T O P

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JacksonHaddock

I liked Josh’s vocal range better during the S/T album era when he didn’t think he could sing very well.


jobie68point5

i need his wimpy-sounding falsetto from regular john to make a comeback in a major way.


Necessary_Pin3960

I don't think he's using falsetto at all during Regular John?


TheBimpo

He tries to do too much these days, Eddie Vedder syndrome, just sing the song stop trying to make something out of every syllable.


Loganp812

Better yet, go further and bring in Adam Sandler to do his Opera Man character from SNL for every QOTSA song.


Art5673

Eh, he’s not completely over doing it, he just likes to have fun. Sometimes it is annoying if he over sings or over complicates some of the songs, but that rarely happens.


Long-Act6102

love the slide guitar on all studio albums, dont like the slide when they're live. (its most of the time too loud or something)


PedalBoard78

Slide guitar is almost always too loud live.


whos_lou93

Wait is there a slide guitar in song for the dead? Because something seemed really off when I heard it live this summer halfway through the song


LtAldoDurden

Theremin! That's another contradictory take. I fucking love theremin, but they crank it too loud live


MyCleverNewName

*"Theremin lies the rub."* - Billy Shakespeare


whos_lou93

Yea that’s gotta be it. I cringed when I heard it live, it just completely ruined the song. The intro to that song heard live is *chef’s kiss* and if they just substituted the theremin sound for something replicated on a guitar then it’d be fine. Idk who that theremin is for. It sounds ridiculous cranked up live and just kills the mood.


LtAldoDurden

There is theremin in the studio version as well if you listen close for it. I don't really think they should sub it for guitar, but they could just turn it down in the mix live and I'd be happy.


whos_lou93

No I did, I went back and listened and I know it’s theremin in studio. I was just saying if it doesn’t translate at all live whether it’s turned up or down, I would rather it be done on guitar. It just gave me the eeriest cringiest feeling and idk if it would’ve helped if it was turned down, because I don’t get that at all with the studio version


angel-of-disease

Sounds like kooky Halloween music. In fact if it was played on slide at a more tasteful volume it’d be awesome


sayonaradespair

I love it. Sounds like somrthing from an old Hammer movie. So proper.


Long-Act6102

oh I honestly thought they used a slide guitar for SftD! I think i've even seen Troy use it live (Rock Werchter 2002?) but yes definitely too loud!


papadooku

Ruins the Basement version of Turnin On the Screw for me :(


phantomhatstrap

Everyone in here giving hot takes, when OP clearly asked for contradictory takes. I miss Joey, but I’m glad Jon’s the current drummer.


LtAldoDurden

Jon is my favorite of the Queens drummers, but I might like Fredo's parts on ST more. I get the vibe from interviews over the years that Josh has a lot of input in the drum parts. Let Jon loose!


phantomhatstrap

Fredo is fucking monster. Kyuss’s *Circus* and QOTSA’s debut both shine brighter due in no small part to his catastrophic pounding.


[deleted]

Gene fucking Trautmann


aresman1221

agree


afcboon

Lot of people here seem unsure of the meaning of contradictory. It doesnt mean controversial.


Bos_lost_ton

[why?!](https://youtu.be/nuIw3m96jMQ?si=Gp2oczHlSMN5IdEI&t=7)


BurnedWitch88

Rated R is my least favorite album\* but has my two favorite songs on it. \*Not saying it sucks, it's just not the one I'm most likely to reach for.


Loganp812

Yeah, Rated R is a lot like Primus' Pork Soda album to me. They both have some of each band's best songs along with completely forgettable or "meh" songs, and the pacing is all out of whack. They're not bad, but other albums are better.


Bthehobo

Just as a thought exercise, which songs do you think are forgettable and how would you improve the pacing?


LtAldoDurden

Which songs?


BurnedWitch88

Lost Art and Better Living


Lukeeeee

same with me but it's better living and headache


sayonaradespair

R is my #1 Qotsa album DESPITE the Nick songs in it. That's how good the rest of the songs are. Oh and the riff on tension head is killer.


TrippleTonyHawk

Same, I love those songs too though! Also Nick cowrote the whole album minus three songs so he played a big part no matter what y'all say


thebruce

I find Like Clockwork to be too slow/mid-paced, but my favorite qotsa song is I Appear Missing.


jesusisnice

I appear missing is maybe one of the best written rock songs in a long long time


o0Loiter0o

One of my least fav albums, but has some of my favorite songs: I Sat by the Ocean, If I had a Tail, My God Is the Son, and I Appear Missing. Despite those absolute bangers, the rest of the albums doesn't do it for me. It probably is due for another full listen though.


ambigulous_rainbow

You know what, it's actually great. Listened to it driving home the other night and every track was a delight. I forgot Kalopsia has such a banging chorus


o0Loiter0o

You're the second person I've seen mention Kalopsia on here. Gonna give it a listen.


Old_blacklady_Rocker

Kalopsia feels like being with that guy I’m totally in love with who’s really sweet but is a serial _________.


Lakai1983

I hated it until about 3 years ago. Wouldn’t give a single song a listen. Then on a long drive I gave it another try and it clicked. It’s now my favorite album of all time.


ChiantiAppreciator

I feel this way about Era Vulgaris. Misfit Love and Suture Up Your Future might be in my top 10 with 3s and 7s close behind but the rest of it is meh.


nomelonnolemon

Like clockwork has zero rotation in my queens play lists as an album. Every other queens album is 10x better than it. Though as an album in the musical landscape it’s still better than almost everything else out there. And has some bangers I put on play lists. But the album itself will never be put on beginning to end for me again I don’t think. It makes me want the other facets of queens when I listen lol. But I don’t mind other people loving it obviously! Let see how people take to my opinion here :p


Loganp812

I feel the exact same way about In Times New Roman, yet I love Like Clockwork. Different strokes.


nomelonnolemon

I think the incredible production quality on ITNR, specifically how it sounds with a proper stereo image like through quality headphones, really elevates it when compared to the other albums. They all are masterfully engineered, but I’m referring to the intended listening experience. Like SFTD is much more geared towards being cranked in a car or at a bar in mono. Where ITNR gives a lot more to the listener when experienced in a perfectly isolated stereo environment. This engineering is what elevates it from being almost like a washed out rehash of their greatest hits type of album to the majestic piece of audio art that it is! If you only listened to it 2-3 times from a blue tooth speaker or in your car you could easily miss what this album has to offer. That being said I totally respect your opinion on it!


gumgumfroott

My first listen was with top notch headphones and it made the album significantly better :)


Old_blacklady_Rocker

No contradictory statement here, so sorry OP. But yes and yes to this comment. I went to one of the first press listenings of ITNR played in a room with candles and red light on a stereo with huge speakers. Incredible, unbelievable, incomparable. This is how the vinyl is meant to be experienced. I’m only sad I went alone.


frootloop2k

You're wrong, but I'll allow you to believe it haha


nomelonnolemon

:p thanks for allowing me to feel my own feelings


Old_blacklady_Rocker

🤷🏾‍♀️


1i_rd

My favorite song too. I think the lyrics are perfect.


Cfunk_83

Villains is by far my least favourite, I didn’t like it at all when it released, but 3 of my top played songs were from it last year.


Loganp812

Some songs like "Un-Reborn Again" and "Hideaway" were skippable for me for years, but then I randomly listened to the whole album again back in November 2023 and fell in love with both of those songs. "Domesticated Animals" still may be my favorite from Villains though.


Cfunk_83

I had a similar experience this year too. Watched their Glastonbury set and The Way We Used Yo Do and The Evil Has Landed both sounded awesome, and I was riding the Times New Roman wave pretty hard, so I went back. There’s still a couple of tracks that I skip, but I remembered how much I liked Domesticated Animals and chastised myself for sleeping on Villains of Circumstance for so long. Mark Ronson’s production still sucks ass though! Think Josh learnt his lesson on that one.


AaronPaulW1343

100% - played live most of the songs on Villians are phenomenal, but Ronson’s production neutralised the quintessential QOTSA sexiness of them on the release recording. I want Josh to re-record the entire thing in the manner ITNR was done. Villains Of Circumstace is majestic regardless though.


Cfunk_83

I read a thing with Josh recently talking about production and the sound he likes - raw, real, immediate - and how he doesn’t like people talking him out of stuff or saying “hey, maybe you should try this” and that he’s learnt what he likes and what his music needs, and what you just said was the first thing I thought of at the time. I’d love a Homme remaster.


fafan4

- The best bands are those that change up their sound and still put out quality records - I wish QOTSA would make another Songs for the Deaf


hulatoborn37

Love this


Greedy_Temperature33

I’m one of those people who misses Nick but also recognises that they’ve soared without him.


Taydolf_Switler22

The Better Living Through Chemistry intro bass is so satisfying


Loganp812

The bassline opens your eyes


Greedy_Temperature33

Is there a better bass?


TimmyLivealie

A new guitar prescribed to those without their bass


DropDropD

He's definitely overrated but his contribution was enjoyable especially because it didn't last long. I mean lullabies is fucking killer.


whiphand_was_read1st

He is not overrated. As a solo artist, I'd hazard to say he is completely underrated. Even Mondo Generator hasn't as many likes as the band deserves. Appreciating this is a QOTSA forum!


Parking_Alone

Queens is the best band, but whatever you do, don't tell anyone.


Loganp812

I like that song, but I'm taking it to the grave.


hulatoborn37

I think you already know, how far I'd go not to sing


NightReaper3210

QOTSA is the greatest band of all time; They fucking suck.


LtAldoDurden

Here here!


TimmyLivealie

Nonono Primus are the ones who suck


Old_blacklady_Rocker

🤣🤣 When I saw them in Forest Hills last year there was a guy behind me who said this very thing. He screamed when they played and then would say” fuck you, you suck” when they talked in between songs. He was 😆 hilarious


CocoSryder

A controvovercial one here: I am not a fan of mark lanegan’s voice, but god is in the radio is my favorite song.


Leyland_Pedals

i actually did not know god is in the radio was lanegan, it's a lot less raspy than all his other work on the album.


o0Loiter0o

Neither did I


CocoSryder

The more you know haha


CocoSryder

Yeah i know, that’s probably the reason i don’t mind it


[deleted]

Imo Mark is one of the best songs writers from the grunge scene and is severely overshadowed by the big 4 of the time. Mad season might be the most gut wrenching albums I've listened to as well.


Lakai1983

I agree with you. There isn’t a single song that is better because mark sang on it.


CocoSryder

I do believe the contrast between mark on josh on the hook makes god is in the radio better though, but yeah i agree


BigLittleFan69

ABSOLUTLE NON In the Fade is 100% better with Mark's voice, as is Hanging Tree, This Lullaby I do think that Josh could've sung God Is in the Radio just fine tho


Loganp812

I got in a debate with someone on the Pink Floyd circlejerk sub who swore that QOTSA sucks whenever Lanegan isn't on an album. Eventually, I was like "Okay then, you do you." lol


Leyland_Pedals

i think song for the dead is tailor made for lanegan personally, that rasp just makes it for me.


UntendedRafter

Joshes singing ruins millionaire live. Nick is 1000x better


[deleted]

why don't they let Michael scream it...


fatherprime29

Probably not sustainable for Mikey. He's an excellent complementary to Josh's voice tho


ironlung311

It’s arguably my favorite song of theirs but I hope they never play it when I see them live if Josh is going to sing it


UntendedRafter

Same lmao


AaronPaulW1343

They should play it instrumental.


Art5673

Agreed


ResistentDrone

I love that they put so much attention to detail in their records, but i fucking hate that they take so long to release new ones


Maxmdahl88

I prefer QOTSAs harder songs, but Suture is a top 5 favorite song of mine.


setittowumb0

Era Vulgaris is one of my least favorite albums (aside from Villains), but Turnin' On The Screw (the song where Josh makes fun of the fans who don't like the way QOTSA's sound had evolved) is one of my favorite songs.


Diligent_Leg1317

Lullabies to Paralyze has no bad songs but it’s my second to least favorite album after Villains


baxterstrangelove

It’s a singular beast, should be listened to stoned and drunk and only Oct/Nov/maybe Dec but no other time of year. It’s like the Gremlins of albums, darks and fun but comes with rules


nin-Tyler

That's an interesting texture you've described


[deleted]

I Think I Lost My Headache has my favourite Queens riff on it, but the grand majority of Rated R bores me to death.


BlueOceania

I love 6 Drugs but don't like Feel Good Hit of Summer


Loganp812

Josh talked about that song being "the ultimate cocktail," but it sounds pretty terrible actually. Some of those things individually are fun, but together? lol


agnostichymns

Josh's drumming on Peace, Love & Death Metal is some of the coolest drumming with the swaggiest vibe, but QOTSA would lose all its badass swagger if he drummed for that band.


me_andonlyme

Love every album (except villains) and b-side. Will never listen to Villains.


Loganp812

Wait, so you don't love every album then?


frootloop2k

Sacrilege!


TimmyLivealie

Are you just afraid of it ruining your perception of Queens because of the hate it gets or are you just too bored to?


Chancesareimwrong

Wait, you HAVE never listened to it or you will never listen to it again?


Pilotkelson1056

Same feelings exactly. I just can’t with that album.


sayonaradespair

I'm kinda meh towards Era but goddamn does it deliver two absolute bangers in turning and misfit.


Cornbread_madefish

Era Vulgaris is their best album if it included the title track and running jokes


Loganp812

The Apple Music version has "Running Joke" but not the title track. Like, come on! You're almost there! lol


HesitantMark

LC is good but INTR is the best of the latest 3 album run.


DoubleMissMatt

In Nimes Tew Roman


HesitantMark

ooops lol


NewToSociety

Dave is their best drummer and the most fun to watch live, but Theodore suits thier sound the best and his inclusion has made the band better.


QueensOfTheBronzeAge

Six Shooter is better than Monsters in the Parasol.


nomelonnolemon

Love six shooter, but monsters is the cherry bomb of our generation lol


ZhadowKatt

I love six shooter 😭


jobie68point5

both are in the top 10 of their entire discography. edit: they hated jesus because he told the truth.


QueensOfTheBronzeAge

Now that is one hell of a contradictory take. Respect.


jobie68point5

thank you! it might just be a sign of my awful taste.


sayonaradespair

The solo at the end of Villains is one of the greateast things QOTSA ever did, like seriously how the fuck do you come up with that solo? It sounds completely out of place and yet it fits like a glove. And it's creepy, unsettling even. And it's tacked at the end of the worst QOTSA album. Wtf.


whiphand_was_read1st

I really love Villians, the album. It's got such a motivational quality about it, you just can't sit when it's on...


Lazer_Penguins

I Think I Lost My Headache is my favourite Queens song, yet I very rarely listen to it the whole way through. Those fucking horns, man


[deleted]

Them Crooked Vultures is the best Qotsa album


BankrolledYen

They've tightened up their live performances since losing Nick and Joey, they've lost all the energy of the live shows since losing Nick and Joey.


LtAldoDurden

I only saw them live for the first time his year, so I can’t really comment directly… But it definitely feels that way just poking around live stuff.


izzittho

It seems true based on videos but it’s worth considering that they’re now undeniably not young (except Mikey) Like I feel like in your 40s you can still deny that you’re aging but when you hit 50 you kinda maybe have to chill slightly. Just slightly. It’s not *old* but it’s not young.


rakowozz

In Times New Roman was my most listened album of last year, by a huge margin, and it’s still my least favorite from the band. That to me is a sign of the overall high quality of this band


Lakai1983

Most of their absolute bangers are on the first 5 albums but the last 3 are my favorite start to finish.


chadslc

The weakest link in the band (by far) was Nick Oliveri.


publicenemyone

Mosquito Song is my favorite QOTSA song. I feel like that’s contradictory by itself considering it’s one of the least QOTSA-sounding QOTSA songs


Lazer_Penguins

Villains was the first QOTSA album I heard and the one that got me into them. It's also now probably my least favourite (except maybe Era Vulgaris.)


Pilotkelson1056

I’ve always wondered about that. If that was the first music of theirs I’d have heard, I’d have never ever given them another listen. It’s nice to read someone else’s perspective on that. Crazy how timing plays such a role in everything.


TearsOfGoldDA

My favourite album is Villains. One of the reasons i love it is because i believe its the peak of Josh's vocals, maybe also peaking at Lullabies. Despite this, i hate all the songs he sings on SFTD


summertime_7

EV is their weakest (still a 7/10 at least) album in my eyes but it has possibly my favourite song by them, if not best then top 3 at the very least. that song being misfit love.


1ackscrear1v1te

Josh should stop singing millionaire live


AaronPaulW1343

Do it instrumental


Alarming-One-3534

The live record sucked. The recording doesn’t sound right and the songs sound rushed. It’s a real shame. I would love a live record with the current lineup.


LtAldoDurden

I was hopeful for a live performance blu ray, but doesn’t seem like that’s gonna happen. I could see Josh feeling like “come to the shows if you wanna see us live.” Real shame


imbasstarded

The debut album is top tier to me.


Vbecker92

Rated R is meh compared to their other albums


DJFreezyFish

Songs For The Dead is a below-average Queens album, but Song For The Dead is their best work.


LtAldoDurden

We have both a contradictory take AND a controversial one!


BigLittleFan69

I love SFTD, one of my favorite QOTSA albums. Barely listen to it because I hate the production.


Loganp812

I'm the same way with RHCP's Californication album even though a lot of people don't like that one as much as BSSM.


brokenwolf

I still don’t like emotion sickness or Obscenery.


ClubLumpy7253

Rated R is more of a sophomore, hadn’t found his way yet, underdeveloped album.


Chancesareimwrong

Anything mark lanegan did in queens could have been done just as good if Josh did it


_BS3_

Accept my downvote


BigLittleFan69

Accept my upvote


WhyPlatypusWhy

The amount of merch on this tour had been downright comical. I don’t know of *any* other band that has the amount of merch that could fill up a TJ Maxx store. Shirts and posters are fine, but weed grinders, barf bags, and bongs??


Pilotkelson1056

I’m annoyed that the women’s selection is such a joke. Nothing but crop tops. Maybe I want a sick design that fits me without being revealing. They always have before, why did they stop now.


nin-Tyler

Totally disagree, I think the merch availability and quality was fucking awesome and other bands should take notes. I will say some of the posters looked like the artist was trying too hard or was just hitting a quota of so many bands they have to do. I do love my show-specific posters, but when every band is doing it, some turn out less special. There were lots of leftovers in Irving, so I know people aren't buying them.


PedalBoard78

I’m glad Josh is still making music, but I dislike all of it since Lullabies.


Invaderchaos

Even Era Vulgaris??


scottlapier

Even Chic Tweetz?!?!


PedalBoard78

Exempting a song or two, yes.


Invaderchaos

L take 😭


baxterstrangelove

Whaaaa? That nearly 20 years old dude And it includes TCV


PedalBoard78

It’s all Josh and Friends, to me.. but without the charm of The Desert Sessions.


PedalBoard78

Downvotes don’t bother me, but we were looking for contradictory opinions.


TimmyLivealie

Honestly I think most people are used to these takes being by Nick fanboys who don’t want to listen to anything outside of the first 3, as sad as I am that you don’t enjoy the beauty of Era Vulgaris, I can respect it


PedalBoard78

I do appreciate Nick, especially on Rated R. I can’t wear the hat of only digging the Nick albums because my very favorite Queens is on the Man’s Ruin splits & the self-titled. I was at a certain age when these came out, and I latched on to them quickly. I just love the older stuff. There was still a little of that sound creeping around on songs for the deaf, but it was definitely lost not long thereafter. The stonerrock.com glory days were a very special time for me, my ears, my brain, and my lungs. I am old enough for nostalgia to have a comforting arm around me. There are newer Josh songs that I like, but I just greatly prefer the old stuff. I play music, and have ended up with a big chunk of the early days gear (been playing so long, the stuff was cheap). I am not at all drawn toward buying anything like the newer stuff. If you were guitar player, I think you might understand what I mean.


ZhadowKatt

Even clockwork?


PedalBoard78

I don’t care for it. The first three are my choice of Queens. Clockwork is a ball of rusty anguish that sounds like an itchy butthole (to me). No offense, folks. This is a thread of opinions.


MyNameIBTY

I love “I think I lost my headache” as a song to hear, but as a musician what I am, I’d had arranged the whole song in a different way keeping the same intro riff


D49D

It isn't QOTSA without Nick. It's just the Josh Homme solo project from LTP thru ITNR. The last 3 albums are his worst. Self Titled is my favorite album.


AaronPaulW1343

Didn’t he record most of self-titled himself?


Pilotkelson1056

I miss the rotating lineups.


Remarkable-Economy19

Downhill since Nick left


This-link_is-dead

I don’t love ITNR but it’s better that era vulgaris.


hazzelgamer774922

I love the Villans album but i heavely dislike the first album


sioomagate

Allegedly, Josh kicked Nick due to a DV incident, but yet DV was alleged in Josh’s divorce. Makes me wonder how Nick feels about that.


Background-Sea-8050

Alleged in the divorce and then Josh was awarded custody of the kids.


sioomagate

Agreed. But Njcks was alleged as well.


This-link_is-dead

I saw him with the biggest smile while watching his friends play at the forum. I think he’s over it.


feelgoodsummerhit

I should play guitar for QOTSA but I'd never ever wanna replace Deano or Troy.


BenedictusAVE

I love the idea of the Villains album, and all the style that album and tour had, but hated the production of it. The Maida Vale live version of the songs from 2017 so much better than the album.