What's your favourite Arena-album and why?
Mine is The Visitor. The strong melodies and very different moods, combined with a continuing storyline and beautiful artwork make this album a real classic.
You mean, like if I were to pick one for the deserted island? I'd prolly choose the Live&Life double album, it has the most music :)
But really, I'm undecided between 'Contagion' and 'Immortal?'. Hard question, mate, they're all such strong albums.
Pfoey! Euh... Live&Life, it has the most songs, it's live, it has Contagion (Which I would have chosen if I didn't have L&L) and the 2nd disc contains a lot of good songs from other albums. (Jericho, Solomon, Hanging Tree, Enemy Without _O_ )
They're all very close, but The Visitor is just al tiny little bit better then the other albums. It's a very strong conceptual piece of music. All songs fit perfectly in each other. There is al lot of variation on this album en almost every song is a masterpiece!
Ummm.....tricky one. I'd probably go for "Pride" if I absolutely had to choose. Of the later albums though, the new one is definitely becoming a favourite. ;D
I kind of prefer the more 'song' orientated albums rather than the concep pieces but then again it depends upon mood. Up until the new album, I certainly played the first 2 albums much more than the last 3.
Probably, my all time favourite will be the next one ;)
I'm very fortunate. I find every album to be the best so far, and it seems to be a common feeling in my social circles. The best moments I still find on "Pride", and I mean like single parts of songs that really hit the right string inside. Off the top of my head:
"Innocence of acquaintance or liaison / The darker side of hunger and need / We reach a path / the way beyond reason / Now we have sown that nemicidal seed"
"Digging deep for something of value / How much more must I tear at the soil? ... "
"What did you do when you woke today / What did you feel, were you sad or afraid / Searching your thoughts for reasons or meanings / And the choices you made"
I'm still wondering if Pepper's Ghost is better than Contagion. It would be quite a feat, 'cause Contagion... I don't know how much better it can get.
The longer I think about it, the more I must say: it's definitely a draw for my favorite two, and it will stay that way, I believe. No decision on one of them possible for me, although I voted for Immortal? because the poll doesn't allow double votes :)
I like "Immortal?" :)
Visitor or Songs From the Lion's Cage
I have debates about this all the time.......In the end, probably Contagion.....but it really depends on my mood and what I'm listening to at the time. I really like Lion's Cage (wish it were re-recorded....sometimes I think the production suffers a bit compared to later efforts, but there are great songs on that one). Usually, though, it's a toss-up between Immortal? and Contagion. Then there's the Visitor..... so I have to pick one,eh? Well then I guess it's Contagion. Terrific album. There's a sound about it that pulls me in whenever I listen to it. Just getting into Pepper's Ghost: excellent album as well.....
But Contagion it is.
How's that for hedging on an answer?
No need to think long, for me it is Contagion :)
This is the first Arena album I heard ... and it will always have a special place in my collection ...
A bit out of topic: I was wondering why 'Live and Life' + 'Caught in the act' are 2 differents packages since they share an identical track list. Why not put the concert DVD together with the 2 audio CD ??? and L&L DVD can be added at the end of the concert DVD as a bonus ... it just sound a bit strange for me ;D
Too hard... like them all! ;D
"Live and Life" , maybe, 'cause it makes me remember the gig (which was a great moment with friends), and it contains lot of really good songs.
It's quite hard to explain, but my favourite album is always the latest one released so right now I'm on Pepper Ghost's for months... Just like when I discovered Arena, I listened to "Contagion" about 4 months, and the my boyfriend gave me "Visitors" and I listened to it for 3-4 months too ... It's a curious way but... ::) that's my way to enjoy prog' music (with french music, or "pop" it's not the same ;) )
Hard choice to make but I think my favourite album is Pepper's Ghost. I like the way the band are moving things along, and despite virtual non stop playing this album still sounds as fresh and energetic as when I first heard it.
That said I will always have a soft spot for The Visitor, simply because this was the CD that got me hooked on the band in the first place.
Hello folks. Personally I prefer "The Visitor" and "Immortal?". Although, "Solomon" is the best Arena's track ever. As for"Contagion"-cd, I don't like it at all.
Quote from: The Voyager on Sun, 2005-03-06, 13:08:06
Hello folks. Personally I prefer "The Visitor" and "Immortal?". Although, "Solomon" is the best Arena's track ever. As for"Contagion"-cd, I don't like it at all.
Eeek, and why is that so, if I may ask?
About "Contagion". Unfortunately, there is no reminiscent track there. It would be rather good album for any mediocre prog-act. But I wonder what happened in 2003 to this great band, that earlier made "The Visitor" and "Immortal?".. Glad to say, a couple of next EPs is much better.
Quote from: The Voyager on Tue, 2005-03-08, 08:32:41
About "Contagion". Unfortunately, there is no reminiscent track there. It would be rather good album for any mediocre prog-act. But I wonder what happened in 2003 to this great band, that earlier made "The Visitor" and "Immortal?".. Glad to say, a couple of next EPs is much better.
Nothing happened to the band, they just made an album you don't like... Shit happens...
Suppose, Arena isn't to be one more ordinary prog-metal band. Time will show.
"Songs... " occupies for sure one special place in my heart 'cos I bought it ten years ago and I discovered the best sound and musical emotions I've ever heard and felt..... and that day began my love and mania for the Arena sound.
Then each new album has been a really masterpiece, a new pleasure for my hearing and a step forward the previous one. I think Arena now represents the new direction of the progressive-rock, the really 3rd millenium-prog!! I also like such great band as Pendragon or IQ but they still have the same sound of the 80's prog (Marillion in primis).
So, I love each single album but "Songs... " has something more........
Bye.
Spad.
Can't decide between "The Visitor" and "Contagion" :-\ .... my two favourties !
The last one that I bought is my favourite...
Or is it the other one, umm what's it called...? It's got a picture or something on the front of it, and it's got that tune that sounds like thingy...from that 70's TV show theme...it's on the tip-of-my-tongue...you know...had that actor in it who played that character in that really famous film....with what's-her-name from, um...that sci-fi stuff...looked like the girl from that TV advert for coffee or gravy or catfood or something...!
Well anyway, that one's my favourite, I think. At least for the moment.
My favourites are the first two albums and the first concert album: Welcome to the Stage.
Because of long-long instrumental parts, beautiful and painful guitar solos.
On the one hand, I still find Contagion to be my favourite (Which makes Pepper's Ghost the first to not tip the last one off the throne), on the other hand, I'm very happy about Pepper's Ghost, and that they released a solid album that really rocks! I can imagine it must be a blast to play live, and a blast to watch.
Only thing about the live DVD I felt was a bit... well, it was much slow or slower than midtempo songs on there. No big deal at all, but I reckon the shows are more adrenalizing now!
Still hoping to get to Trondheim in October. :)
Another thread I'm going to resurect.....
Like most here I like all the albums but being a person who likes concept albums where tracks flow into each other my favourites have to be The Visiter and Contagion.
Cheers,
Ian
Quote from: Ian Lay on Fri, 2005-09-09, 22:33:23
Another thread I'm going to resurect.....
Like most here I like all the albums but being a person who likes concept albums where tracks flow into each other my favourites have to be The Visiter and Contagion.
Cheers,
Ian
I have to agree with Ian. I like the concept idea and an album like Contagion just flows together so beautifully.
THE VISITOR. It's a concept album, it's symphonic progressive, there was Jowitt and Wrightson. What more can i say?
Contagion. It's a concept album, it has a great symphonic sound, and the lineup of musicians has solidified.
Quote from: Wilford Jr. on Tue, 2005-09-13, 21:26:46
Contagion. It's a concept album, it has a great symphonic sound, and the lineup of musicians has solidified.
I agree but Peppers Ghost comes a very very close second and a few more listens........well, who knows i might find myself saying...
Peppers Ghost. O.K. It's not a concept album, but it has a great symphonic sound, and the lineup of musicians has solidified even more than on Contagion.
Thanks for the quote Wilford Jr!!
I agree with all you say about PG Johninblack. But I really love the idea of the concept album and Arena does it so well. That is probably the reason I rate Contagion just a little bit higher than PG.
Definately 'Contagion' with 'Pepper's Ghost' and 'The Visitor' close behind. I remember that I was not so confident when I played 'Contagion' the first time, but now it's my favorite. Excellent changes in heavy and less heavy songs, tracks that flow in each other.
Quote from: Teunis on Wed, 2005-09-14, 19:40:51
Excellent changes in heavy and less heavy songs, tracks that flow in each other.
When I first heard the album, I didn't realised it was already track 5 when I looked at the cd-player.
Quote from: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2005-09-14, 20:02:22
When I first heard the album, I didn't realised it was already track 5 when I looked at the cd-player.
;D. I had the luck that I had my booklet in the hand at first playing.
Quote from: Teunis on Wed, 2005-09-14, 20:41:24
Quote from: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2005-09-14, 20:02:22
When I first heard the album, I didn't realised it was already track 5 when I looked at the cd-player.
;D. I had the luck that I had my booklet in the hand at first playing.
So did I! ;D
I though it was a real coincidence at first... but then, on further investigation i realized that the book comes with it! ;D ;)
Quote from: keyboardistmatt on Wed, 2005-09-14, 20:48:17
;D. I had the luck that I had my booklet in the hand at first playing.
So did I! ;D
I though it was a real coincidence at first... but then, on further investigation i realized that the book comes with it! ;D ;)
To quote Peter...
who hasn't said it yet, but let's not split hairs, eh...!"KBM...you're in serious danger of turning
Gelert..."
*ola*
Quote from: gelert on Wed, 2005-09-14, 20:55:10
"KBM...you're in serious danger of turning Gelert..."
*ola*
Is that bad? :-\
Quote from: keyboardistmatt on Wed, 2005-09-14, 21:01:32
Is that bad? :-\
Is That bad...?
Lot's...
...and none-at-all...!
[my favourite quote, BTW]
...(Lot's of these 'ere dwarves, but none of these 'ere Bura-Hobbits)...
As Peter would say..."Why do you answer with a riddle..?"
Answer: .........................................................................................................................
the Visitor :)
Welcome to the stage! ;) Best live album ever!
1. VISITOR - (I love every track...)
2. Peppers Ghost
3. Contagion
4. Immortal
5. Pride
6. Songs From The Lions Cage
I can really decide which one is the best.
Every release is different - yet special in its own way.
The only album I dont really like too much is Pride
Split decision between Songs from the lions cage and The Visitor. I will say this now, but i garruntee that when i put Peppers ghost in, or another Arena album, I'll be convinced i like that more - Thats how it seems to work for me.
Its hard to choose the right number 1 or 6 and everything between it.
But I give it a try
1 Songs Of The Lions Cage
2 Contagion
3 Visitor
4 Pride
5 Peppers Ghost
6 Immortal
On every album I got some very strong songs. So if you let me put together a very best album , It looks very diffence then the list above.
Everybody has his own favorites. Its al about taste. ;D
Quote from: Alle Jansen on Sat, 2005-10-29, 20:57:51
Everybody has his own favorites. Its al about taste. ;D
Quite right, too! :)
the choice is between contagion and the visitor. what canb i do, what can i choose ? Let's say the visitor, less "heavy metal" and with spaces you can breathe in...
Contagion is the best album in my opinion.
Followed by either The Visitor or Immortal?... I'm not quite sure.
The newest: Pepper's Ghost is REALLY good, but it hits the fourth place in my list.
It's still one of the greatest albums I've ever heard, so it isn't bad at all.
On the fifth spot: Songs From The Lion's Cage.
And Pride is on the sixth...
Does The Cry count as an album??
Then it's between Songs... and Pride.
My list. ;D
Contagion is the best!!!!!!!!!1!!!!11!!!!one!!!shift+1!!!
Quote from: PH on Sun, 2005-10-30, 17:09:20
Does The Cry count as an album??
The Cry is an EP, is it not?
An EP of 36 minutes... it's a big one then.
Yes, I remembered it was an EP.
Best EP's:
1. Contagium
2. Contagious
3. The Cry
Best live:
I dunno...
Quote from: PH on Sun, 2005-10-30, 17:09:20
Contagion is the best album in my opinion.
Contagion is their worst effort. IMO.
Quote from: The Voyager on Mon, 2005-10-31, 17:29:56
Contagion is their worst effort. IMO.
That's the other topic ;)
I must be crazy I :-* :-* love them all
I love them all, but my faves are The Visitor and Immortal? :-*
I'm sorry but I had to look at that twice!
Nonetheless, everybody has an opinion! :)
Quote from: keyboardistmatt on Sun, 2006-02-19, 12:22:52
I'm sorry but I had to look at that twice!
Nonetheless, everybody has an opinion! :)
That's also the way most of Voyager's posts make me feel :|
Quote from: Peter on Sun, 2006-02-19, 16:56:47
That's also the way most of Voyager's posts make me feel :|
You know what?
...I believe you! :D
Contagion and Pepper's Ghost - I can't choose between them. Although Contagion is getting more listens at the moment.
Helenxxx
I really like them all, but I suppose if I had to pick a favorite album, it would have to be Immortal. Maybe my decision is based on the fact that, this was the first album I purchased, which led me into buying the lot. How I got to hear of Arena in the first place, was really down to the Classic Rock Magazine which usd to be accompanied with a CD. It was on those CD's I heard The Butterfly Man and Chosen, which totally blew my mind at the time, and it did not take much persuasion to buy the album. From this album I set out buying the back catologue and their present albums, and I'm totally hooked.
Out of the 2 concept albums The Visitor and Contagion. I would have to go for The Visitor. Because in my belief it's more structured and put together well. But as I said at the beginning... I really like them all. They have not made a bad album to date, and long may they continue bringing us such great music, by real clever musicians and writers. Which is what i'm all for.
Quote from: intruder on Tue, 2006-11-28, 20:00:36
They have not made a bad album to date, and long may they continue bringing us such great music, by real clever musicians and writers
Hear, Hear!
My favourite is untill now; The Visitor. What a great album....Also the rest is great, and maybe my thoughts will change in the future, but as i say in my "welcome" word, I haven't heard all the albums allready. Contagion is also very good, and Songs of the Lion cage.. Didn't here Immortal yet, but that is only a matter of time ;D
Can I pick two albums?
'Cause my favorites would be both the Visitor and Breakfast in Biarritz.
Amazing, you guys dont lose any quality when playing @ a concert!
Quote from: Little Angel on Mon, 2005-10-31, 18:55:33
I must be crazy I :-* :-* love them all
You're not crazy than I'm crazy too
The classic, impossible question... ???
My favourite is probably always the one I listened to last time.
Right now, that'd be Pepper's ghost (currently in the middle of Opera fanatica).
Another choice could be Contagion, since it was my first Arena album, and so the one I've listened to the most, and I still haven't got tired of it, actually I still find it more interesting for each time.
It could also be The visitor, since it contains more lovely music than any of the other albums (about three more minutes than Contagion).
Decisions, decisions... ???
Silhouette
I still love Songs from the Lions Cage. "Solomon" is one of my favoriet Arena tracks. Very emotional and energetic. I find Pepper's ghost a fantastic album. Terrific heavy guitar work on it. Sometimes pleasant heavy and then again gentil and flowing. Great songs and I like the lyrics. Much can be found. Superb. The last weeks I listen to Contagion and Pepper's Ghost all the times im my car and am not getting tired of it. Arena is still evolving and they keep on developing. By the way I love the way Mick Pointer handles his drums. He's getting better every album.
So I guess I have three favourite Arena albums - and a ticket for their next concert in The Netherlands....gna ;)
Welcome to the Cage randazzo. ;D
Hope you'll enjoy it here. ;)
Yep, Solomon is awesomish. *horns*
imortal??? LOVE IT!!!
Hello everyone, I have all the CDs. Me pleasure all cd! I go the 8 th April to see the concert in Rome. I am very excited for this! *horns* *horns* *horns*
Hi Masterplace!
I agree with you that all CDs are beautiful. Arena doesn't make bad albums!
Have you already checked the topic about a possible fan magazine??
And welcome here! An Arena fan is a friend of mine! ;)
-Paco
Just realised that I hadnt posted here. Well, it cant come as a surprise to anyone who knows me that my fave Arena album is Contagion. It has the most great music imo. And the lyrics are very intriguing too. But there are equally wonderful passages on PG and Immortal ? The Visitor was my first Arena album, and it blew me away at the time, but today it doesnt grip me as much as the other three albums. LC and Pride I find far below the celestial heights of Contagion :)
Nicky.
Hi!
First post here :) My favourite album remains Songs From The Lions Cage. The first Arena album I heard and probably one of the first prog album I heard too :) I love how it is so epic! I still love it!
Another one would be The Visitor or Immortal?
:)
I love all their albums with "Songs & "The Visitor" being my favs!
hi
in my opinion the best albums of ARena are this on order:
1-The visitor(the best album that i heard in my life)
2-Songs from the lion cage with pride, and Inmortal?...imposible to decide one
3-Contagion(a great album)
I dont like very much the peppers gghots album because, i feel that Arena with this disc, enter in a very diferent style and i not waiting this style of Arena..But some songs are vero goood: smoke and mirrors, tantalus, or purgatory road.
bye
So far, of what I have, The Visitor is my favorite, followed by Immortal and Contagion. Peppers Ghost is good too. All have different ideas and concepts. Haven't had all of them for long, so I am still sorting them all out.
Yep, The Visitor rules!!! *horns*
Gotta couple more coming too. My wife is freaked, she understands. I don't spend money anywhere else, just my music.