When Bands Change Their Sound...

The Good:

Mastodon - They're still metal, for sure, but they've been slowly evolving from Leviathan up to their latest, Crack the Skye, and I feel like they've reached the apex of their career. I can't wait to see what they cook up next, and if they continue to bring their sound in exciting new directions.

Pink Floyd - I don't know why people praise Syd Barrett as much as they do. Sure, Piper at the Gates of Dawn was a pretty good album, but he only contributed to one album, really, and then that was it. Roger Moore and David Gilmour took the band in brilliant new directions as their career went on.

Metallica - Obviously their transition to more mainstream rock that took place after ...And Justice was a hugely awful move, but I think their comeback in the form of Death Magnetic is excellent. I know it's cool to hate on Death Magnetic here on the internet, but if you liked any of their stuff from the 80s, there are very few reasons to hate on Death Magnetic so much, if you ask me. It's a surprisingly solid album throughout, and the only element that truly sucks balls is the drumming.

The Neutral:

Dream Theater - Some people really hate the darker, heavier direction these guys have taken over the past few years, but I really enjoy it just as much as their older stuff. The songwriting isn't as intelligent as it used to be, but the musicianship is top notch as always.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - As much as I love their more funk-oriented material, I equally love their softer stuff, with By The Way being my favorite album of theirs.

The Bad:

Genesis - Ugh, Phil Collins be damned for taking this band into the pop realm. Granted, some of the blame can be placed on Peter Gabriel for alienating the band in Roger Moore-like fashion, but Phil actually put out *some* good prog material before Genesis went all poppy.

Smashing Pumpkins - I have to echo earlier statements, but bring it further by saying that I didn't mind Adore, but Zeitgeist was one of the worst things I've ever heard. A horrifying attempt to be relevant again. Ugh, just awful.


I'm sure I'll think of some more later. Good thread!

Jam it back in, in the dark.