Some love for Nickelback!

[DP40oz]

Im with the OP. Nickelback bashing is so old. Chads voice is a million dollar rock voice. Personally their stuff is a bit bland lately for my tastes, but their albums are some of the best sounding records ever. They always sound massively huge. Why is it ok for Country, Pop, R&B, Rap artists to write really typical songs to sell for mass appeal but when a rock band does it its blasphemy. Personally I always felt Nickelbacks smartest move was keeping their sound huge and heavy (Mix and production wise) so it basically allows a pop song to be heavy enough sounding for Hard rock fans to like all the while really just selling a pop record.

[Headship Lender]

I'd rather be in a band that made some real money like the dfegadJonas brothers. And then after a couple of years when I start to get suicidal, I would pull a Scott Walker. I'd buy a cabin in the mountains, build a studio in it, build a library, and then come out in 10 years with the most amazing mind blowing music imaginable.

[psycho_monkey]

I think the biggest reason they attract so much hate is that every new song seems to be a carbon copy of the first hit.

I'm sure the album tracks have a bit more variation, but the singles certainly don't, and that's what most people will know.

[syntax]

Nickelback is the vital link between Creed and Cavo, and will be remembered as part of an era of commercial rock music populated by bands like Staind, 3 Doors Down, and Puddle of Mud.


A "compliment"of this order is called faint praise.

[DJBlueDrink]

Why is it ok for Country, Pop, R&B, Rap artists to write really typical songs to sell for mass appeal but when a rock band does it its blasphemy.

Very simple actually. Rock music is meant to be rebellious. A stand against the proverbial man if you will. A counterculture of sorts. Nothing is more the opposite than partnering up with corporate America and making typical Mass Appeal music. It's one thing to use the corporate music system to your advantage while playing by your own rules. Much damage can be done from the inside. Same goes for rap music. It's funny that you used the term Mass Appeal considering the fact that GangStarr made a song in '94 about this very subject with the title "Mass Appeal". For a funny dramatization of it, I suggest watching the beginning of the EPMD video for "Crossover."
YouTube - EPMD Crossover

As far as pop music goes, it's ok for pop music because of its inherent nature. Pop, short for Popular music. Music to appeal to the populous or MASSES. Made to be non offensive, safe, watered down in order to spread as far as possible.

Even though I truly cannot stand the sound of Nickelback and their countless imitators their existence does not bother me. Everyone has the right to make whatever type of music they want, no matter how horrible. What bothers me is that this is whats being rammed down the rock n roll throats when its clearly not rock. Its just another form of pop music. They need to call themselves what they really are and keep it on the Kiss FMs and other pop music outlets along with the Britney Spears and Rhiannas of the world. The people who are getting the shaft are the fans of unadulterated rock music. The kind that doesn't follow whatever the latest pop trend or sound of the day is and isn't afraid to take a few chances. There's so many easily accessible outlets for pop music, leave ours alone.

Rant over, dfegadNickelback

[skythemusic]

I'd take the money and the ass if my gf let me but there is no way I could EVER listen to that crap for more than 30 seconds. And, you'd have to pay me a boatload of cash for those precious 30 seconds. How can anyone like that stuff? Wasn't that the band that had three hit songs that had the exact same backing tracks??? Clever....real clever. The money they make and their popularity says everything you need to know about the soullessness in America.

[Ernest Buckley]

Originally Posted by DJBlueDrink

Because aside from Back In Black, Mutt Lange made some of the cheesiest and most soulless productions of all time. The man is synonymous with overproduction and corporate crap rock. Choosing him to produce your album doesn't make you awesome, it means that you've fully embraced the notion that you are top 40 crap.

wow.

[DSpec1]

Nickelback grew up, played in the bars, and went to music stores in the area where I did all of the same things.

The difference is that they came from a REALLY small town on the western Canadian prairies (about 150 miles from the largest city) and where the thought during the 80's and 90's was "how could anything ever happen from this location?" It was very defeatist, and yet, these guys continued to gig at every location around town. And that means a lot of crappy little holes.

And guess what? They pushed hard and were more than good enough to have earned everything they deserve.

They have always had their own 'sound'. They haven't changed over the years.

And this 'sound', which has been good enough for them to travel a very long path from obscurity to fame is now being emulated by dozens of others.

Give the Nickelback-bashing a rest. They deserve all of their success whether people like it or not.

[DJBlueDrink]

I only bash Nickelback when they are touted as the greatest invention since the blowjob. Other than that I really just try to ignore them.

[robertshaw]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

I think the biggest reason they attract so much hate is that every new song seems to be a carbon copy of the first hit.

yeah proof right here

YouTube - Nickelback Doesn't Change

I have to say this is more pathetic than any hair band
managed to be in the 80's talk about formula

[los marbles]

Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE all the success attached to an act like that. I just have a hard time getting behind projects that are following a pre-existing recipe. I might be able to convince myself it's awesome for a boatload of cash...and I would certainly try.

My point is, even if I was qualified to do their records, I wouldn't be the best man for the job.

[Mertmo]

If I had the chance to engineer one Nickelback record, or play one show or one tour, I
would totally do it. If not just for the sheer entertainment value and to get to rock the
**** out onstage a few times.

BUT: There's no way in hell I would play a PRS through a Mesa. PUKE CITY

[Backhousepro]

Originally Posted by FadersmakmeHappy

So there is a lot of hate for the current posterboys of pop metal.....our good friends Nickelback.

Don't get me wrong, I think their recent stuff is completely soulless.

BUT......there is not a SINGLE person on this forum who does not envy their success. I don't care who you are....don't lie to yourself.......being in Nickelback would ****ing rock!

Those guys are RICH and they get to play music on stage in front of tons of oversexed women in their late teens and early 20's EVERY GODDAMN NIGHT! Dude.....hooters galore. Those guys get so much ass it would make a toilet seat blush!

Oh yeah and the sweet amps and guitars they have.....you know the PRS and Mesa you worked your fingers to the bone to buy on layaway? Yeah...they get PAID to play that stuff.

NICKELBACK WOULD ROCK TO BE IN!

Not to throw a wet blanket on the proceedings, but isn't this really more about showing love to Nickelback's bank account and fan base rather than Nickelback the musical entity? Also, regarding the aforementioned "hooters" in abundance; they might make for interesting visuals, but it has been my experience up close that they don't pass current of any kind - hence no real kick for anyone except the person who comes equipped with them - provided they are properly "tweaked."

[DP40oz]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

I think the biggest reason they attract so much hate is that every new song seems to be a carbon copy of the first hit.

I'm sure the album tracks have a bit more variation, but the singles certainly don't, and that's what most people will know.

And yet the Chili Peppers are allowed to keep writing the same song over and over again about California and they get critical praise because 20 years ago they wrote Blood Sugar Sex Magic and so what they do now is more art and Nickelback is corporate. Every big band does the same thing. ACDC, Aerosmith, U2, Chili Peppers, they have a sound and they go with it. Now I don't think Nickelbacks in that league but lets not fool ourselves into thinking they're the only ones writing the same songs.

Now I in no way think Nickelback is anything great, I also don't really like most of their stuff but the hatred is so stupid. If you read about them they love to party, drink, get laid. Sounds like Rock n Roll to me. Actually sounds a lot more rock n roll then all these damn hipster bands with their whiny songs, skinny jeans and lame beards who can barely play guitar and for some reason im supposed to believe its really artistic.

[tapehiss]

nickelback does not have near the amount of talent as the chillipeppers.....

they are very skilled, and nickelback is not as skilled...


however, nickelbacks songs always make me feel as though im soaring through the air on wings of eagles -




straight into a heap of shit.

[hpp99]

It is of course important to distance yourself from any popular, mainstream, corporate America bullshit like Nickelback. After all, you have YOUR OWN taste and are soulful enough to see behind that utterly worthless crap that is sold by the millions every day. You are not only different from the crowd who likes this musical diarrhea, but of course also better than them.

If you ask every single person face to face, the USA will consist of 300,000,000 individualists that have a much better and more valid opinion and taste than the other 299,999,999 people who follow the masses. I wonder who "the masses" is then... maybe an elementary particle that has not been found yet... the dark matter of the population...

Gearslutz is filled with cutting-edge, top-notch, individualistic, innovative, super-creative artists and musical geniuses who make totally relevant music with irresistible rhythms, heart-piercing melodies, unique sound design and authentic lyrics with an important message and indispensable contribution to both arts and society, that sells between 5 and 500 copies and is forgotten as soon as you click "Stop" on the MySpace player... and that is JUST because the masses are too stupid and rather listen to Nickelback. That is, these 299,999,999 people that make up "the masses". None of the 300,000,000 people you ask face to face are a part of that. They are all different.

For those who have watched a certain Monty Python movie:
Brian: "You are all individuals!"
The crowd in perfect unison: "Yes, we are all individuals!"
One voice from the background: "Not me!"

[tapehiss]

i would totally use that toilet paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[James Lugo]

I think some of the people who hate the band and say they wouldn't ever want to be successful doing music they didn't love have never been attached to anything with legs before. I could be wrong but I know from my experience with everything from playing in Dokken to being involved with American Idol just the energy of something successful has a life of it's own and can be incredible. If Nickelback asked me to go on a 5 star world tour playing guitar it would probably be some of the greatest times of my life. I think some of the posting on here is either untrue or coming from people who have no idea what they are talking about and have had zero success in music. My experiences with American Idol have been amazing, I've been a part of the show for 2 seasons, I never watched the show once leading up to being asked to host Idol Chat, I detested the show but the experience of being involved in something so huge and so successful has been amazing and I wouldn't change it for anything. It's more fun then staring at a computer screen. Oh yeah and you're surrounded by hot chicks, yeah I'd much rather be on second stage at some festival tour doing my own thing and thinking I'm important. I bet nearly everyone who says they wouldn't do Nickelback would be getting packed before they got off the phone with Chad if they were offered the gig. You have the rest of your life to record the next DSOM and be intense.

My 2 cents

[mobius.media]

Originally Posted by DJBlueDrink

Because aside from Back In Black, Mutt Lange made some of the cheesiest and most soulless productions of all time. The man is synonymous with overproduction and corporate crap rock. Choosing him to produce your album doesn't make you awesome, it means that you've fully embraced the notion that you are top 40 crap.

I thought I was the only one... lol

Originally Posted by tapehiss

i would totally use that toilet paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For some reason, I'd feel like the little Chads would be enjoying it too much. That guy creeps me out.

[Space Station]

Nothing against Nickleback, apart from the horrific, ear piercing, honking sound they make.

I've played music I hate for very good money...and It's utterly soul destroying.

[James Lugo]

I guess I'm just different, I'm 45 been playing all my life and enjoy playing and singing, the actual music doesn't matter all that much to me either way I enjoy it. It beats a pick and shovel. I've played plenty of gigs that I didn't get or like the music but it never destroyed my soul. I may be on stage thinking about that I have to do laundry the next day...lol But in the end I lived through it and I usually learn something from every situation.

[DSpec1]

Originally Posted by James 'LA' Lugo

I think some of the people who hate the band and say they wouldn't ever want to be successful doing music they didn't love have never been attached to anything with legs before. I could be wrong but I know from my experience with everything from playing in Dokken to being involved with American Idol just the energy of something successful has a life of it's own and can be incredible. If Nickelback asked me to go on a 5 star world tour playing guitar it would probably be some of the greatest times of my life. I think some of the posting on here is either untrue or coming from people who have no idea what they are talking about and have had zero success in music. My experiences with American Idol have been amazing, I've been a part of the show for 2 seasons, I never watched the show once leading up to being asked to host Idol Chat, I detested the show but the experience of being involved in something so huge and so successful has been amazing and I wouldn't change it for anything. It's more fun then staring at a computer screen. Oh yeah and you're surrounded by hot chicks, yeah I'd much rather be on second stage at some festival tour doing my own thing and thinking I'm important. I bet nearly everyone who says they wouldn't do Nickelback would be getting packed before they got off the phone with Chad if they were offered the gig. You have the rest of your life to record the next DSOM and be intense.

My 2 cents

thumbsup

And, again, everyone please remember that these guys actually worked VERY hard to get where they are. Nothing was handed to them, they were not 'created'. They evolved.

Nickelback is an honest-to-goodness, genuine rock and roll band. They are the real deal.

Re-read my post above if you want an explanation.

Not sure why everyone begrudges their success. If you don' like them, don't listen. There are millions of others (for now) that enjoy Nickelback's music.

[Steffmo]

I LOVE "This Is How You Remind Me".

I have loved each one of the other oh so similar songs less and less.

But I do respect them as a band and their work ethic. I just think they should be using their success to get leeway to create, not just crank out the same time after time.

They should look at Green Day, who have taken some huge chances, and as result totally separated themselves from the pack.

They listen too much to their A and R weasel.....

[15ips]

Originally Posted by DSpec1

Nickelback is an honest-to-goodness, genuine rock and roll band. They are the real deal.

too funny

[cavern]

yeah, i mean WTF. why would anyone even start a thread or in this case, display their hate on a thread that started up as a good thread.i hate paula,kanyee,brittany.the jonas bro.,the new u2 record on and on.
what's wrong with nickleback? did they steel your car or shoot some people you knew in the back,are they less talented than you.. what? lots of people like them. they are making people happy..that's honorable and a great achivement..who the f**k are you haters and what have you done besides complain.
why can't you guys live and let live. why can't you get a good life of your own..nickelback did.
im not popular on this forum and frankly i don't really give a **** cause there's so much bullshit and ill will on this forum from alot of you that it's hard to have respect but, i don't hate you and i won't start a thread to bash you.
i mean f**k come on. 2010

[spaceman]

Originally Posted by James 'LA' Lugo

I think some of the posting on here is either untrue or coming from people who have no idea what they are talking about and have had zero success in music. .... I bet nearly everyone who says they wouldn't do Nickelback would be getting packed before they got off the phone with Chad if they were offered the gig. You have the rest of your life to record the next DSOM and be intense...

This is such a simplistic view of things, it boggles the mind... In the other thread about Britney Spears some people were also saying that if you don't like Britney's music then it must be because you're envious and jealous about her success and "talent"...

So now if you don't like something that happens to be successful, it must be because you're a "failed musician/jealous/broke" ??? Is there such thing as independent thinking and independent taste left ?

You're making it like some mathematic formula. My 12 year old niece doesn't like Britney Spears. She also could care less about being a musician, she wants to be a doctor. I will have to explain to her that deep down, she must be a frustrated failed musician dying of envy, for not admiring Britney like all "normal" people do...

I also happen to think that Nickelback and Britney are crap. I happen to love U2. U2 happens to be the richest band in the world (or one of the top 3 richest, i'm not sure). So there goes your theory..
Some people think that U2's music is crap. That's fine with me. It would NEVER cross my mind to think that the only reason some people don't like U2 is because they are "failed musicians/ envious/jealous" of U2's big money and popularity...

[jasonthemassey]

i don't understand most musicians and engineers...

it's ridiculous. i hear so many people bash bands like nickelback, the goo goo dolls and even u2 believe it or not... it makes me sick.

what's wrong with writing a nice melody? and having a really good voice? sure they've had a couple songs that sound similar, but they've had a lot of songs i like to sing along to. "photograph", "far away", "gotta be somebody" etc...

what makes them "sellouts"? or soulless? really? you think they don't like playing and writing those songs? those are the kind of songs I like to write and i'm not making any money...

everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but come on.... i don't like the white stripes but i can see why people do and it's not painful to hear 30 sec of their music.

[XHipHop]

worst

thread

ever

[Mr. Light]

Originally Posted by Space Station

Nothing against Nickleback, apart from the horrific, ear piercing, honking sound they make.

I've played music I hate for very good money...and It's utterly soul destroying.

There's a very big difference between "good money" and the kind of money those guys bring home in truckloads every night. $200k a year couldn't get me to p.a. for Michael Bay or Mr. Cameron but for few million a year I'd even give them a nightly reach-around.

There's also something to be said for nice genuine, humble people (anyone who has spent any amount of time with the band or individuals knows that they are stellar human beings) making a killing at something THEY love to do. Whether we like it or not, they're having a pretty good time and laughing all the way to the bank.

It's so easy to criticize another's art (please no gagging noises) but obviously their music speaks to a large number of people. Can they really be hated for that? Use the tuner knob next time they curse the airwaves.

[Oscar G. Hinde]

From what I've read here music is all about getting layed and being rich. Screw that. Nickleback is lame music lacking any depth. Having said that I'd still work with them. I wouldn't be stupid enough to be offered a big paying job and not take it. Things are tough enough as it is!