Hey do you guys like good music? No? OK, read on.
If you’ve ever listened to U2 and thought “this is too ethnic for me” then Mumford & Sons are probably the band for you, with their patented brand of end-of-a-romantic-comedy-montage-music. The band also all look like waiters at a Brooklyn vegan restaurant, so there’s that too.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that their new song “I Will Wait” sounds exactly like the kind of thing a 13 year old girl might imagine will be played at her wedding to and eventual penetration by Justin Bieber. It’s the aural equivalent of eating an entire box of Triscuits for dinner. The only situation I could see this song being pleasant would be if I had never heard music or had been perhaps locked in a room, Scientology style, for several months.
But I mean, could you imagine being the banjo player? Could you imagine waking up every day knowing that you played the same three chords (D, Eminor, G) over and over again for every single one of their fucking songs, which sound exactly the same? I’m sure that guy gets laid. Good for him, to be honest.
August 07, 2012 at 8:38 pm, Ryan James Percival said:
Were you dropped on your head as an infant or.
August 08, 2012 at 8:49 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I was. Twice.
August 09, 2012 at 5:14 pm, Leonidas Schulte said:
Sounds like it.
August 09, 2012 at 5:47 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Thanks for the web-traffic!
August 09, 2012 at 5:47 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
YOUR HATE MAKES US STRONG.
August 09, 2012 at 6:25 pm, Kara Jongeling said:
It's not even hate, just annoyance over ignorance.
October 22, 2012 at 10:56 pm, Michael Brough said:
best. response. ever. You are like Yahtzee of Zero Punctuation but more cynical. I like that.
December 27, 2012 at 2:42 pm, Ronald Jamison said:
Mumford and Sons are awful. The band is pretentious and douchey, much like Ryan Percival's shirt and hair style.
August 07, 2012 at 8:39 pm, Cheyenne Kerekes said:
Yeah, we all know that Winston has no problem with getting laid so…
August 07, 2012 at 8:39 pm, Claudia Silva said:
I'm sure you get laid too… Good for you…
September 04, 2012 at 8:22 pm, Rita Barata said:
"It shouldn’t surprise anyone that their new song “I Will Wait” sounds exactly like the kind of thing a 13 year old girl might imagine will be played at her wedding to and eventual penetration by Justin Bieber."
http://t.qkme.me/35jq2z.jpg
August 07, 2012 at 8:40 pm, Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield said:
Did you even listen to the song or.
August 08, 2012 at 8:44 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I did.
August 08, 2012 at 8:52 pm, Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield said:
you probably haven't listened to their other songs then..
August 08, 2012 at 8:53 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield I have. I like one of their songs. However, ALL of their songs sound like that one song. They have one sound. It never changes. And then people comment about it on the internet.
August 08, 2012 at 8:54 pm, Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield said:
Have you heard Timshel? After the Storm? Dust Bowl Dance?
August 08, 2012 at 8:56 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I'm sorry that I don't like the band.
August 08, 2012 at 8:57 pm, Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield said:
You didn't answer the question there..
August 08, 2012 at 8:59 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield I have heard them. I don't like the band.
August 08, 2012 at 9:00 pm, Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield said:
Well the songs I listed there are very different from I Will Wait, It's obvious that you don't like the band I was just proving a point.
August 10, 2012 at 11:29 pm, Cody Kowalik said:
But that's exactly the reason I like all their songs: because I first liked one. And then I heard the rest. And they're all a continuation of that one. But I do see where you're coming from. However, even when I want to stop liking them, the lyrics and sincerity of their songs always captivate me.
January 05, 2013 at 1:18 am, David Krisor said:
Unfortunately you can not get away from the 500 commercials this horrid religious propaganda band have on the television. These losers are just slightly above Owl City in song writing.
August 07, 2012 at 8:40 pm, Lizzie Brown said:
wait are you deaf or?
August 08, 2012 at 8:44 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
No, I just don't like shit music.
August 07, 2012 at 8:41 pm, Maaike Schuurs said:
are you sure you weren't listening to a skrillex song or.
August 08, 2012 at 8:46 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Pretty sure it was this shit Mumford & Sons song. Let me check. It was.
August 07, 2012 at 8:41 pm, Claire 'Mango' Sarsfield said:
I will wait, I will wait for you to get some ears.
August 08, 2012 at 8:46 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Thanks, 'Mango.'
August 07, 2012 at 8:42 pm, Arielle Cathrine Boyer said:
Here we have an example of someone with no taste in music. Don't get too close kids! You don't want to catch some rare disgusting disease!
August 07, 2012 at 10:48 pm, Lindsay Renee Dorlac said:
wtf
August 08, 2012 at 8:49 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
How is "not agreeing with you" on music the equivalent of having a disease? How old are you?
August 07, 2012 at 10:18 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
Folk music and West London hardly go together. And this is coming from someone who is fucking from West London. The band doth blow.
August 08, 2012 at 2:50 pm, Julie Vo said:
Interesting that this band has inspired such haters. Though not one of their greatest songs, it's not bloody awful. Obviously, people who think this song is simple have never attempted their crazy, unconventional strum patterns — a lot harder than it looks.Just me two cents.
August 08, 2012 at 4:34 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
Mumford & Sons inspires haters? Did you read this thread? Forgive me if I’m wrong, but it appears that I’m of the unpopular opinion here, dove.
Just because someone can play music well, doesn’t mean I’m obligated to like them. Dostoyevsky could write the hell out of a book, but does that mean that reading an arduous title like The Brothers Karamazov is my idea of putting my feet up, throwing my cares to the wind, and having a good time? No.
It's an opinion. Not hatred for music. Geez.
August 08, 2012 at 8:45 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I love you.
August 09, 2012 at 12:50 am, Julie Vo said:
No one said anyone is required to like anyone. Just seems like a waste of energy to dwell on so much hate for a band. As a musician, you would think you do your best to create music that could touch people. Just sad to see a musician hatin' on another musician just because they create music you don't like. How would you feel if people started hatin' on your creations? People don't need to like it, but to spend so much energy hatin' is sad.
They try their best. I'm just sayin'…
August 09, 2012 at 1:08 am, Zeena Choudhry said:
Ned critiqued it. It’s called journalism. I agreed with his point of view. It’s called an opinion. Not quite sure where you got “hate” from. Not sure what makes an opinion “sad.”
As for how I would feel? Critique and rejection is the occupational hazard of any artist. Ask me, I should know – I’ve had many of my write-ups and poems rejected. And I've a thicker skin because of it.
In fact, you know what? Do this, if I may ask: Take a survey of all the responses back to me, and highlight the negative keywords. Now, I hope you’ll forgive me for saying, but if “hate” is what you’re worried about, from my perspective, so far almost all of the Mumford & Sons fans replying back are a bunch of pots calling the kettle, no?
August 10, 2012 at 7:05 pm, Paul Stone said:
Wow! West London and Folk music do not go together??? That really matters considering Bob Dylan grew up in a Jewish family and James Taylor was the son of a wealthy doctor, does sound like very folkish backgrounds to me, but hey its not like their two of the greatest folk artist ever or anything.
August 10, 2012 at 7:38 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
Apologies, but I think you’re missing my point. It’s not about coming from “folkish backgrounds.” It’s about fully inhabiting the perspective of the downtrodden, and expressing it accordingly.
Despair and struggle lend to creativity, if you’re resourceful enough to be able to tap into them. Artistic brilliance is when one’s philosophy and unique creativity intersect. The origins of Folk, Punk, and the Blues all stem from that.
*That’s* what made Dylan a great artist—he understood what it meant to be an underdog.
August 10, 2012 at 7:44 pm, Paul Stone said:
Alright I think you make a pretty good point and certainly folk is about struggle, but does that really mean you need to experience it to be good at writing and playing it? And if so I am not quick to make a judgement about the possible struggles the members of M&S have faced because I do not know them on a personal level. And forgive me if I am wrong, but if your referring to wealth as a reason for West London and folk not mixing, what would you say to James Taylor who stemmed from wealth but still experienced immense struggles in his life?
August 10, 2012 at 7:58 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
Not referring to wealth at all. Nor am I saying that Mumford & Sons didn’t experience struggle—you’re right, we don’t know them, so we can’t know whether that’s the case.
What I am saying though, is that when all of that emotion (and talent) is *expressed*, when music comes from that unadulterated spirit of rising up against something, you can *feel* it. Like, in your teeth! That’s what rock n’ roll was all about.
It’s within that successful expression that one is able to have a connection to the music that you just can’t deny.
Expression comes from a fundamental awareness of who you are and what you want to say. When you’re able to do that, it’s magic.
But you can’t fake it.
Dunno what to tell you about James Taylor. I’ve never really been a fan. You got me there, bud.
August 10, 2012 at 7:59 pm, Paul Stone said:
Alright nice to have a conversation (not a fight) with someone even though we disagree on musical preferences.
August 10, 2012 at 8:00 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
Agreed. Well played, Paul Stone.
January 05, 2013 at 1:15 am, David Krisor said:
Imitation Americana at it's worst. This is elevator music at best.
August 07, 2012 at 11:29 pm, Amy ODe said:
This is like saying that all of U2's songs sound the same. Or all of Led Zepplin's. Or all of Big Brother and the Holding Company's. Or all of Neil Young's. Or all of The Beatles'. Or all of the Rolling Stones'. Or all of Pantera's. Or all of Johann Strauss's.They have similarities, sure: it's called having a signature sound. Anyhow, I'd like to know how this song could possibly be mistaken for a song like "Sister" or "After The Storm" (you DID say they all sound exactly the same, after all). Logic tells me that you know nothing about songcrafting; elsewise why would you be blogging for some D-list online magazine instead of writing smashing tunes like "I Will Wait"? Your credibility as a critic has been dismissed.
August 08, 2012 at 12:24 am, Sarah Butts McCann said:
Fucking amen to that
August 08, 2012 at 12:29 am, Zeena Choudhry said:
Amy, most of all the bands you mentioned were musical *luminaries* in their genre. You can’t compare Mumford & Sons to the Beatles. That’s like comparing the ten commandments to a bleeding to-do list.
I didn’t know a banjo and an uplifting bridge counts as a “signature sound.” I'm not saying they don't have a shred of talent. I'm just saying they are entirely forgettable, and will not stand the test of time. They are folk music for those who haven’t an ear for actual folk music. They are the ignorant man’s Frightened Rabbit.
August 08, 2012 at 12:34 am, Amy ODe said:
I'm not comparing any of these bands to Mumford & Sons. I am stating that every artist I mentioned has a sound that is identifiable as their own. And yeah, in modern popular music a banjo and an uplifting bridge can certainly be considered a signature sound, much in the same way that drop-D tuning became a signature sound of many Seattle grunge bands in the 1990s. No one could mistake Nirvana for Mumford & Sons, now, could they?
And by the way, Johann Strauss is not a band.
August 08, 2012 at 12:41 am, Zeena Choudhry said:
Drop-D tuning is distinguished pitch. A banjo and an uplifting bridge is a musical construct. It is when musical construct becomes repetitive, that an artist becomes yawn-worthy. Surely a classic music lover as yourself should know that, no?
By the way, do you spend most of your time reading D-list online magazines, or is that just a Tuesday afternoon ritual of yours?
August 08, 2012 at 2:48 am, Keith Gordon said:
Zeena Choudhry : It's not folk music. At all. It's closer to bluegrass or just singer/songwriter. ANd Frightened Rabbit is the Mumford and Sons for those who are so insecure they feel like picking an obscure band will make them cool. I can't believe you just made an argument like that and then used Frightened Rabbit as your punchline. Why not just use radiohead? Was the Beatles too far? Sure. But to claim you have an ear and others don't is so egotistical and condescending. I have bands on Amy's list I don't like, but I'm not trying to be the "COOLEST MUSIC FAN EVER". And some news, you'll never be that either bc you're clearly a step behind your skinny jeans hipster idols in Brooklyn. You're like the goth kids who think they are being unique by joining the millions of others dressed in black.
August 08, 2012 at 1:11 pm, Ryan James Percival said:
Zeena Choudhry Apply cool water to the area of the burn.
August 08, 2012 at 4:36 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
That’s right. Anyone who *doesn’t* like Mumford & Sons must be stupid/deaf/musically retarded/brain damaged, and I’m the one who is condescending.
August 08, 2012 at 7:24 pm, Cole Boyer said:
damn you got pooped all over and I love it
August 08, 2012 at 8:48 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Keith Gordon You're an adult human male picking on a girl on the internet. Good for you.
August 08, 2012 at 9:33 pm, Ryan James Percival said:
1. She's not a girl, she's a woman. 2. She voiced her opinion so why shouldn't he voice his? 3. She seems like she can perfectly handle herself in an argument.
August 08, 2012 at 9:38 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
Ryan James Percival people are bullying her for not liking something that they like.
August 08, 2012 at 9:39 pm, Ryan James Percival said:
Wait isn't that what you're doing?
August 08, 2012 at 9:47 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I wrote a review. That is my job. You told me I was dropped on my head. Now tell me who the bully is.
August 08, 2012 at 9:51 pm, Ryan James Percival said:
Actually i said 'Were you' not 'You were'. And they were giving their opinion to Zeena just like you were giving yours in the review so how does that make them bullies and you not? Oh yeah i forgot that if someone is famous it doesn't count as bullying.
August 08, 2012 at 10:24 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
You’re right, I am capable of handling myself in an argument. But there’s a difference between stating a point of view and calling someone “egotistical” or claiming that they were “pooped all over” because the majority of folks didn’t agree with their opinion.
I am a woman. I don’t know how old *you* are, but I will assume old enough that you don’t need to resort to schoolyard fits of aggression when someone else thinks differently than you.
And the article is written in a specific and very much intentional journalistic style – purposely non-objectively. It’s written that way to drum up response, which is exactly what it’s done. Dunno about you, but I’d call that a rather successful write-up.
August 08, 2012 at 10:32 pm, Ryan James Percival said:
I'm 16.
People were rude about you, he was rude about Mumford and Sons except he gets paid… Still doesn't mean he isn't a dick.
I'm not complaining about how he doesn't like the band, it's the way he disrespected them. You can still dislike something without having to be a total prick about it.
I wouldn't exactly call is successful when most of the feedback is negative.
Goodnight.
August 08, 2012 at 10:47 pm, Zeena Choudhry said:
16? Christ. Way to pull on my heartstrings. Damn you, kid.
Do me a favor. Look up Lester Bangs when you have a sec.
If you don't know of him already, he was a music journalist, as well as a musician, and his style was also critical, also from a non-objective point of view.
And Ned? He's a *total* prick. But his heart's in the right place. And the guy can storytell the shit out of anything.
August 24, 2012 at 12:33 am, Comdgy Selia said:
This articles topic is completely different in comparison and contrast of any of those said bands. He has not said anything of signature sound nor have the others.. it's about almost exact duplicates of song's structures, rhythms and melodies, in intro, verse and chorus it's one of the most obvious things of their 'hits' that are played.
September 12, 2012 at 7:32 pm, Mahdia Islam said:
Sarah McCann spot on! how does it even remotely sound like timshel?
January 03, 2013 at 2:33 am, Brett Ross said:
Zeena Choudhry
you are darn smart I agree w everything you are saying. Check out grant Lee Buffalo , star w Might Joe Moon critically acclaimed , under the radar. The group is now defunct and he is just Grant Lee Phillips. Check out the song Buried Treasure w the accompanied vid.
February 01, 2013 at 11:16 pm, Austin Tritt said:
fuck you keith. fuck you.
August 07, 2012 at 11:32 pm, Keith Gordon said:
What a douchebag hater. God I hope this guy doesn't get paid for these views. The homeless man on the corner is more qualified. What a moron. Stick to your favorite bands, Creed and Nickleback you joke.
August 08, 2012 at 8:44 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I get paid a lot of money.
August 08, 2012 at 1:39 pm, Paul Kenton said:
The song's shit like all of their other trendy-folk trash. Spot on.
August 10, 2012 at 6:46 pm, Paul Stone said:
go back to listening to wiz khalifa and mac miller faggot
August 10, 2012 at 11:35 pm, Death+Taxes said:
nice hate speech little dude.
August 11, 2012 at 12:21 am, Paul Stone said:
No problem, meant no offense to homosexuals, but yea probably took it a little far.
August 11, 2012 at 4:46 am, Paul Kenton said:
I don't think gay people are offended, but shitty bro-rap fans are offended that they're being lumped in with Mumford and Sons fans for sure.
August 11, 2012 at 4:51 am, Paul Stone said:
That doesn't make sense if your not a M&S like is clearly shown by your comment and I inferred you like that kind of rap rather then them, then that would mean I am doing the opposite of "lumping" them in I am clearly contrasting the genres and those who listen to them.
August 11, 2012 at 4:57 am, Paul Kenton said:
Ah shit, I'm confused now. But thanks, buddy, for the reminder that commenting on articles is a painful exercise with little-to-no reward.
August 08, 2012 at 4:07 pm, Daniel Nadeau said:
I can imagine that banjo player waking up every morning knowing that people enjoy what he does. I can't imagine you waking up in the morning and feeling good about writing these articles. WHERE'S THE CLASS? You are trash sir.
August 08, 2012 at 8:46 pm, Ned Hepburn said:
I ride the bike, read the newspaper, and then write these. I get paid loads of money and get to travel the world. Quite happy.
August 08, 2012 at 8:53 pm, Sean Bradshaw said:
WARNING: Author is a major dick with no taste in music.
August 09, 2012 at 3:21 am, Ned Hepburn said:
WARNING: Guy commenting on thread lowers himself to same level of dickishness as person he is calling a dick. Congrats! The water is lovely! Glad you joined me!
August 08, 2012 at 8:57 pm, Chad Marra said:
Mumford and Sons continue to muddle the term "cohesive" to imply the SAME song over and over. not hating, just an observation. bored bored bored.
August 08, 2012 at 10:39 pm, Joe Gruchacz said:
I saw that someone added Little Lion Man to the "What Gets You Pumped" playlist on the Captivate in the MC elevator and all I could think was, "Only if you define 'pumped up' as going from comatose to sitting up"
August 08, 2012 at 9:09 pm, Sherry Marie Dill said:
Hahaha! I love Mumford & Sons and have for a few years, but I also love Ned's review(s) and have since the Lana Del Rey masterpiece. (and yes, I like Lana, too!) There is something fun and interesting about passion and seeing someone's articulation of that passion as opposed to some ass-kissing/nay saying review that is completely unforgettable and boring. Keep it up, D+T <3.
August 08, 2012 at 10:20 pm, Kara Jongeling said:
This song isn't even terrible, yet you rip it apart and put them on the same side of the music spectrum as Justin Beiber. I just. I respect your music taste, whatever it may be, but at least put some effort and research into your arguments rather than using scathing stereotypes meant to offend. It's clear you've given their music a once over and tossed it aside. Okay on your own time, lame for an article read.
August 09, 2012 at 12:58 pm, Anna Bozzo said:
I thought this song was good. I agree with you, this article was clearly written by someone who just wanted to be offensive. They obviously do not look like "servers at a vegan restaurant." They look uniquely hothothothothothothot…
August 10, 2012 at 11:37 pm, Death+Taxes said:
"obviously"
October 15, 2012 at 8:17 pm, Zak Mountford said:
resorting to gramticaly corrections due to the fact you as a strange and opinionated person have nothing left to say… human weakness.
December 14, 2012 at 5:34 pm, Russell Gartman said:
Nice try, Zak Mumford.
August 09, 2012 at 12:12 am, Kris Kilgallon said:
Ned,
I like the review, but all negative reviews are fun to read. That's your gig, I get it. Who'd read a review or write one that wasn't insulting; that'd be boring, twofold. What gives? I seriously beleive you hated this single, still exaggeration is better left to Hollywood tabloid writers who couldn't get thier big break in real reporting. It's music! Don't like it, don't bother with it. Unlike politicians, crappy music is easily avoided.
I love Mumford and Sons.
I could listen to the same tunes each day, many times over, just for the teary harmonies. I'm a sap, sure, but they've got soulfulness that's worth hearing a chord progression played repeatedly.They build it up with powerful complexity. Aligned chimes, blends and vibrations complement each other and the Main Idea.
Your're right. Mumford and Sons uses a simple and repeated Main Idea, still I dance, clap, sing, smile, and foot pound. Notice that's their impulse while performing. That's folk. It's feel-good music. Probably not good music to bitch about the establishment or get your freak on. I keep from becoming an overbearing cynic, otherwise.
Among Mumford and Sons, The Black Keys, Credence Clearwater Revival, Buena Vista Social Club, and damned straight Beethoven, are some favorites. It's all music to my ears.
I mean to read your other articles.
Wondering what the hell you've been listening to,
Kristopher.
October 15, 2012 at 8:16 pm, Zak Mountford said:
haha u kinda owned him there.. haha fair play like.. true words. If you do not like mumford and sons and the intermingled metaphors and can ot accept they get more money than you or some weird thing you have against them then… off is the directionin which should fuck haha and btw. I know it's some peoples views but some people think hitler was good, so messege here. everyone has opinions dont like it shove off. well done kris
August 09, 2012 at 12:56 am, Alana Chambers said:
I think Ned Hepburn is my new fave blogger and I'm ok with that. If you don't share his opinion on a band, you don't have to turn it into a personal attack, you silly mindless groupies.
August 09, 2012 at 5:31 pm, Leonidas Schulte said:
You have another taste in music than me. You obviously want to discuss it with the world. Now I could write a comment filled with arguments that state my opinion, you know, fancy words, logical conclusions, my personal taste in music. But since your article is so unconstructive… well, I just don't.
August 09, 2012 at 7:07 pm, Reanna Ahimsa Edwards said:
It sounds to me like you're judging way too early. They have ONE album out and a sneak peak at their second. An opinion stating that ALL of their songs are exactly the same is ridiculously premature. I'm not going to stoop to insult you. I don't know who pissed in your cereal, but even if I step out of my appreciation for their music and look objectively at your claim, it's still falls short of truth.
August 09, 2012 at 7:16 pm, Reanna Ahimsa Edwards said:
And to those who have a great taste in music, which was just unreasonably belittled, have you checked out Big Easy Express? Directed by Emmet Malloy, it features Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show. You can buy/rent it on iTunes. I highly recommend it!
August 09, 2012 at 8:09 pm, Paul Hoflinger said:
poor guy should go back to wacking it to deadmau5. mumford is obviously doing something right…they are one of the most original bands out there.
August 09, 2012 at 8:15 pm, Paul Hoflinger said:
you clearly don't know what folk music is either
August 10, 2012 at 3:11 am, Tim Baerwald said:
their so original that each song is more original then the last one!
so it'll be another cd of more original, original music!
I guess the one question is; if this cd is original, will it be more original then their last original cd? If that's so, does it make their previous cd unoriginal?
COULD SOMEBODY HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS?!
August 10, 2012 at 7:02 pm, Paul Stone said:
Wow what a great musical review, consisting of absolutely no musical critique (aside from an inaccurate banjo complaint) and some guy on Facebook's moronic opinion. Yea, I definitely would not care to listen to the opinions of Dave Matthews, Ray Davies, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, or Bob Dylan all of whom they've played with before, but rather this "reviewer" who resorts to childish attacks and obviously has given only this and Little Lion Man a listen.
August 10, 2012 at 4:34 pm, New music: Muse ‘The 2nd Law’ | Death and Taxes said:
[...] change anything about their sound.It is, for my money, the absolute worst song of the year. And I already heard Mumford & Sons’ new song, so that’s saying a lot. /**/ /**/ window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ [...]
August 11, 2012 at 9:43 pm, Chris Wagner said:
Did you listen to any other songs on Sigh No More aside from The Cave and Little Lion Man? Because After The Storm, Dustbowl Dance, White Blank Page etc. have very different dynamics and chord progressions than their big singles. This whole article is a poorly written troll.
August 13, 2012 at 4:41 pm, Your favorite band is always going to suck | Death and Taxes said:
[...] suck By Ned Hepburn 1 min agoLast week I wrote a couple of reviews about new music. They’re here and here if you want to read them, laugh with them, share them with friends and perhaps introduce [...]
August 16, 2012 at 1:23 am, Tommy Bartlett said:
Music should be original, that's kind of essential, so I agree with you there. But, this is their sound, their musical fingerprint that makes them Mumford and not Slipknot, Norah Jones, Count Basie, etc. Their whole first album had that particular sound to it, like an underlying film score, it carries through the entire record. I'd consider that consistency rather than laziness (you didn't call them lazy, just to clarify), not every album from every artist needs to range from a man on an acoustic to an orchestra to an 808 machine, in that case, every album with that breadth would get to be boring right? And yes this song does sound like a few off of "Sigh No More", but artists are known for sometimes carrying over some sounds to another album. Perhaps this first single is the only one that sounds like the old album, see what I'm saying? Who knows, they could lay down those three chords over an 808 and change their sound up entirely. My two cents.
August 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm, Dorian Grey said:
absolutely agree with Ned. As soon as I heard this song driving along on JJJ I thought oh..its a Mumford and Sons oldie replayed…but no its the latest..a new song? you can go so far with a signature sound but when it's actually the same thing re packaged that's a bit sad.
August 16, 2012 at 2:35 pm, Dorian Grey said:
…meant to say if I'd never heard them before this tune is seriously catchy.. in an uplifting kind of way.
August 23, 2012 at 1:43 am, Seibannah Sage Collins said:
Ya the songs all have a similar sound but that doesn't make them some crap band. People obviously listen to their music and I am one of them. Just because the sound is the same doesn't mean the lyrics aren't gorgeous. I'll admit this is not one of their best songs.Their song Hold On To What You Believe has really inspired me. But hey I'm just some 16 year old punk what would I know about music?
August 24, 2012 at 12:29 am, Comdgy Selia said:
I agree with the topic BUT it was a crude approach. If not for your blatantly biased opinion leaking through words you could have legitimately attracted Mumford and Sons fans to actually notice they are listening to the same(very similar) songs.
I began to Google search, 'Mumford and sons songs sound the same' and when I got to sound it had auto-finished my search..
August 25, 2012 at 6:59 pm, Sehler Updegraff said:
You're flipping off the camera in your profile picture, so I'm not sure if I can take this remotely seriously.
August 26, 2012 at 4:32 am, Cpt. Kyle Sudduth said:
I cared enough to post saying that I don't care enough about your opinion. So…I guess you win. Congrats?
August 29, 2012 at 4:36 pm, Sam Griffith said:
Here it is everyone.. right above us.. the epitome of ignorance.
September 03, 2012 at 4:11 am, Annie Speckhahn said:
out of curiosity, sir, what bands do you listen to that are diverse enough for your high taste? I would just like to know so I can try to understand.
September 09, 2012 at 2:50 pm, Ian Bailey said:
Just got back from the Gentlemen of the Road Monterey stopover, by far the best live show I have ever been privlidged enough to see and hear. Ned please just comment on the Call Me Mabey type songs your credibility is null and void….
September 12, 2012 at 3:43 pm, Cain Estrada said:
You obviously have terrible taste in music. Sad.
September 13, 2012 at 4:48 am, Grant Ackers said:
What a sellout Ned. "thanks for the web traffic"
September 17, 2012 at 5:43 pm, Lauren Clarke said:
I'm sorry but none of their songs sound the same. there about different things with meaningful lyrics. Sorry if its not like your usual pop crap, Mumford and sons are so unique and have brought back folk music. If their music was shit, why would they be so popular? get some sense.
September 19, 2012 at 9:44 pm, Richard Jones said:
I mean no disrespect by this but were your parents brother and sister? I lied about the disrespect bit.
September 23, 2012 at 4:06 am, Jill Marcum said:
Hahaaa you're awesome. Spot on. I'm watching them play this on SNL and am so glad yours is the first review I found.
September 24, 2012 at 7:24 pm, Chad Scott said:
If you want a band to change their sound you probably won't like them anymore.
September 28, 2012 at 9:41 pm, Scott Bates said:
Cunt
October 01, 2012 at 9:34 pm, Tony Carter said:
The song isn't even in the key of G. But even supposing it were, folk is rooted in harmonic simplicity. That's part of the beauty and quaintness of it. If I was looking for harmonically rich music with creative chords, I would be listening to something with jazz or classical influence. I listen to Mumford for the style and content of the lyrics, for being so rhythmically engaging without a drummer, and, yes, for the banjo. I'm sure you aren't really presumptuous enough to think that any song you dislike must therefore be poor musically. You clearly just wanted to write a bit of BS to bother your readers into commenting and to raise traffic. Congratulations. You feel better for having pissed people off by being petty, loud and ignorant and we feel a sense of superiority for not being you. Everybody wins.
October 06, 2012 at 5:35 am, Amy Jane Schülke said:
Let this guy have his opinion. You have yours. What does it really matter in the end?
October 14, 2012 at 8:22 pm, Mark Patterson said:
you don't really give that great of a review.. in the sense you don't think well enough.. you just ramble on with your same 'one single opinion' that they have the same sound and then go on about irrelevant topics like the wedding thing or the Triscuits. most of their songs do actually differ from each other, the only reason why you think they suck is because they have a simple percussion beat in most songs. they found a creative way that is rarely used by other bands, to have a tambourine and kick drum and I'm sorry, but you can only do so much with those things to keep a beat before it sounds similar to the other songs. but there are songs where the banjo player, Winston, the bass player, ted and of course, the guitarist singer, Marcus all play the actual drum set in certain songs, giving a whole new sound in they're style. Winston and ted play guitar in one or two songs.. winstons giving a more intense sound, ted giving a more bluesy sound (ive seen him do one song on guitar so far and its awesome). you can't just go off and say they're all the same over and over just cause you listened to two songs.. it doesn't work like that.
October 14, 2012 at 11:24 pm, Andrew Smith said:
Muppets and sons ?
October 15, 2012 at 3:03 pm, Robert Nixon said:
Cool linkbait, bro.
October 15, 2012 at 5:59 pm, Jon Heinz said:
I've never listened to these fools, so I can't comment on the music. I can comment on the review. Maybe it's linkbait, whatever the fuck that is. My assumption is that someone writes something controversial about a popular topic and…you know…bait…the fishes bite, etc.
But "waiters at a Brooklyn vegan restaurant?" Come on. To lazy to just say "hipster" because its so f/cking tired? You may as well have added that it looks like they rode they're fixed gear bikes to the photo shoot! Hahaha. Or maybe you could have said "it looks like the singer spilled PBR on his ironic tee!!!" So clever! Brooklyn Vegan? Dig deeper, man. You're getting paid for this shit.
And the banjo bit? Negro please. You couldn't pick a note out of your little sister's keepsake box. Stay outta music theory.
And what the hell does U2 have to do with Mumford and whatever. Isn't M&S a folk band? I mean…if you're only gonna use toss away lines that only the lowest common denominator are going to understand then you should have used Coldplay instead. Kids like their easy listening from Coldplay these days, not U2! FOCUS!
October 16, 2012 at 2:38 pm, Greg Shand said:
Troll article doesn't recognize good music. Go listen to Nickleback or something.
October 21, 2012 at 1:35 pm, Sandrel Yeras said:
No two Mumord & Sons songs sound the same (and I've listened to both albums many times). I'm not sure what you were listening to or if some preconceived bias clouded your judgment and you felt the need to share. By the way, how much did they pay you for 3 paragraphs of uninformative gibberish? Was it enough to call out sick 1 day from that vegan Bk restaurant you wait tables at?
Your incessant need to respond sarcastically to the critical comments you receive is also quite pitiful but slightly amusing at the same time. I wouldn't want to be left out, though, so please do reply.
October 22, 2012 at 8:51 pm, Steve Hunt said:
What's the deal w/ all these catfishpeople ending their sentences in "or" on here? Is that the new "REALLY?" or some crap like that?
October 22, 2012 at 9:06 pm, A.D. Mobley said:
FoOX news!
October 22, 2012 at 9:08 pm, Duncan Brown said:
LOVE IT OR BELIEVE IT.
October 22, 2012 at 9:12 pm, Duncan Brown said:
dude. nearly got into a fight over mumford and sons.
friend: "how great is it that folk music is being played on the radio again? who would have thought that something like mumford and sons would actually be popular."
me: "well, teenage girls and shitty hipsters are to blame."
friend: "NO THEY'RE NOT. THIS IS GREAT MUSIC."
November 16, 2012 at 11:55 am, Branden Riley said:
Good Lord, absolutely astounding that someone could be so narrow minded about a group like this. Just because a band carries a similar rhythm in their songs does not mean they're the same. They come from an Irish background which explains their style of music. From your perspective, all bluegrass and rap music is awful because they rhythm is almost always the same. Learn culture, perspective and drop the prepubescent eardrums at the door when you come to critique musicians.
November 16, 2012 at 11:58 am, Branden Riley said:
btw, I've eaten a whole box of triscuts for dinner, with cheese.
December 14, 2012 at 10:47 am, Martin Miskelly said:
Like what you like, hate what hate, some people are too easily wound up.
December 14, 2012 at 10:50 am, Martin Miskelly said:
Like what you like, hate what you hate, some people are too easily wound up.
January 05, 2013 at 6:20 am, Art Henry said:
Completely over the top – this is the the new Christian 3 chord rock. I saw these guys on Austin City Limits and by the 3rd song thought it was the first song all over again. Thankfully this fad too shall pass. Most 2nd rate blue grass bands could play rings around these guys. You know when your grandma likes it that it's not cool.
January 08, 2013 at 1:25 am, Lilia Flores said:
Two words for you, Grammy nominations. The fact that you dedicate a page for critizing them, tells a lot, kind of like it adds value tomwhat your critizing with such passion.
January 21, 2013 at 9:26 am, Serina Ronnie said:
Critics are just people who couldn't cut it in the field that their criticizing about haha, its like a pipe welder and a weld inspector, the inspector just wishes he made as much money as the welder hahaha Mumford and sons kick fucking ass and yes Amy ODe your absolutely correct looks at all these youngsters looking up words so they can write them and seem intelligent
January 21, 2013 at 9:28 am, Serina Ronnie said:
And if you think bands like Agent Orange and the Fucking Misfits are elite bands hahahaha all I gotta say to that is grow up and watch the Grammys
January 21, 2013 at 9:32 am, Serina Ronnie said:
And really Frightened Rabbit hahahaha is that even a real band hahaha "sarcasm" but really why r they a band like I said GRAMMYS
January 26, 2013 at 1:27 pm, Review: Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait | M-EDIA said:
[...] New Mumford & Sons song ‘I Will Wait’ sounds exactly like every other one of their f… (deathandtaxesmag.com) [...]
February 03, 2013 at 8:10 pm, Alyssa Phillips said:
you clearly don't know good music.
March 04, 2013 at 9:04 pm, Michael C Wykoff said:
I find it interesting how quick someone is to judge a piece of music. You wouldn't knock Coldplay for their music, even though all of it sounds the same? Surely you wouldn't degrade or dismiss AC/DC even though all of their songs sound like they could be played together as one long song? Yet you bash Mumford and Sons because their songs all sound the same? Musicians constantly look for a sound that will define them as an individual or group. That sound that captures who they are so that when the masses hear their song on the radio, we are able to discern that sound and say, "yeah, I know who this is!" Granted, their tonality, instrument choice, and wardrobe may not be to your liking, but that's no reason to minimize their quality of art. I would think that if an individual would write such a critical piece, that they would at least be in the same category as the individual they are criticizing! Is the author of this piece a musician? Has he ever won an award for creating something? I doubt it. Yet he feels it necessary to aggrandize his existence by minimizing the creations of others.
In short Ned Hepburn: I've heard of Mumford & Sons… I've never heard of you. Consider that in your calculations next time you decide to degrade someone else's creativity.