Vocal Comments From Meat

[anotherday]

I love and appreciate all eras of MEAT for what they are. Each has its own story, it's own path.

His 40+ year journey singing the songs that made our lives what they are isn't over yet, thank god.

I, for one, am glad he's still around and able to make music and tour. He has a wonderful voice. Always has. In any form. He will be fine :)

We are all better for MEAT giving use these songs over the years. Seeing them in any format has been a true joy for me and many others.

Comparing Eras is silly. They're all respectable. Even 2007.

The performances shared here are ALL wonderful. And the performances from this last tour (or two) have been wonderful as well.

[stretch37]

Originally Posted by anotherday

I love and appreciate all eras of MEAT for what they are. Each has its own story, it's own path.

His 40+ year journey singing the songs that made our lives what they are isn't over yet, thank god.

I, for one, am glad he's still around and able to make music and tour. He has a wonderful voice. Always has. In any form. He will be fine :)

We are all better for MEAT giving use these songs over the years. Seeing them in any format has been a true joy for me and many others.

Comparing Eras is silly. They're all respectable. Even 2007.

The performances shared here are ALL wonderful. And the performances from this last tour (or two) have been wonderful as well.

Amen to that. Brilliantly written anotherday.

Yeah, looking back at 2007, Meat actually had a lot of great performances. Too bad all that negative energy overshadowed it at the time, because he actually performed well for most of the footage I've seen.

[ThatWriterGuy]

That was a nice post - and I enjoyed reading it - and I hate to be the one to do it, but I just can't take phrases like 'Comparing Eras is silly. They're all respectable' seriously. I'm not trying to make you feel bad for liking something that I, personally, don't, but consider this: before I started this thread I received messages and emails from users of this forum - and not the ones you would imagine it to be, either - who have wanted to vent over this subject (live vox/visuals/concert tickets/etc. etc.), and I guess they came to me because they felt like they couldn't say what they really wanted to say or express on this board.

I won't name names - they wrote to me in confidence, after all - and I won't discuss what was said, but if they want to put across their own views then I guess now is as good a time as any, and if not, then that's cool too. I'm suspecting 'not', because they don't want to be ostracised from this community, and I understand that.

I'm glad that you're into all eras (and I really am glad about that), and I've tried to be as diplomatic as possible about my own opinion for the sake of those on this board who are - for want of a better word - 'fanatical'. Bottom line is: I want nothing but success for Meat. I want him to be happy and to go out on top.

That's about as diplomatic as it gets today.

[stretch37]

Originally Posted by ThatWriterGuy

That was a nice post - and I enjoyed reading it - and I hate to be the one to do it, but I just can't take phrases like 'Comparing Eras is silly. They're all respectable' seriously. I'm not trying to make you feel bad for liking something that I, personally, don't, but consider this: before I started this thread I received messages and emails from users of this forum - and not the ones you would imagine it to be, either - who have wanted to vent over this subject (live vox/visuals/concert tickets/etc. etc.), and I guess they came to me because they felt like they couldn't say what they really wanted to say or express on this board.

I won't name names - they wrote to me in confidence, after all - and I won't discuss what was said, but if they want to put across their own views then I guess now is as good a time as any, and if not, then that's cool too. I'm suspecting 'not', because they don't want to be ostracised from this community, and I understand that.

I'm glad that you're into all eras (and I really am glad about that), and I've tried to be as diplomatic as possible about my own opinion for the sake of those on this board who are - for want of a better word - 'fanatical'. Bottom line is: I want nothing but success for Meat. I want him to be happy and to go out on top.

That's about as diplomatic as it gets today.

I think that that's just as well crafted :) And I might have been one of those people venting. Sometimes I get frustrated and vent, but I don't like to focus on it. If in the moment, Meat did something I hated (Eg. makes me cringe like the end of AFL lately....or when his voice is clearly gone and he continues to reach for retarted notes) I'll be honest with those who I consider friends here. And totally, what is said in private might not always add up to what happens on the public forum.

I like to keep things light on the public forum, and I like to focus on the positive of Meat as much as possible. I am being honest when I say I accept Meat's current form, and his shows as still seeming exciting to me. I'm excited to see him come his Canadian leg on 2 shows (lucky me!!).

I know he's always trying his best and pushing himself, and putting all of himself into it, so I try to respect that and be friendly.

I guess some people would call that two faced, but if Meat were to ask me, I'm pretty sure I'm being just as supportive as Deborah. I'll tell him if I think he sounded great, and where I think he didn't.

I'd expect that of my wife with my soundcloud recordings, because it helps me continue to improve.

Phew. I'm glad I got that off my chest finally. I was beginning to feel guilty

[loaferman61]

Originally Posted by ThatWriterGuy

That was a nice post - and I enjoyed reading it - and I hate to be the one to do it, but I just can't take phrases like 'Comparing Eras is silly. They're all respectable' seriously. I'm not trying to make you feel bad for liking something that I, personally, don't, but consider this: before I started this thread I received messages and emails from users of this forum - and not the ones you would imagine it to be, either - who have wanted to vent over this subject (live vox/visuals/concert tickets/etc. etc.), and I guess they came to me because they felt like they couldn't say what they really wanted to say or express on this board.

I won't name names - they wrote to me in confidence, after all - and I won't discuss what was said, but if they want to put across their own views then I guess now is as good a time as any, and if not, then that's cool too. I'm suspecting 'not', because they don't want to be ostracised from this community, and I understand that.

I'm glad that you're into all eras (and I really am glad about that), and I've tried to be as diplomatic as possible about my own opinion for the sake of those on this board who are - for want of a better word - 'fanatical'. Bottom line is: I want nothing but success for Meat. I want him to be happy and to go out on top.

That's about as diplomatic as it gets today.

Well said. It is true that it is pretty easy to get "ostracized" (or worse). You also address the "fanatical" aspect very nicely. Unlike some I have no problem expressing my opinions (some call them "trolling" but do not know what the word means apparently) since I have been a fan since '78 shortly before Bat broke big nationally when some friends brought a copy back from a trip they went on. I just have opinions too.

I think your last sentence puts it best.

[Monstro]

Originally Posted by ThatWriterGuy

Thanks both! I'll try and remember that.

Please do, I'm doing overtime here lol

[anotherday]

YouTube Video

I quite enjoy this, even if the beginning is rough due to monitor issues.

[Dick]

Originally Posted by ThatWriterGuy

Also, 2006, I really like this performance (and the shirt and the jacket!):

I really like this one also, the shirt, the jacket...and the hair! Meat if you're reading this grow your hair out again for braver and find that wardrobe.

[Evil Ernie]

Originally Posted by loaferman61

Well said. It is true that it is pretty easy to get "ostracized" (or worse). You also address the "fanatical" aspect very nicely. Unlike some I have no problem expressing my opinions (some call them "trolling" but do not know what the word means apparently) since I have been a fan since '78 shortly before Bat broke big nationally when some friends brought a copy back from a trip they went on. I just have opinions too.

I think your last sentence puts it best.

Well said.

I will always see him live if I have the opportunity, but in all honesty his voice hasn't been the same since the late 90's.

He is a hero of mine and I will defend him to the day that I die to people who aren't fans and judge him by YouTube clips alone. However, among fans who love him I don't see any reason not to admit that he may have lost a step or two.

However, I respect the people of this forum and I try not to express it too much.

[stretch37]

Originally Posted by Evil Ernie

Well said.

I will always see him live if I have the opportunity, but in all honesty his voice hasn't been the same since the late 90's.

He is a hero of mine and I will defend him to the day that I die to people who aren't fans and judge him by YouTube clips alone. However, among fans who love him I don't see any reason not to admit that he may have lost a step or two.

However, I respect the people of this forum and I try not to express it too much.

Wonderfully said Ernie. I think that reflects my feelings as well. A stop or two lost, perhaps, but I love him more than ever as an artist and a person, and that step or two he makes up for by just being Meat. He tries so hard and eventually, it always pays off. It's like the secret to a good marriage. Long as you both continue to try, you'll make it.

[lorenzoduke]

Does Meat sound like he did in the 90s? No. Will he ever sound that way again? No. But his performances from 2013 onwards are far better than most of his performances in the decade prior and that's a pretty astonishing feat. He puts on a great show.

[ThatWriterGuy]

Originally Posted by lorenzoduke

Does Meat sound like he did in the 90s? No. Will he ever sound that way again? No. But his performances from 2013 onwards are far better than most of his performances in the decade prior and that's a pretty astonishing feat. He puts on a great show.

To be fair, I don't think anyone really expects Meat to sound like he did in the 90s anymore. They just want to him to sound like the singer they associate with as MEAT LOAF. And that's exactly what a lot of people get. At the same time others don't.

[White of High]

I just watched the videos above and these are very far from good, but even better than any cellphone shooted stuff. Meat's voice was perfect in the 80ies, pretty good in the 90ies but after that he was on a slope. You can explain it with his age or deafness or whatever, the fact, he doesn't sound as he used to be.

My problem with Meat's voice since CHSIB that he still wants to sing as he did in the 70ies. His older voice doesn't fit anymore to Bat, For Crying Out Loud or even Anything For Love. There are a lot of example in pop music how to modifiy a song to fit to your voice but the band doesn't do. Why? Meat is almost 70 years old, his voice became deeper but the songs are not. This is the reason he sounds dissonant in almost every video (including official ones) they shooted in the 21st century.

Sorry guys, I can't enjoy his singing for 15 years and that's a shame.

[loaferman61]

Originally Posted by ThatWriterGuy

To be fair, I don't think anyone really expects Meat to sound like he did in the 90s anymore. They just want to him to sound like the singer they associate with as MEAT LOAF. And that's exactly what a lot of people get. At the same time others don't.

That last line really nails it. There are some who will never be satisfied, some who will never hear less than greatness, and those who fall in between. It is kind of like the Stones sang you can't always get what you want but sometimes you get what you need.

As far as in studio I at least can tell a difference vocally between HCTB and HIAH. Live it is all over the place now and if you just accept that is what you're going to get you will see an amazing performer who commands the stage in character. Understandably due to age and surgeries he doesn't seem to stalk the stage like a sweaty maniac as much, and I think he might be using a back brace so I can cut him slack on that.

Also for his health it is probably wise to keep the shows at a certain length. I'd still shorten "Paradise" and add something else, but I have been saying that for what seems like decades. I know he has to do that one though to avoid disappointing the audience..

As was said before it is not like we don't all want what is best for him, but at the same time there are some things it seems ridiculous to pretend not to notice. The fact that I had to go over this post as much as I did to avoid (probably in futility) offending anyone shows how touchy this can be.

If he chooses to tour within 5 hours drive of here I fully intend to go and I will be OK with it. It all has to do with expectations and reality. He can still put on a show.

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by loaferman61

... I think he might be using a back brace so I can cut him slack on that.

He IS wearing a back brace ... or at least was on the first US leg this year; not because of the surgeries he had last year, but due to a prolapsed disc that has since then developed. He needs an operation for that, but deferred it because of his commitment to the tour, and is likely to wear it for the Canada leg. Considering this, his foot, and the knee replacement which was not the success he expected, he covers that stage amazingly well. I take my hat off to his fortitude and total commitment to what he lives to do

[eltmatt]

Great thread, I agree with most of what has been said. He is not as good as he was in the 90's or early 00's. But I don't expect him to be, neither are my other favourite singers like Elton John. I can't wait to see Meat in the UK again next year