RileyLewis

Just my personal opinion, obviously. And it's Matthew's work, so he puts what he wants on his album, I'm not complaining about anything. After listening repeatedly to: For and against the same thing We are a place Die like kings After listening to those songs I find that some of the songs which made the album (while good music) are less emotionally intense. Obviously different people like different things, and there's nothing wrong with that, and Matthew's tastes and style change over time. One person might like one song and dislike another, that's ok. But to me, these 3 songs have some punch to them that some songs on LoES were lacking. Anyway, just my opinion and I wanted to see if anyone else shared it! Not putting the CD down as it's great, just curious! Riley

It's at the Odeon Eventplex, which I've never heard of. I imagine we'll be fine, thought it will suck for him to have to wait while I go to the hangout thing.

Guys, I have a question. I bought a VIP ticket to the Saskatoon show (standing room only, so no assigned seating). However, my friend just got a regular ticket. How mellow are these events at letting my friend up with me near the stage? Obviously he can't take part in the meet and greet, etc, or get the merch, as it's sold out. Any advice, or help?

Another MG tour without a Regina show! Boo-urns! Another drive to Saskatoon, I guess! I used to be able to get people to go to shows with me on road trips, but looks like I'll have to go alone this time. I'll probably get the VIP package, I'd like to meet Matt in person, shake his hand, and thank him for the art he's put out over his career.

You could do what I do. Buy the physical CD, and then download the bonus song from a torrent, soothing any guilt with the fact that you support the artist by going to shows, buying merch, etc.

As long as we keep Nickelback out of it.

Honestly the first time I listened to Non Populus, I got a Bruce Springsteen vibe from the last half (first the muttered lyrics, then later on the actual melody reminded me of Secret Garden...which is strange).

The only thing I have to say to Bimbly is: Sometimes a song is just a song. Sometimes reading into things too much ruins them for you.

Just get Stu to sling a tuba around his back and you'll be fine. ;) Thanks for taking the time to respond here, Matt. And for what it's worth, you've inspired me, though not musically. I suffered with sever depression for years. A video you shot for an interview about seeking help for mental disorders finally spurred me to seek help. I think you won an award or honour or something to that effect. So thank you for having the courage to speak out about issues like that, that have affected you. I know how much courage it must take, because I run into people everyday in my life that I want to tell about my problems and issues, but they still have the wrong ideas about them, misconceptions they've held for their whole lives.

I always thought that Failing The Rorschach Test would have been a great single.

I agree with Matt in that I may be disappointed with the album. Which is not an insult to Matt or myself. You grow up or have a period of your life you associate with a certain type of music, and you stick with it. Then, when the artist moves in a different direction, you feel "betrayed", or something. (I don't feel betrayed, haha, just people just seem to feel so about bands sometimes) My "time" for getting into MG was Audio of Being and Avalanche. So for me those types of sounds are representative of his work. So naturally I like deviations less than similar sounds. So I like White Light less, and Vancouver more, for example. So for this album, I'm guessing I'll like it less than normal. Like the man said, no big deal. It's not an insult, or even wrong, to have varying tastes. Regardless of what I eventually think of the album (haven't heard anything except this song), I'll always see Matt when he performs in Regina or Saskatoon. Almost nothing else beats him live, although the Saskatoon crowd sucked last time he was there. So keep calm and carry on. As he gets older his music is bound to mellow out a bit (even if he can't see it ;) ). I always wonder what it would be like to have past versions of artists listen to their later work. Would they call them "sell-outs", or say they've "gone soft?" Matt's done neither, but inevitably people try new things. Sometimes people like it, sometimes they don't. He's not making music for us, he's making it for himself, and presumably some money! Even if, in the end, I don't think this is my favourite album, I hope we all agree it's better to deviate a bit once in a while and try new things and styles. I mean, I love Beautiful Midnight. But if there were 10 albums in a row with the exact same sound, would it wear on us as well? Just my thoughts.

Yeah, he needs to bring someone in on drums to provide something interesting.

Not bad. I won't immediately judge until I listen to it for a while. Very stripped down. The only thing I have against it is it sounds very ordinary.

SOAPS Rabbits

1 Suburbia 2 Weapon 3 Avalanche 4 Sort of a Protest Song 5 While We Were Hunting Rabbits 1 The Rat Who Would Be King 2 Man of Action 3 Advertising on Police Cars 4 Prime Time Deliverance 5 Near Fantastica

Near Fantastica needs more votes, it's so close!

Prime Time Deliverance Advertising on Police Cars Suburbia Near Fantastica Weapon

Prime Time Deliverance Born To Kill

Musically it does remind me of Ben Folds. However, I (personally) think the horns sound a bit off, somehow. Probably because they are just samples included in Garageband. I think it actual instruments were used, then it might jibe a bit better for me. Still, very interesting stuff. I'm glad to see he's experimenting a bit outside his usual zone.

1) Change of Season 2) Failing the Rorschach Test 3) Empty's Theme Park 1) Single Explosion 2) Born to Kill

1) 99% of Us is Failure 2) Prime Time Deliverance (I had to flip a coin for this one. It was too tough of a call). 3) While We Were Hunting Rabbits 1) Failing the Rorschach Test

15) Change of Season 5) Avalanche 13) The Fine Art of Falling Apart 5) Failing the Rorschach Test 2) Apparitions

Suburbia Advertising on Police Cars Near Fantastica Life Beyond the Minimum Safe Distance Apparitions Fated Failing the Rorschach Test

Round 2.5 1) Flight Recorder From Viking 7 2) Empty Road 3) Double Life 3) If I Was A Tidal Wave Round 3.5 1) Great Whales of the Sea 2) Running for Home 3) The Workers Sing a Song of Mass Production 4) A Boy and His Machine Gun

I like it.