist because initially I am attracted to how they look or what they represent. However, that only lasts so far if they actually suck.
In case if you don't know your are getting a lot of attention recently because your channel got featured on Encyclopedia Dramatica. ch's frontpage as an article!
Personally I don't think an artist needs a unique image, but I do think it helps them stand out from the crowd. Take someone like Katy Perry for example. Her singing is pretty good, but nothing we haven't heard before and her lyrics are rather generic, but because she covers herself in pounds of make up and wears oddly colored wigs she stands out. The same could also be said for Lady Gaga. Her music for the most part is pretty average, but her image makes her special.
Image almost important is the music itself. The best artist have a great image that matches their music. Take someone like Kanye West or Lady Gaga. They are so much more than just their music, they are real artists that are aware of fashion, style, music, culture. "Image" seems to be talked about so negatively in the comments. Obviously fake image or one that a label creates is somewhat dumb, but I think a image that is real and not manufactured is perfect. It helps further the music
@frantastickid Yes, honestly I don't even like her music that much. But it clicks for people. Millions of people love her & for good reason. She is like I said an "artist" though she may not be one of my personal favorite musicians.
@frantastickid Trust me I'm not saying she is the best singer or the best anything really but to be "successful" artists need to combine the best of both elements. You could literally be making the best music out right now but it won't matter if you don't promote it right and combine all forms of art to create your image. "Image" is best when it's natural and not fabricated by some company.
@frantastickid Yes indeed there needs to be some sort of message within the music. I would like to think that some of my favorite artists have messages that I enjoy, no matter how simple or complex they might be. Again "message" is just one component, I think there are a lot of artist with a good message but lack ability, or image, etc. In order to be great and stand the test of time artists need to be the whole package. Skill, creativity, & everything else.
The graphic profile of a band shows how they are aware of there place in the music culture. If you look at many artists images you see that the ones that strech outside the convetional image of the genre often have something that streches outside musically.
Music should always be prioritized over image. By the way, your video actually turned me onto Del Rey...hadn't discovered the internet hype yet, went to a song other than the one everyone was talking about, and turns out I really like her. You should do a separate video on Hype, as image is only one aspect of how an artist gets known in a short amount of time, like Lana or Arctic Monkeys even.
Image (clothing, merch, videos etc) is part of your artistic expression, and thats all cool and fine. It can be essential when it comes to marketing and getting recognized. But at the end of the day if your album/music isnt that good, then im not buying into it.
Yes thony, of course that by choosing to record yourself you're lowering your credibility.
But that's not what you or your viewers are looking for in these vids. They look for entertainment. We could easily just read online text reviews and shut ourselves from the outside world but we want the social part in it. We want to feel as if we're discussing and conversing with someone about the music we like.
Anthony, you are BEYOND correct. Image means everything, your example off Odd Future / Tyler the Creator was one of the most legitimate instances I can think of. OF would definitely not be so renown if all they released was there music, with no videos, no pictures of them, no twitter, no outlets for them to display their "swag".
I think images affects most people whether they want to admit it or not (if even only subconsciously). Great and thoughtful piece. People need to hear this and consider what you're saying!
I was actually so confused by Lana Del Rey on so many levels. First I heard the name a couple of times, then I heard the song (which is confusing in its own right) and then I saw her face. If anything can be said about the image that this artist is putting forth, it's that its successfully chaotic. Personally I was a big question mark after hearing her song and seeing the music video.
It totally does. It is impossible to listen to music without evoking imagery. It is very likely some imagery related to the band will be evoked during your listening experience. Sometimes listening to some kind of music has totally changed after realizing how the artist looks and which image is portraying. My mind immediately tries to associate the music I hear to something that is more accurate to what I've seen. Or maybe I'm just fucking crazy.
Image definitely affects what I like and don't... but I try my best to let myself like the music that I like, regardless of what images I associate with it.
I dont know why I like Design The Skyline. Ive know them all, I like their sceneness. But i also like their crazy nonsense passages (JUST LIKE IWRESTLEABEARONCE!). But maybe its because of how underrated some of the songs are because of flaws in others.
Im not 100% sure but i know it has a lot to do with their image as well as their music.
Lil B is kind of different because his image is part of the art. I hate to make this comparison, but it's like no one would remember Warhol if not for his personal image. As far as I can tell, Lil B is making his life into the art of subtly satirizing hip hop. And he does it so well that a lot of people don't get it.
I hate to admit it but I believe image does effect me, because I probably wouldn't have been attracted to radiohead if it wasn't for their image, though later I liked them just for their music. And on the other hand and to respond more directly to your suggestions I might have liked Lana Del Rey if it wasn't for her image since I find it really contrived and obnoxious and makes no sense, and I don't think image is a bad thing, it's just another marketing tool.
I would say image is a huge deal when it comes to music with me. But not in the sense of "this artist has a dark album cover, and their music is quite somber, so i like the correlation." its more of an image i make in the music and if the artist relates to that then i really enjoy it. To give you an example i loved Tallest Man On Earth's album Wild Hunt. But i had never seen him before. What i imagined with imagery while listening to the album was pretty much exactly how he turned out to look.
If I may take this opportunity to comment on the image of these videos, I have to say, the editing is becoming extremely distracting. I understand you're a fan of Tim and Eric, I'm not, but I just over look that and enjoy the review. However, lately, I feel like it's too prominent and is really taking me out of the review.
I pretty much agree with you, but I'm thinking that he is probably just experimenting with stuff and this will pass. Also I like Tim and Eric myself, and I guess what Anthony is doing these days editing wise is kind of similar, I never thought of it before, but not as well executed (sorry, I luv u Anthony, I really do).
I do enjoy associating a great album cover with the music it contains. but at the same time I don't let an awful album cover influence my opinion on the music.
I can't speak for music videos because I rarely catch any (that aren't on your site).
ofcourse image comes into it, i personally take it as a whole package, the music does come first ofcourse but whats wrong with showcasing creativity through appearance and image. artists and fashion designers do it as a job. music has always used image, and it would be very boring if every record had no artwork and was just blank grey, thats the fun in purchasing some new vinyl and seeing a good bit of art, or a sweet music video that gets you stoked.
This happened to me with the band Local Natives. I saw them perform live and penned them as a band trying so hard to follow an image; completely ignoring theirmusic. This went on for some time before I re-listened to the song 'World News' and while I shrugged my shoulders and said "These guys have nothing interesting to say", when I minimised the video, sat down with the lyrics and listened; I really enjoyed the simple message it brought across. So, admittedly; I was wrong. :)
i think image has a negative effect on me. im not saying im above being influenced by image, but if i do see an artist band with a strong image the same time i hear them for the first time, then the music suffers. for some reason it gets in the way of me digesting the music. and if the image is successful and does influence me, then the artist is then constantly fighting against that usually superior first impression. tyler the creator is a great example.
Actually, to a point yes. Such as when I saw what Ulver looked like, I slightly changed my perspective of them. I don't know why, but they didn't fit that image of "trve norwegian black metal" or whatever. It just bugged me, and I don't know why.
Also, when you see how Jack White looks and acts, I dunno why, but it really improves the music. Because he's just such a pimp
but to play devil's advocate to my previous post, maybe new media will allow for a true manifestation of wagner's idea of the 'total art work,' and what is now incarnated as an advertisement technique can become a realization of an artwork that exists in many different modalities... that, or advertisers want to close the gap between expression and consumption (maybe they already have). you tell me
adorno bruv. illusion of choice and commodified aesthetics. adorno argued that popular musics are mostly built to sell other things, which led to the devaluation of music that we have now. i believe the internet could potentially 'redeem' all of these stylistic artifacts that the music of the past (and its reliance on an outdated industry) left us. but all the internet is doing is creating shorter gestation and digestion periods for fads... well, and apparently starting revolutions or something
no ur image really affect u depending on what ur attarcted too if u do wild shit like Tyler The Creator in it thats just facts and Tyler doesnt just have a image he really has talent a co-sign from Pharrell is a big deal but if u have a wild image like Tyler ppl will look into u becuz ppl are into things u dont often see like 2 girls 1 cup evryone was like i gotta see it i heard about how gross it was i gotta see it but if its something ppl dont wanna see and arent use to seeing they'll trash it
Whats with the lagg-editing, it's not artistic. I like hearing your reviews but the annoying editing really pisses me of sometimes. Ofcourse, do what you want, just my 2 cents.
i think when all these images are used, it is the cover up the fact that the music is weak and uninspired...so they put their efforts into the image to create more fuzz.....so yeh I dont give a damn about image, and for what I care, as long as the music is good, there is no need to exagerate an emphatize the other elements...
I'd also argue that people who can't separate the image or the video from the music couldn't care less about music. I think they're just after an aesthetic, which is a shame because a lot of them think they like music and couldn't be convinced otherwise.
any creative people have an "image" wether they want to, or play up on it, or are aware of it or not, it just depends how much in the spotlight they are, even anti-"image" bands like the grunge groups of the 90s became an aesthetic. I have split minds about it, I enjoy the OFWGKTA show, but I think a lot of their music is pretty shit; the music i listen to is for the music only.
aesthetic is just as much a part of the music as...well, the music. As a listener I'm interested in the entire package...sort of like a show. thats my opinion though.
The image and the music are one in the same. Image gives you a feeling or emotion the same way the music does. It's all just an expression of the artists. For instance, i recently saw Lykke Li live, and i have always loved just listening to her music, but after the show I find myself looking up tons of videos of her's just to watch her dance and do weird Lykke Li stuff. I think her image is just as expressive as her music. Maybe I just got tricked by her good looks though...who knows?
Of course image matters. You just have to be able to look past that in music to see if what's behind the image has substance. Maybe it can lead to unfairness sometimes, but I can often tell before I've heard a single note of the music if it's something I might enjoy based on the image. Shit bands look like they're gonna be shit.
You can't avoid image. It's therefore not a "bad thing", as you suggested. Even by remaining anonymous, you are making a statement about who you are. I think it's important to listen to music for what it is, but the listening context inevitably has an influence on our opinion of music.
Image defintely effects my listening experiance, but in a strange kind of way. The colors and images on an album cover just get stuck in my head and when I listen to the music I see them in my head. So for example if I am listening to Ride The Lightning, i am seeing a lot of blues in my head, images of thunder and lightning.
i personally dont like music videos. I try not to watch them. but a good example of image is rhiannas new single the one with like 7 words... yeah that one. If it werent for that music video that song would be NOTHING.
depends on the music imo alot music should always come first and i listen to loads of bands who just wear casual jeans and a t shirt of something. But when it comes to stuff like rock take alice cooper for instance it can help create another personality or quality for live and atmosphere reasons but i think people should stop with the silly link to metal being linked to satanism and all the stereotypes.
Oh yeah, and to the question: People hear what they see. That simple. You can't help but be influenced by image; but if you dig something, you dig it--no reason to apologize for being swayed by the look of something. Steak tastes good regardless but it sure wouldn't "taste" as good if it were attached to a dead beast caught in mid death-scream--though, it'd probably make for a video with a helluva lot of hits.
Tyler's video was cool and the song was, as you say, "pretty decent." I like the dark shit, what can I say? Lana's song/vid... Not so much; but I tend not to love that style. She sings alright and the song seems "genuine" enough; but definitely giving the nod to the Tyler vid. Keep the questions coming, brah. Cheers!
Image is not something i take into account when i'm deciding whether or not to like a piece of music. I usually don't take the time to watch music videos of songs i like because i don't really think it even matters.
I lolled so fucking hard at the Lana del Rey impression. I also think that the discussion in the comments is too geared towards the introductory questions of "does image affect us?" and fails to address the meat of what is being brought up here. On the other end of the spectrum, there are some artists (albeit just starting, so not the greatest of sample sizes) like Moths that are unknown beyond a country of origin and a name. It forces listeners to consider the music without pretext. Melikes.
Bastard was an impeccable mixtape. Goblin was meh. I think there are some very talented producers and artists within odd future but it doesn't hurt that their public image is so "other" I can't quite oin it down, but I think people want to be the first to subscribe to something that isn't the norm for fear of not being progressive or being stuck in their ways. Unfortunately good PR can make the artist these days more than actual good talent.
Dear mr. Fontana, Since Elvis Presley, and even before The King entered the realm of popular consciousness, image has always been a crucial element in the creating of modernday myths and pseudo-identities. Personally, I applaud it. Sound and Vision, a faustian pact! I For instance I like The Pet Shop Boys, not just for their musicak merit, but also for their marriage of content and image.
Remake Remodel! Remember that wonderful Roxy Music Song!? It's OK to be Warholian!
Of course image affects people. What it comes down to is if you like the image enough for it to be a representation of something you like. Take Yonkers for example, even if you only listen to the music, the video will always be associated with the song. So you really have to be ok with the video to like the song. Otherwise if you don't like an image associated with a band/song you're more likely to put up a facade if you like it.
Funny that you ask us if we think you're ruining the art of review or not. If anyone were to actually think you're doing a bad thing then they obviously don't realize that your music taste and ideas are opinionated. And we're all guilty of judging what we think to be good music with someone with a good image; it's simply in our nature to lead towards what we find attractive.
IMO, yes. Image affects Music. And Music affects Image as well. Funny thing is we don't see videomakers complaining about that. ;)
As a musician, I don't really see a problem, since we're human beings able to perceive things simultaneously.
This discussion goes a long way back when musicians wanted Music to be appreciated by its own instead of poems with melodies. It's always good to analyse things separately, but perception always tends to be complete, and it's usually more fun like that.
Certainly agree that image can effect how I enjoy music. Sometimes when aesthetic or imagery associated with an album compliments the music so well, it makes the album seem to have more depth and be more immersive to me. A recent example is Hurtsville by Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders. The Cold Feet video, any photography associated with the making of the album, the lyrics, how he performs on stage; produces an image, aesthetic, concept that expands or is an extension to the music in my mind
lol why should anyone care about image effecting the music experience,? No disrespect but do any of you realize that image and subliminal thought (rather intentional or not) are all factors that make up your very personality. Even now as your reading this,every possible thought your having is loaded with bias handed down to you by every single person you've ever met and every small experience thats ever effected you at all . Hell even the very fabric of reason is an aesthetic. Cant escape it
I have no idea how image affects my ability to enjoy a band, mainly because I haven't listened to much music that's affected me through a visual rather than aural style since Nirvana, and say what you will about Cobain, but at least he made flannel shirts socially acceptable on my art school campus. But as a Photomedia student, yeah I think about this stuff sometimes.
The cover art of an album or single is what really attracts me to the music, and i tend to really compare the two. Beach House's Teen Dream, Carnavas, Stankonia, Digital Lows (CITIES AVIV!!!), MBDTW and Because of the Times had cover art that made me want to check out the music. and i ended up loving those albums. unfortunately, a lot of good musicians have really atrocious album art that makes me balk (Yeasayer...ugh). so for me, the pull factor isn't usually the artist, but the artwork.
Nah, an artist's image is totally important. I think that the aesthetic that an artist builds his or herself (though obviously not as important as the music itself) totally affects how you feel when you're listening to it. I don't think we should scoff at that because it's shallow, but instead accept it as part of our music experience.
The artists' image doesn't have much impact on me, unless it's something like black veil brides. But the album art really helps shape how I picture an album as I listen to it, it really sets the mood for the album for me.
I can't help but admit that visuals have an impact, but I honestly attempt to allow the music, lyricism, and vocals to permeate before making a snap decision. I can often admit to solid sound, production, and effort, but if I don't like the lyrics or the music, I just have to a pass. I don't care how well the effort. Sometimes I surprise myself by what I like, like Beyonce's Sweet Dreams. Never thought I would like anything by here but the song's tonality and the lyrics were appealing.
I find that image can add and detract to the delivery of a song. Good band I can use is DEVO. DEVO lyrics are honestly not terribly strong but DEVO excels at fun musical compositions. They pair their music with fun interesting visual and media productions. Their enthusiasm is infection. It's hard not to enjoy and like DEVO. They can even parody and poke fun at things through their simple lyrics. I think if DEVO were not as versatile as they are, I might not like them as much.
its a shame that you only have 31 people that like you on facebook, let alone no picture haha. your reviews are too good and taste of music is really good too
Image is definitely a contributing factor to get me to try music and push me to listen to full LPs. But i feel like once ive heard a full album i tend to be able to separate the image from the music.
I think the image is part of the artist as a thing as much as the music is, in some ways. I mean, Lada Gaga is almost entirely her image, and while I don't really like her, it's done a lot for her to be so damn weird.
And then people like Janelle Monae's image are charming and bring me in, and bias me to like them more. It's just a thing that comes with being a person doing a thing, and manipulating it is okay, in my opinion.
I was 8 years old and the first album I bought and really listened to thoroughly was Marilyn Manson's Mechanical Animals. I still really enjoy that one, prolly his best I think. but I have to say being a visual person, image def affects me or plays a big role, i think there are a lot of artists out there that make music but there's also a big visual side to their art. music is still the substance. I really like the album cover too, especially when it "looks" like the music it is portraying.
Clearly the best option is to live in a cave without outside sources of information and to have the albums shipped to your super sound-system conveniently installed in said cave. Then and only then can this troubling problem be overcome.
I think everyone is affected by influences whether they believe it or not, just best to be honest about it and aware of its influence so you can discern where the favor in either direction is truly coming from.
From Elvis to The Beatles to The Stones to whoever... Image has always been a part of music recordings. So it's important. If you're a stoner making nonchalant, apathetic music and project an "everyday" guy, that's still an image.
Also, a big reason I watch theneedledrop is because I love the way the videos are put together...to be honest, our opinions on music aren't really all that similar in most cases but the videos are so damn good! It's kind of like reading a reviewer for the quality of his writing
I sometimes get into a band partially because of their image, and I'm okay with that...Odd Future is a good example, and I would also say Foxy Shazam also goes with it. Their live bombast really ups those guys' appeal for me, without a doubt. But, I don't think I would give a shit if either of those groups didn't make music i enjoy as well.
That's exactly what happened to Eminem's Encore. He let his image ruin most of the songs that could have been better. Most of the songs in Encore sounded like his image was rapping for him (if that makes sense). Leading to songs like "My 1st Single" and "Ass Like That" and most important "Big Weenie". And I know he was on drugs at the time but i'm just saying.
I was just asking myself this question the other day actually. I think in Lana Del Rey's case it's pretty damn clear that her image is what she's banking on, seeing that she hasn't had ANY more buzz other than Video Games (ONE DAMN SONG). I think anyone who says image doesn't matter and it's all about the music, might be blind, or just need to come to terms with the fact that they are a liar. Artists are very much about image. Look at Lady Gaga and her Red Carpet Fashion. Images go w/ the music
the doors
ringowasbest 21 hours ago
I think Images boost my personal hype towards artists, but in the end the music is what makes me love an artist over a long period of time, and the other artists who I got interested in because of the image and not because of the music usually keep that interest for a much shorther time.
immetje9 1 day ago
I saw your subliminal "thank you for watching" at around 3:16
ScottDoingStuff 2 days ago
yes image is important to me, in fact, im about to look up skrillex just to watch his videos. ^_^ i love being a fat lazy consumer!
thelegendrubyrodd 3 days ago
I think image is important for music. I mean, I prefer artists that touch on multiple types of art, and I don't think that's necessarily less genuine. For instance, Fever Ray, whose album you dubbed the best of 2009, has a very awesome, very strong visual element with her psuedo-Pagan kind of imagery coupled with smoke, lamps, and lasers. When an artist makes art, I'm drawn to those who explore more than just one medium.
eximago 4 days ago
If Lana Del Rey looked like a pregnant troll I would still love her music
supermanthathoe100 5 days ago
I always try to listen to music before I see any videos or pictures of the artist/band. Thats the best way- who cares what Aphex Twin looks like ya know? Or look at Stevie Ray Vaughn another one of my favorites, he's no mens model you know? If I want to look at hot people, or well dressed people, or whatever theres plenty of websites or magazines et cetera for that.
Jmp153 1 week ago
He has 666 videos........(immature comment:))
Swankyarmadillo 1 week ago
bahahhah ur lip impression of lana del rey was great. next time u review her please do it with those lips.
Skatebardfilms 1 week ago
I think image is important for every artist.
rebreh1029 2 weeks ago
"image forever" =D
deathkampdrone 2 weeks ago
lana del rey looks like a clay sculpture in that picture.
thaPrimus 3 weeks ago
i'm all about the content, if a band looks cool i'll def check them out but if the music sucks i usually don't listen to them.
lildrumrboy2001 3 weeks ago
As for Lana, I actually like her album and the video of video games, I don't like that she is so girlish girl, she reminds me of 13 year old girls. But I won't stop listening to the album because of that. Image has an effect fo sure but it's not such a big impact that makes us forget about the music
merdovsky01 4 weeks ago
I think image definitely has a role. I'm sure Ghost wouldn't have so much hoopla surrounding them if it weren't for the fact that they're anonymous and their get-up.
slapguitarer 4 weeks ago
Always worried about this, I dress like a commoner yet I want an awesome avant garde metal band behind. Would my image throw people off? :/
tootncartman 1 month ago in playlist Uploaded videos
Even before technology, art and displays of artistry were connected to an aesthetic. While listening to music, the mind always creates some sort of visualization to accompany what it's hearing.
Visual art is appreciated for sheer visual beauty. Music, when coupled with compelling imagery, is something to be embraced. It's only when artists or companies depend too much or even solely on image to sell and promote music that we should question the importance of image as it relates to music.
thezimmione 1 month ago
image absolutely affects how people interpret the music. I think its important to be able to take a piece of music objectively based on nothing but the sound, but the album cover etc. is in some ways just as important. the whole package should be taken into consideration when listening. if there is a gorgeous girl singing a bad song, you should be able to identify it as a bad song. On the other hand, sometimes the visual can be what makes the music so special.
chperrone 1 month ago
johnny cash is looking me in the eyes
ChiVic64 1 month ago
I don't care about image. I like the band My Chemical Romance, and almost everyone in that band has hair dyed a weird color, or a weird hair style. I don't care. Heck, my favorite rapper looks like a guy you'd see working at a desk job, or a sushi restaurant as a chef.
GmnisAwesome 1 month ago
It doesn't for me. I just adds another aspect to the music. It offers more insight but as far as affecting the music, no.
BangletheVisionary 1 month ago
I don't think the Lana Del Rey hate is necessarily about the image itself, but that this character --from the name to the looks to possibly voice doctoring-- was manufactured by mainstream producers and/or her dad's money. Then they unleashed this as if it were an underground artist (unclear whether intentional or not). So the more coherent butthurt is over how mainstream dared to try buying their way into the indie scene, not how she looks.
staceyl05 1 month ago
Image doesn't mean anything in contemporary classical music.
LesbianStraightGay 1 month ago
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STOP DOWNLOADING! Bands deserve to get paid. It doesn't make them "sellouts"..If your boss doesn't pay you for your job at Mc d's you are getting ripped off like downloaders rip off bands.Cool bands cant recoup costs from their labels and are getting dropped.We will be stuck with GaGa and Beiber cuz 12 yr olds pay for music more than "indie" kids do. It is also compromising the state of the internet.It's a human problem not a music problem.Give something back to music and the net.
valentino0214 1 month ago
I come back to this video just to see your "Lana Del Rey pouting" face.
drtre101 1 month ago
@drtre101 LOL.... me too!
suekanji 1 month ago
The album cover is the most important image. The bands clothes and stage presence dont really matter as much to me.
ABR0733 1 month ago
I watched the Tyler the Creator video and see how it might have changed peoples' view of the song, since the video enhances the narrative of the lyrics. I'm more into entirely musical aspects, so I don't THINK that'd effect me - and I rarely see publicity photos or music videos unless I'm intentionally researching a band I already like, so eh
What I know about an artist - or their "myth" in some cases - does affect me though. Which is usually good, since it helps us understand their music.
Sodhats 1 month ago
Everything Lana has done has been amazing, you're so ignorant. Off to the Race, Born to Die and Video Games to name a few. Also WU LYF were being played on radio (bbc introducing) before they had even made a music video, so their image really has affected peoples opinions, or influenced people over the actual music.p
cambodia95 1 month ago
odd future are so annoying now.
petarpwnsuall 1 month ago
I make an effort to not look at images of bands/music videos before I know whether or not I like the band. Once I know I like them, I'll check out videos and such, but before I listen I avoid all that.
prolifikshadow 1 month ago
@FantasiaP: dude, in the underground music is more important, that's why 12 year old hipsters are always bragging about how cool LMFAO is...they think they're cool because they think the people making the music are cool. I mean, you're not going to listen to Bon Iver because he's a guy with a beard that lives in a forest, right?
yoyosareawesome1 2 months ago
Mainstream: Image> Music (sometimes if we're lucky Image = Music)
Out of the mainstream: Music>Image.
Rankmoistmeat 2 months ago
@Rankmoistmeat i think Image = Music is more so for the underground rather than mainstream
FantasiaP 2 months ago
@FantasiaP yes, thats why you see so many unattractive pop music stars.
jimmyrhadley 1 month ago
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lol thank you for talking about lana del rey, i loveth her now :)
oh but if you hadnt talked out imagery,i probably wouldnt like her.
so thanks :D
sockostealshearts 2 months ago
Comment removed
sockostealshearts 2 months ago
Album covers do convince me of albums being more or less awesome.
noiluigi64 2 months ago
Honestly I thought you were a faggot and never bothered to watch your reviews. Then one day I decided why not. The reviews are articulate so I subscribed. True story bro.
akijanai 2 months ago
I also think that with certain genres, looks are more important. With pop or dance music, anyone can make a record. It's less about talent and more about how they present their music.
ladymimi101 2 months ago
I think it depends.Some people have awesome style but their music annoys me. Other artists that I listen to are not necessarily that attractive but I still listen to their music because their work is amazing. But overall, yes I agree with you. Sometimes I try to make myself like an artist because initially I am attracted to how they look or what they represent. However, that only lasts so far if they actually suck.
ladymimi101 2 months ago
3:42
FU-FU-FU-FU
JoyceJennings 2 months ago
*affect.
maSDuce 2 months ago
In case if you don't know your are getting a lot of attention recently because your channel got featured on Encyclopedia Dramatica. ch's frontpage as an article!
ShockingChairOfGod 2 months ago
just wanna play video games
just wanna play video games
all the time and every day
antirocketcloudy 2 months ago 2
Personally I don't think an artist needs a unique image, but I do think it helps them stand out from the crowd. Take someone like Katy Perry for example. Her singing is pretty good, but nothing we haven't heard before and her lyrics are rather generic, but because she covers herself in pounds of make up and wears oddly colored wigs she stands out. The same could also be said for Lady Gaga. Her music for the most part is pretty average, but her image makes her special.
WhoblehwahV2 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
Image almost important is the music itself. The best artist have a great image that matches their music. Take someone like Kanye West or Lady Gaga. They are so much more than just their music, they are real artists that are aware of fashion, style, music, culture. "Image" seems to be talked about so negatively in the comments. Obviously fake image or one that a label creates is somewhat dumb, but I think a image that is real and not manufactured is perfect. It helps further the music
TrueGamer14 2 months ago
@TrueGamer14 You say "the best artists" and then followed it up with "Lady Gaga". Really??
frantastickid 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos 2
@frantastickid Yes, honestly I don't even like her music that much. But it clicks for people. Millions of people love her & for good reason. She is like I said an "artist" though she may not be one of my personal favorite musicians.
TrueGamer14 2 months ago
@TrueGamer14 She's certainly an "artist", but I'd question whether being the definition of mainstream makes you one of "the best artists".
frantastickid 2 months ago 2
@frantastickid Trust me I'm not saying she is the best singer or the best anything really but to be "successful" artists need to combine the best of both elements. You could literally be making the best music out right now but it won't matter if you don't promote it right and combine all forms of art to create your image. "Image" is best when it's natural and not fabricated by some company.
TrueGamer14 1 month ago
@TrueGamer14 In the words of Immortal Technique:
If your message ain't shit, fuck the records you sold
'Cause if you go platinum it's got nothing to do with luck
It just means that a million people are stupid as fuck
frantastickid 1 month ago 2
@frantastickid Yes indeed there needs to be some sort of message within the music. I would like to think that some of my favorite artists have messages that I enjoy, no matter how simple or complex they might be. Again "message" is just one component, I think there are a lot of artist with a good message but lack ability, or image, etc. In order to be great and stand the test of time artists need to be the whole package. Skill, creativity, & everything else.
TrueGamer14 1 month ago
@TrueGamer14 >Kanye West
>Lady Gaga
>Real Artists
Lolno, they're both corporate illumaniti puppet whores, not too mention their music is gratingly mediocre
DoubleEdgedSword12 2 months ago
@DoubleEdgedSword12 Lol okay :)
TrueGamer14 2 months ago
@TrueGamer14 ARRRGHH I spelled Illuminati wrong, oh well, disregard what I said just feeling really salty today for some reason
DoubleEdgedSword12 2 months ago
@DoubleEdgedSword12 name 5 songs by kanye west
whatupmaaan 2 months ago
The graphic profile of a band shows how they are aware of there place in the music culture. If you look at many artists images you see that the ones that strech outside the convetional image of the genre often have something that streches outside musically.
edwindickson 2 months ago
Music should always be prioritized over image. By the way, your video actually turned me onto Del Rey...hadn't discovered the internet hype yet, went to a song other than the one everyone was talking about, and turns out I really like her. You should do a separate video on Hype, as image is only one aspect of how an artist gets known in a short amount of time, like Lana or Arctic Monkeys even.
whosaidwhatwhen 2 months ago
Music > Image.
Image (clothing, merch, videos etc) is part of your artistic expression, and thats all cool and fine. It can be essential when it comes to marketing and getting recognized. But at the end of the day if your album/music isnt that good, then im not buying into it.
otherside65 2 months ago
Yes thony, of course that by choosing to record yourself you're lowering your credibility.
But that's not what you or your viewers are looking for in these vids. They look for entertainment. We could easily just read online text reviews and shut ourselves from the outside world but we want the social part in it. We want to feel as if we're discussing and conversing with someone about the music we like.
Or maybe I'm just projecting, who knows.
wazzupcrap 2 months ago
I do think that, just the cover of an album helps me to understand the whole ambience of it and to get into it. Images are important.
Bibonien 2 months ago in playlist Autres vidéos de theneedledrop
Anthony, you are BEYOND correct. Image means everything, your example off Odd Future / Tyler the Creator was one of the most legitimate instances I can think of. OF would definitely not be so renown if all they released was there music, with no videos, no pictures of them, no twitter, no outlets for them to display their "swag".
Cornbreadddd 2 months ago
I can close my eyes and imagine blue waves and that kind of stuff when I'm listening to Baroness Blue Record. Same with the Red Album.
For some bands it just works and I think that it's awesome.
rkdodz 2 months ago
Eh, I don't really know what most of the bands I listen to look like. Especially the video game composers I enjoy.
DemonmachinELPs 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
This shouldn't even be discussed, it's obvious.
VonHades 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
@VonHades i commented too early, part of the discussion is interesting
VonHades 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
I think images affects most people whether they want to admit it or not (if even only subconsciously). Great and thoughtful piece. People need to hear this and consider what you're saying!
albinoshira 2 months ago
I was actually so confused by Lana Del Rey on so many levels. First I heard the name a couple of times, then I heard the song (which is confusing in its own right) and then I saw her face. If anything can be said about the image that this artist is putting forth, it's that its successfully chaotic. Personally I was a big question mark after hearing her song and seeing the music video.
blomlie 2 months ago 2
Never let images fool you, cant judge a book by its cover. Still its always good to observe what you see.
punk100000000 2 months ago
Wrote something about this, recently. secretresonance.tumblr.com/post/13132298398/ambient-context specifically about ambient music.
rayek4eq 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
It totally does. It is impossible to listen to music without evoking imagery. It is very likely some imagery related to the band will be evoked during your listening experience. Sometimes listening to some kind of music has totally changed after realizing how the artist looks and which image is portraying. My mind immediately tries to associate the music I hear to something that is more accurate to what I've seen. Or maybe I'm just fucking crazy.
metalsabatico 2 months ago
Image definitely affects what I like and don't... but I try my best to let myself like the music that I like, regardless of what images I associate with it.
annikasunshine 2 months ago
Sometimes the image don't fit, but no it shouldn't be 100% of what you think of the artist
AmandaRetana 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
Yes.
MrStealthist 2 months ago
I buy al thel albums because of the images - only nomeansno because the music!
kingandkongo 2 months ago
Yeah, thats where my fanboy sense comes in.
I dont know why I like Design The Skyline. Ive know them all, I like their sceneness. But i also like their crazy nonsense passages (JUST LIKE IWRESTLEABEARONCE!). But maybe its because of how underrated some of the songs are because of flaws in others.
Im not 100% sure but i know it has a lot to do with their image as well as their music.
redfoxskater 2 months ago
Image does affect me, always, can't deny.
Number8z 2 months ago
Lil B is kind of different because his image is part of the art. I hate to make this comparison, but it's like no one would remember Warhol if not for his personal image. As far as I can tell, Lil B is making his life into the art of subtly satirizing hip hop. And he does it so well that a lot of people don't get it.
musiciscooldood 2 months ago
you truly are the busiest and smartest music nerd
altnation10101 2 months ago
I hate to admit it but I believe image does effect me, because I probably wouldn't have been attracted to radiohead if it wasn't for their image, though later I liked them just for their music. And on the other hand and to respond more directly to your suggestions I might have liked Lana Del Rey if it wasn't for her image since I find it really contrived and obnoxious and makes no sense, and I don't think image is a bad thing, it's just another marketing tool.
kristina80ification 2 months ago
In the case of pop music, yes
TheCagedTiger 2 months ago
No ant, your reviewing image is p great
ThePuddleJumpr 2 months ago
i like this series "QUESTION" is awesome
Floydian75 2 months ago
I would say image is a huge deal when it comes to music with me. But not in the sense of "this artist has a dark album cover, and their music is quite somber, so i like the correlation." its more of an image i make in the music and if the artist relates to that then i really enjoy it. To give you an example i loved Tallest Man On Earth's album Wild Hunt. But i had never seen him before. What i imagined with imagery while listening to the album was pretty much exactly how he turned out to look.
gitnerd 2 months ago
If I may take this opportunity to comment on the image of these videos, I have to say, the editing is becoming extremely distracting. I understand you're a fan of Tim and Eric, I'm not, but I just over look that and enjoy the review. However, lately, I feel like it's too prominent and is really taking me out of the review.
Just a thought.
ZyxthePest 2 months ago
@ZyxthePest
I pretty much agree with you, but I'm thinking that he is probably just experimenting with stuff and this will pass. Also I like Tim and Eric myself, and I guess what Anthony is doing these days editing wise is kind of similar, I never thought of it before, but not as well executed (sorry, I luv u Anthony, I really do).
kristina80ification 2 months ago
I do enjoy associating a great album cover with the music it contains. but at the same time I don't let an awful album cover influence my opinion on the music.
I can't speak for music videos because I rarely catch any (that aren't on your site).
jarshall2 2 months ago
ofcourse image comes into it, i personally take it as a whole package, the music does come first ofcourse but whats wrong with showcasing creativity through appearance and image. artists and fashion designers do it as a job. music has always used image, and it would be very boring if every record had no artwork and was just blank grey, thats the fun in purchasing some new vinyl and seeing a good bit of art, or a sweet music video that gets you stoked.
MrAollerton 2 months ago
must say, I want to buy the new Rise Against album just cause of the album cover
MufasaAttack 2 months ago
This happened to me with the band Local Natives. I saw them perform live and penned them as a band trying so hard to follow an image; completely ignoring theirmusic. This went on for some time before I re-listened to the song 'World News' and while I shrugged my shoulders and said "These guys have nothing interesting to say", when I minimised the video, sat down with the lyrics and listened; I really enjoyed the simple message it brought across. So, admittedly; I was wrong. :)
Steoandnoodles67 2 months ago
i think image has a negative effect on me. im not saying im above being influenced by image, but if i do see an artist band with a strong image the same time i hear them for the first time, then the music suffers. for some reason it gets in the way of me digesting the music. and if the image is successful and does influence me, then the artist is then constantly fighting against that usually superior first impression. tyler the creator is a great example.
cloneofbogart 2 months ago
Actually, to a point yes. Such as when I saw what Ulver looked like, I slightly changed my perspective of them. I don't know why, but they didn't fit that image of "trve norwegian black metal" or whatever. It just bugged me, and I don't know why.
Also, when you see how Jack White looks and acts, I dunno why, but it really improves the music. Because he's just such a pimp
masternewbz117 2 months ago
and lana is smoking hot fake lips or not
mikefiftynine 2 months ago
it's always been both: sound and vision: hasn't it? go back to (like someone said) elvis
mikefiftynine 2 months ago
but to play devil's advocate to my previous post, maybe new media will allow for a true manifestation of wagner's idea of the 'total art work,' and what is now incarnated as an advertisement technique can become a realization of an artwork that exists in many different modalities... that, or advertisers want to close the gap between expression and consumption (maybe they already have). you tell me
defdeezy 2 months ago
adorno bruv. illusion of choice and commodified aesthetics. adorno argued that popular musics are mostly built to sell other things, which led to the devaluation of music that we have now. i believe the internet could potentially 'redeem' all of these stylistic artifacts that the music of the past (and its reliance on an outdated industry) left us. but all the internet is doing is creating shorter gestation and digestion periods for fads... well, and apparently starting revolutions or something
defdeezy 2 months ago
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Honestly, if an albums art is intriguing ill give it a listen.
69thcomment 2 months ago
no ur image really affect u depending on what ur attarcted too if u do wild shit like Tyler The Creator in it thats just facts and Tyler doesnt just have a image he really has talent a co-sign from Pharrell is a big deal but if u have a wild image like Tyler ppl will look into u becuz ppl are into things u dont often see like 2 girls 1 cup evryone was like i gotta see it i heard about how gross it was i gotta see it but if its something ppl dont wanna see and arent use to seeing they'll trash it
youngj11229 2 months ago in playlist More videos from theneedledrop
This has been flagged as spam show
The subliminal noise around 5:14 affects me.
TomBrittonTV 2 months ago
Comment removed
TomBrittonTV 2 months ago
Whats with the lagg-editing, it's not artistic. I like hearing your reviews but the annoying editing really pisses me of sometimes. Ofcourse, do what you want, just my 2 cents.
Djentard 2 months ago
@Djentard nonononono (read: NONONONONO). His editing is PURRRRFECT x3
Please Anthony, do moaaar editing and let Cal help you creating it *~*
BadButNotSad 2 months ago
@BadButNotSad Hipster comment much >.>
Djentard 2 months ago
@Djentard I don't think it's suppose to be artistic, buddy. Just for fun.
MrFicction 2 months ago
@MrFicction Might be
Djentard 2 months ago
i think when all these images are used, it is the cover up the fact that the music is weak and uninspired...so they put their efforts into the image to create more fuzz.....so yeh I dont give a damn about image, and for what I care, as long as the music is good, there is no need to exagerate an emphatize the other elements...
cimattikaiman 2 months ago
i think kreay's single wouldn't be as popular as it is without the video
jamescracksthesky 2 months ago
i didn't like death grips when i first listened to the album alone, but after i saw the guillotine video, i was into it
Arthritis25 2 months ago
Musicians are becoming like politicians: caring more for their image than doing something useful.
HypnoseElectrique 2 months ago
I'd also argue that people who can't separate the image or the video from the music couldn't care less about music. I think they're just after an aesthetic, which is a shame because a lot of them think they like music and couldn't be convinced otherwise.
Rapchaid 2 months ago
any creative people have an "image" wether they want to, or play up on it, or are aware of it or not, it just depends how much in the spotlight they are, even anti-"image" bands like the grunge groups of the 90s became an aesthetic. I have split minds about it, I enjoy the OFWGKTA show, but I think a lot of their music is pretty shit; the music i listen to is for the music only.
Rapchaid 2 months ago
aesthetic is just as much a part of the music as...well, the music. As a listener I'm interested in the entire package...sort of like a show. thats my opinion though.
thisissoicantroll 2 months ago
Also good job Fantano. You're not bad, kid.
StefanDillandMarcRIP 2 months ago
The image and the music are one in the same. Image gives you a feeling or emotion the same way the music does. It's all just an expression of the artists. For instance, i recently saw Lykke Li live, and i have always loved just listening to her music, but after the show I find myself looking up tons of videos of her's just to watch her dance and do weird Lykke Li stuff. I think her image is just as expressive as her music. Maybe I just got tricked by her good looks though...who knows?
StefanDillandMarcRIP 2 months ago
Of course image matters. You just have to be able to look past that in music to see if what's behind the image has substance. Maybe it can lead to unfairness sometimes, but I can often tell before I've heard a single note of the music if it's something I might enjoy based on the image. Shit bands look like they're gonna be shit.
MuikuliWander 2 months ago
You can't avoid image. It's therefore not a "bad thing", as you suggested. Even by remaining anonymous, you are making a statement about who you are. I think it's important to listen to music for what it is, but the listening context inevitably has an influence on our opinion of music.
schoenapan 2 months ago
Image defintely effects my listening experiance, but in a strange kind of way. The colors and images on an album cover just get stuck in my head and when I listen to the music I see them in my head. So for example if I am listening to Ride The Lightning, i am seeing a lot of blues in my head, images of thunder and lightning.
filipr700 2 months ago
I really like going to a show without knowing how the band looks at all... it's hard nowadays though.
Image sells a lot today and not only in pop music.
shilohtown 2 months ago
i personally dont like music videos. I try not to watch them. but a good example of image is rhiannas new single the one with like 7 words... yeah that one. If it werent for that music video that song would be NOTHING.
im actually doing a experiment about this
bdebramo 2 months ago in playlist More videos from theneedledrop
i think i blame tumblr for making people so much into visual things.
and when i say blame im definitely not saying that thats a bad thing
Joshspencer21 2 months ago
depends on the music imo alot music should always come first and i listen to loads of bands who just wear casual jeans and a t shirt of something. But when it comes to stuff like rock take alice cooper for instance it can help create another personality or quality for live and atmosphere reasons but i think people should stop with the silly link to metal being linked to satanism and all the stereotypes.
BenHarrisProductions 2 months ago
Oh yeah, and to the question: People hear what they see. That simple. You can't help but be influenced by image; but if you dig something, you dig it--no reason to apologize for being swayed by the look of something. Steak tastes good regardless but it sure wouldn't "taste" as good if it were attached to a dead beast caught in mid death-scream--though, it'd probably make for a video with a helluva lot of hits.
jaspatrick 2 months ago
Tyler's video was cool and the song was, as you say, "pretty decent." I like the dark shit, what can I say? Lana's song/vid... Not so much; but I tend not to love that style. She sings alright and the song seems "genuine" enough; but definitely giving the nod to the Tyler vid. Keep the questions coming, brah. Cheers!
jaspatrick 2 months ago
Image is not something i take into account when i'm deciding whether or not to like a piece of music. I usually don't take the time to watch music videos of songs i like because i don't really think it even matters.
b4bal1ty 2 months ago
Image does effect me, if I allow it to.
This is exactly why I dislike the idea of music videos, and rarely watch them.
As I see it, either a music video distracts you from a bad song, or it distracts you from a good song.
I don't recall a moment in which the two made each other better than either could have been on their own.
calypto1 2 months ago
I lolled so fucking hard at the Lana del Rey impression. I also think that the discussion in the comments is too geared towards the introductory questions of "does image affect us?" and fails to address the meat of what is being brought up here. On the other end of the spectrum, there are some artists (albeit just starting, so not the greatest of sample sizes) like Moths that are unknown beyond a country of origin and a name. It forces listeners to consider the music without pretext. Melikes.
xiaosainzboy 2 months ago
Bastard was an impeccable mixtape. Goblin was meh. I think there are some very talented producers and artists within odd future but it doesn't hurt that their public image is so "other" I can't quite oin it down, but I think people want to be the first to subscribe to something that isn't the norm for fear of not being progressive or being stuck in their ways. Unfortunately good PR can make the artist these days more than actual good talent.
tyknos93 2 months ago
yeah, i saw an IMAGE of you with long hair. and that affected me. mind was blown.
Anopps 2 months ago
Dear mr. Fontana, Since Elvis Presley, and even before The King entered the realm of popular consciousness, image has always been a crucial element in the creating of modernday myths and pseudo-identities. Personally, I applaud it. Sound and Vision, a faustian pact! I For instance I like The Pet Shop Boys, not just for their musicak merit, but also for their marriage of content and image.
Remake Remodel! Remember that wonderful Roxy Music Song!? It's OK to be Warholian!
solianik 2 months ago
Of course image affects people. What it comes down to is if you like the image enough for it to be a representation of something you like. Take Yonkers for example, even if you only listen to the music, the video will always be associated with the song. So you really have to be ok with the video to like the song. Otherwise if you don't like an image associated with a band/song you're more likely to put up a facade if you like it.
superfly299 2 months ago
Funny that you ask us if we think you're ruining the art of review or not. If anyone were to actually think you're doing a bad thing then they obviously don't realize that your music taste and ideas are opinionated. And we're all guilty of judging what we think to be good music with someone with a good image; it's simply in our nature to lead towards what we find attractive.
Gortex2824 2 months ago
IMO, yes. Image affects Music. And Music affects Image as well. Funny thing is we don't see videomakers complaining about that. ;)
As a musician, I don't really see a problem, since we're human beings able to perceive things simultaneously.
This discussion goes a long way back when musicians wanted Music to be appreciated by its own instead of poems with melodies. It's always good to analyse things separately, but perception always tends to be complete, and it's usually more fun like that.
rafaelnelvam 2 months ago
I bet.. If you were a HOT blond girl you'd have doubled you subs..
So, Yes, it does affect us....
srmarquinho 2 months ago
@srmarquinho nah if he had a hot blonde in the vid with him each time.
TheTomWIlliams 2 months ago
Certainly agree that image can effect how I enjoy music. Sometimes when aesthetic or imagery associated with an album compliments the music so well, it makes the album seem to have more depth and be more immersive to me. A recent example is Hurtsville by Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders. The Cold Feet video, any photography associated with the making of the album, the lyrics, how he performs on stage; produces an image, aesthetic, concept that expands or is an extension to the music in my mind
macca3666 2 months ago
lol why should anyone care about image effecting the music experience,? No disrespect but do any of you realize that image and subliminal thought (rather intentional or not) are all factors that make up your very personality. Even now as your reading this,every possible thought your having is loaded with bias handed down to you by every single person you've ever met and every small experience thats ever effected you at all . Hell even the very fabric of reason is an aesthetic. Cant escape it
backahjack 2 months ago
I have no idea how image affects my ability to enjoy a band, mainly because I haven't listened to much music that's affected me through a visual rather than aural style since Nirvana, and say what you will about Cobain, but at least he made flannel shirts socially acceptable on my art school campus. But as a Photomedia student, yeah I think about this stuff sometimes.
TeenAuthor 2 months ago
Visual eyes are the best kind of eyes
thazzchair 2 months ago
I hate how Lady Gaga acts like a wired, while her music is sooo not wired.
ConstantContrast 2 months ago
The cover art of an album or single is what really attracts me to the music, and i tend to really compare the two. Beach House's Teen Dream, Carnavas, Stankonia, Digital Lows (CITIES AVIV!!!), MBDTW and Because of the Times had cover art that made me want to check out the music. and i ended up loving those albums. unfortunately, a lot of good musicians have really atrocious album art that makes me balk (Yeasayer...ugh). so for me, the pull factor isn't usually the artist, but the artwork.
blancmage31 2 months ago
@blancmage31 Edit: MBDTF. F, not W.
blancmage31 2 months ago
Nah, an artist's image is totally important. I think that the aesthetic that an artist builds his or herself (though obviously not as important as the music itself) totally affects how you feel when you're listening to it. I don't think we should scoff at that because it's shallow, but instead accept it as part of our music experience.
MarvelousMatthewWut 2 months ago
The artists' image doesn't have much impact on me, unless it's something like black veil brides. But the album art really helps shape how I picture an album as I listen to it, it really sets the mood for the album for me.
ikeeln00bz 2 months ago
I can't help but admit that visuals have an impact, but I honestly attempt to allow the music, lyricism, and vocals to permeate before making a snap decision. I can often admit to solid sound, production, and effort, but if I don't like the lyrics or the music, I just have to a pass. I don't care how well the effort. Sometimes I surprise myself by what I like, like Beyonce's Sweet Dreams. Never thought I would like anything by here but the song's tonality and the lyrics were appealing.
punkonthis 2 months ago
I find that image can add and detract to the delivery of a song. Good band I can use is DEVO. DEVO lyrics are honestly not terribly strong but DEVO excels at fun musical compositions. They pair their music with fun interesting visual and media productions. Their enthusiasm is infection. It's hard not to enjoy and like DEVO. They can even parody and poke fun at things through their simple lyrics. I think if DEVO were not as versatile as they are, I might not like them as much.
punkonthis 2 months ago
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Music is about music.
sojirokaidoh2 2 months ago
its a shame that you only have 31 people that like you on facebook, let alone no picture haha. your reviews are too good and taste of music is really good too
MrBballinbrandon 2 months ago
great reviews. great philosophy. love the vids!
sk8ordi30 2 months ago
My sister likes acdc, never heard a song from them.
she basically likes bands she knows are supposedly cool, like foo fighters.
JustCrashedIntoAPole 2 months ago
Maybe in elementary and middle school image affected what I liked. Not really anymore.
brettsellshomes 2 months ago
Image is definitely a contributing factor to get me to try music and push me to listen to full LPs. But i feel like once ive heard a full album i tend to be able to separate the image from the music.
kjettpack 2 months ago
I think the image is part of the artist as a thing as much as the music is, in some ways. I mean, Lada Gaga is almost entirely her image, and while I don't really like her, it's done a lot for her to be so damn weird.
And then people like Janelle Monae's image are charming and bring me in, and bias me to like them more. It's just a thing that comes with being a person doing a thing, and manipulating it is okay, in my opinion.
iamslightlyawesome 2 months ago
I was 8 years old and the first album I bought and really listened to thoroughly was Marilyn Manson's Mechanical Animals. I still really enjoy that one, prolly his best I think. but I have to say being a visual person, image def affects me or plays a big role, i think there are a lot of artists out there that make music but there's also a big visual side to their art. music is still the substance. I really like the album cover too, especially when it "looks" like the music it is portraying.
frankstersays 2 months ago
'Does image EFFECT you?' *tears grammar nazi eyeballs out of sockets, eats a cockroach and hangs self*
xCroB93x 2 months ago
@theneedledrop Yeah, I thought she definitely sounded sexier.
afacewithaview 2 months ago
Clearly the best option is to live in a cave without outside sources of information and to have the albums shipped to your super sound-system conveniently installed in said cave. Then and only then can this troubling problem be overcome.
I think everyone is affected by influences whether they believe it or not, just best to be honest about it and aware of its influence so you can discern where the favor in either direction is truly coming from.
mtravis82 2 months ago
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From Elvis to The Beatles to The Stones to whoever... Image has always been a part of music recordings. So it's important. If you're a stoner making nonchalant, apathetic music and project an "everyday" guy, that's still an image.
craigslistvsebay 2 months ago
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craigslistvsebay 2 months ago
Don't care much about image, but props for Johnny Cash!
Goatbed13 2 months ago
Also, a big reason I watch theneedledrop is because I love the way the videos are put together...to be honest, our opinions on music aren't really all that similar in most cases but the videos are so damn good! It's kind of like reading a reviewer for the quality of his writing
cosmogrammar 2 months ago 2
I sometimes get into a band partially because of their image, and I'm okay with that...Odd Future is a good example, and I would also say Foxy Shazam also goes with it. Their live bombast really ups those guys' appeal for me, without a doubt. But, I don't think I would give a shit if either of those groups didn't make music i enjoy as well.
cosmogrammar 2 months ago
@theneedledrop...Hey Anthony nice way to promote Redscroll Records in Wallingford, CT...i go there all the time to dig for records
RANDYTORRES91 2 months ago
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That's exactly what happened to Eminem's Encore. He let his image ruin most of the songs that could have been better. Most of the songs in Encore sounded like his image was rapping for him (if that makes sense). Leading to songs like "My 1st Single" and "Ass Like That" and most important "Big Weenie". And I know he was on drugs at the time but i'm just saying.
YungMarley713 2 months ago
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RANDYTORRES91 2 months ago
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YungMarley713 2 months ago
I was just asking myself this question the other day actually. I think in Lana Del Rey's case it's pretty damn clear that her image is what she's banking on, seeing that she hasn't had ANY more buzz other than Video Games (ONE DAMN SONG). I think anyone who says image doesn't matter and it's all about the music, might be blind, or just need to come to terms with the fact that they are a liar. Artists are very much about image. Look at Lady Gaga and her Red Carpet Fashion. Images go w/ the music
TheMusicismygf 2 months ago